Those in the know will tell you that the Sultanate of Oman is an up-and-coming destination, quietly establishing itself as a country willing to embrace the future, but holding resolutely onto its culturally rich past, and our portfolio features conveniently located luxury beachfront resorts that allow for easy exploration of its evocative capital city, Muscat. Our advice is to go and experience it now, while the country still retains its traditional charm and largely unspoilt scenery.
Situated on the coast, Muscat has been at the centre of Omani cultural and economic life for centuries, owing to its strategically important location, and you’ll find many treasures here that are worthy of discovery. Visually, the city has few of the skyscrapers and contemporary architecture so beloved of its UAE neighbours, Abu Dhabi and Dubai; instead, you’ll find clusters of whitewashed buildings, well-preserved forts and centuries-old souks of the quaint Old Town sitting alongside fascinating, newly created museums hewn from milky-white marble, green parks and upscale residential areas, backdropped by the rocky Al Hajar Mountains that cosset the city. Lovers of the arts and culture should seek out the Royal Opera House Muscat, a visual feast of contemporary Islamic architecture that plays host to internationally acclaimed ballet, opera and classical music productions; discover the eclectic Omani artefacts to be found at the excellent Bait Al Zubair Museum in the Old Town and, of course, take time to visit the spectacular Grand Mosque. By contrast, there are designer shopping opportunities to be had at Muscat Grand Mall and Muscat City Centre, while international fine dining, including Middle Eastern, Indian and Lebanese cuisine, can be enjoyed at a number of acclaimed restaurants.