Oman Travel Guide: How to Explore & Experience This Middle Eastern Gem

Why visit Oman?

• Unspoiled nature: dramatic mountains, pristine beaches, and emerald wadis perfect for swimming and exploring.

• Authentic culture: shopping in souqs, historic forts, Bedouin traditions, and local hospitality untouched by mass tourism.

• Safe and easy: excellent roads, friendly locals, and a calm, respectful atmosphere.

• World-class hotels: including clifftop luxury at Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar and desert magic at excellent eco-camps.

• A perfect Middle East intro: culturally rich, beautiful, and incredibly welcoming without being overwhelming.

Where to go in Oman

• Muscat

Oman’s capital is understated, elegant, and framed by mountains and sea. Best for: culture, food, gentle introduction to Oman. Ideal stay: two to three nights.

Highlights:

• The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque: Go early for soft morning light and be prepared to be amazed by this beautifully moving place.

• Mutrah Souq for incense, textiles, and jewelry.

• National Museum of Oman for exploring Oman's culture and history.

Where to stay:

• Mandarin Oriental Muscat (where I stayed in Muscat): Nestled in the prestigious Shatti Al-Qurum beachfront district of Muscat, the Mandarin Oriental, Muscat, opened in June 2024 as the brand’s first hotel in Oman. It’s part city hotel and part relaxed seaside retreat, offering instant access to beach-side promenades, the Gulf of Oman waters, and the city’s cultural highlights. I loved the warm elegance of this hotel! It is important to note that it is on a public beach, but we found this gave it a lively atmosphere.

• Al Bustan Palace, A Ritz-Carlton: Classic luxury located on a jaw-dropping stretch of coastline in Muscat, with its own private 1one-kilometer beach and lush gardens spanning some 200 acres. Originally built as a palace for the Sultan, it now flies the Ritz-Carlton flag and offers a truly elevated resort experience while still feeling deeply rooted in Omani ambience. It sits just outside of Muscat city center, giving guests the benefit of quiet resort seclusion with the option to venture into town.

• Jumeirah Muscat Bay: Set in the secluded cove of Bandar Jissah, just south of Muscat, this resort from the Jumeirah Group is backed by the dramatic Hajar Mountains on the Gulf of Oman. On a serene stretch of coastline, it is only a 15-minute drive from Muscat city center and about 40 minutes from the airport. The setting is ideal for guests who want to relax in nature, yet still be within reach of Muscat’s attractions.

• Nizwa & the Hajar Mountains

The cultural heart of Oman, surrounded by rugged mountain villages and ancient forts. Best for: culture, history, hiking. Ideal stay: two nights.

Highlights:

• Nizwa Fort & Souq (go on Friday for the goat market)

• Jabrin Castle

• Misfat Al Abriyyin, a magical ancient village built into the mountainside

• Al Hamra and its traditional mudbrick homes

• Jabal Akhdar (The Green Mountain)

A dramatic mountain plateau with terraced villages and some of the region’s best hotels. Best for: luxury, cool mountain air, adventure. Ideal stay: two to three nights.

Highlights:

• Walks overlooking sheer canyons

• Rose-water production in spring

• Village hikes between terraced farms

• Dark skies and stargazing

Where to stay:

• Alila Jabal Akhdar (where I stayed): This iconic clifftop luxury hotel feels totally immersed in nature with the most spectacular and uninterrupted views over the surrounding dramatic canyons. It is a bit further out than the Anantara, but I appreciated the total peace and quiet it offered.

• Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar: Also perched on the edge of a canyon, this gives more of a resort feel with more dining options and is on the outskirts of the village. This would be a stronger choice for families.

• Wahiba Sands Desert

• Endless rolling dunes, camel caravans, stargazing, and silent nights. Best for: desert magic, couples, families. Ideal stay: one to two nights.

Highlights:

• Sunset camel rides

• Dune bashing with experienced guides

• Dinner under the stars

• Meeting Bedouin families

Where to stay:

• Desert Nights Camp: tents with comfort and style

• Canvas Club: luxury private tents with butler-style service

• Salalah (The Southern Coast)

A tropical surprise with palm groves, banana plantations, waterfalls, and cooler weather during khareef (monsoon season). Best for: nature lovers, those seeking peace. Ideal stay: three to four nights.

Highlights:

• Waterfalls and green mountains in summer

• Ancient frankincense sites

• White-sand beaches

Where to stay:

• Alila Hinu Bay: remote luxury on a pristine coast

• Al Baleed by Anantara: beachfront villas and outstanding service

• Six Senses Zighy Bay

Six Senses Zighy Bay is located on the rugged northern coast of Oman, in the Musandam Peninsula (Dibba-Musandam), where mountains plunge into the sea, offering a dramatic, remote-feeling setting that still offers exceptional luxury.

The bay is roughly a one-mile (1.6 km) stretch of pristine sand backed by towering cliffs and mountains.

Unique access options: Guests can arrive by 4×4 down a switchback mountain road or via tandem paraglide into the resort—one of the most memorable “arrival experiences” in luxury travel. The setting gives a strong “escape” feel, far from city hustle, immersed in nature, luxury, and seclusion.

Suggested 10-day Oman itinerary

• Days 1–2: Muscat

• Days 3–4: Nizwa and Hajar cultural sites

• Days 5–6: Jabal Akhdar (mountain luxury)

• Days 7–8: Wahiba Sands desert

• Days 9–10: Sur, Wadi Shab, and back to Muscat

I can tailor itineraries to suit all types of trips—honeymooners, families, luxury travelers, or adventure seekers.

Best time to visit

• October–April: Best weather (cooler, sunny, ideal for sightseeing)

• May–September: Very hot inland; mountains and Salalah are more pleasant

• Khareef season (July–September in Salalah): Mist, waterfalls, green hills

What to know before you go

• Dress modestly in towns and villages (shoulders covered; long skirts or pants). You will need to be fully covered when visiting mosques and I recommend purchasing a traditional abaya and scarf.

• Oman is dry—alcohol is only served in hotels and licensed restaurants.

• Renting a car is a great way to explore (safe, well-maintained roads).

• Cash and card are both widely accepted.

• Photography: Always ask before photographing people, especially women.

Top experiences you shouldn’t miss

• Stargazing in the desert and mountains

• Swimming in Wadi Shab or Wadi Bani Khalid

• A clifftop sunset Al Jabal Al Akhdar

• Wandering the Mutrah Souq at night

• Friday goat market in Nizwa

• Day trip to Wadi Al Arbeieen (my favorite!)

• Coastal drive from Muscat to Quriyat and Sur

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Oman page.