Oman luxury travel map & highlights

Check out our interactive map and highlights to discover where to go on a luxury vacation in Oman, from vast desert wilderness, to heritage towns and cities, to marine life rich waters off near empty coastline. Plus, our Oman experts and experienced travelers provide their honest advice and feedback to help you get the most out of your trip.

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Oman luxury travel map & highlights

Our Oman luxury travel highlights take you from the peaks and wadis of the Al Hajar Mountains to the pretty fishing villages of the unspoilt coast, to the endless sand dunes of the mysterious Omani desert, with time for urban pleasures and underwater adventures along the way. Most itineraries will spend a couple of nights in each location, though there are some vacations that are beach, desert or diving heavy. All include 4WD transfers; and with all that dramatic Omani scenery, a few hours spent on the road is no hardship.

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1. Al Hajar Mountains
2. Muscat
3. Nizwa
4. Ras Al Jinz
5. Sharqiya Sands
6. Sur

Al Hajar Mountains

1. Al Hajar Mountains

Remote and untamed, the Al Hajar Mountains are one of Oman's most spectacular regions. Ideal for walking and trekking, they also provide opportunities for cultural encounters and unique insight into Omani daily life. Highlights include Jebel Shams, Oman’s highest mountain and Wadi Ghul, Arabia’s answer to the Grand Canyon.

Al Hajar Mountains

Muscat

2. Muscat

A far cry from the glitz laden towers of neighbouring Dubai, this ancient port city is backed by soaring mountains and is brimming with old-world charm. Here, humble whitewashed buildings sit alongside grand monuments to the city’s storied past, including the jewel bedecked Grand Mosque and the clifftop Al Jalali Fort.

Nizwa

3. Nizwa

Surrounded by thick palm groves and soaring mountains, the historic former capital city of Nizwa is a cultural treasure trove, where labyrinthine souks and sand-coloured buildings lie in the shadow of one of the country’s most impressive forts. The lively Friday goat and cattle market is not to be missed.

Nizwa

Ras Al Jinz

4. Ras Al Jinz

This fishing village in the Ras AI Jinz Turtle Reserve is a top choice for the turtles that return year after year to lay their eggs, in particular, loggerhead and green turtles, which have been protected by Royal Decree since 1996. The turtles can be seen late at night or just before dawn in the company of expert rangers.

Sharqiya Sands

5. Sharqiya Sands

Often referred to locally as Wahiba Sands, these towering, endless dunes are the desert of your childhood fantasies. Apart from small groups of Bedouins who make their home in the south, Sharqiya Sands has no permanent settlements, but a cluster of desert camps allow travelers the chance to sleep out under desert skies.

Sharqiya Sands

Sur

6. Sur

The sunny seaside town of Sur is the home of the dhow – a traditional fishing boat still used by Omanis today – and you’re welcome to visit the boat yard to see the artisans at work. Once you’re done, there’s much more to explore, including a pretty corniche, two forts and a coast lined with beaches and small fishing villages.

Oman travel advice

ADVENTUROUS OMAN

Liz Pepperell from our leading supplier of luxury vacations in Oman, Odyssey world, shares her top tips for extra special vacations:

“Oman is sometimes perceived as being a new, five star, ‘bucket and spade’ place to vacation, with people on luxury vacations not getting out to explore the country. I really advise people to look beyond the sun and sand as there is so much more to the country than this. Such as the fjords in the north, where you can see dolphins and whales, and the diving is second to none as well. And then there is Oman’s answer to the Grand Canyon which is just amazing for trekking and mountain biking.”

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Responsible tourism

Responsible tourism in Oman

Liz Pepperell, Odyssey world:

“Dress respectfully when visiting local villages, covering elbows and knees; tourists who go out of the hotel in sleeveless tops and shorts are a disgrace. Do not photograph people, particularly women, without permission. You will see them washing their clothes in the river, but always ask before taking a picture. Also bear in mind that during Ramadan it is a courtesy not to sit and eat in front of local people.”

Responsible tourism

Turtle projects

Gemma Blacker from our leading supplier of luxury vacations in Oman, Odyssey world, shares her top tips for extra special vacations:

“The Ras Al Jinz Turtle Centre was established in 2008 as an ecotourism project to help conserve and observe the nesting processes of these giants. The accommodation is in eco tents which are solar powered and are situated away from the beach to reduce the artificial light that can disorientate hatchlings. While the center cannot control the natural threats to the turtles, they can educate and control the human influences by conducting guided excursions to reduce the disturbance to the turtles during nesting. They also secure the surrounding beach to reduce artificial light from vehicles and to prevent litter being thrown into the sea or abandoned on the beach by irresponsible campers.”

Desert experiences

Gemma Blacker, Odyssey World:

“Mobile camps are set up with environmental and social benefits at the heart of every expedition – the areas are cleared first to restore the surroundings to a pristine condition and the same is repeated on departure; all rubbish is taken out and mobile camps are powered by solar powered lights, candles and oil lamps. Food is sourced from local areas, the equipment used is sourced from local craftsmen and women; and local guides and experts provide the best experience the desert has to offer. Staying in the desert definitely doesn’t mean forgoing luxury. For example, there is a fantastic property located just far enough inside the Wahiba Sands to feel the isolation inside the dunes, but not so far that the journey to get there is too arduous. The facilities are exceptional with permanent structures that house beds and en suite facilities as well as a seating area; and the rooms are covered with canvas to resemble tents but are totally protected from the desert winds to ensure a good night’s sleep. The restaurant facilities are high end with options to be seated inside or out and if you wanted a truly romantic experience you can select to have your meal away from the main area, under the stars."

Private camps

Gemma Blacker, Odyssey World:

“It is possible to have your very own private camp set up in the desert, the mountains or the beach; to really experience the best of Oman’s environment and culture and get to know the local people. The camps are equipped with warm showers, private bathrooms, crisp cotton linen, crockery and glasses for sun downers and excellent hospitality – this is an experience really not to be missed!”

Private camps

TIPS FROM OUR TRAVELLERS IN OMAN

At Responsible Travel, we think the best people to advise our travelers are often... other travelers. They always return from our tours with packing tips, weather reports, ideas about what to do – and opinions about what not to.

We have selected some of the most useful Oman travel advice that our guests have provided over the years to help you make the very most of your vacation – and the space inside your suitcase.

The driver was local, we visited a Bedouin family and some of the local villages and souks.

– Julie Forshaw

“The whole trip was fabulous, we loved every part of the itinerary. The best bits were swimming outdoors in the Wadi Bani Khalid and in the Bimmah sinkhole, and also seeing turtles on the beach at night (we were lucky). The scenery is so beautiful throughout the trip.” – Anisha Palan

“If you can afford it, do stay at the Al Bustan at the beginning and at the end of your trip – it must be one of the most luxurious hotels in the world, with many delightful staff ready to look after your every whim. We felt that the 4 days we spent with the Guide and Driver were sufficient. We wouldn't have wanted it to be any longer. You run out of jokes…” – Vivien Gainsborough

The best bits were swimming outdoors in the Wadi Bani Khalid and in the Bimmah sinkhole...

– Anisha Palan

“Take time to visit the country and consider having enough time to see the main sights but give you time to relax at the end of the day in some of the wonderful locations we stayed in. Tour company were excellent and everything ran to plan without a hitch! The driver was local, we visited a Bedouin family and some of the local villages and souks. The stay in the desert and Nizwa particularly benefited locals and reduced environmental impact in their accommodations.” – Julie Forshaw

“Take warm clothes for the desert and the mountains. It gets VERY cold at night. Take a lot of small denomination dollars or rial for tips. There seemed to be a never ending stream of people to whom tips should be given. For ladies, if going on a day's camel ride, take cycling shorts with double thick padding!!! Make sure your trip is planned so that you get to the goat market in Nizwa on a Friday morning. It's great.” – Sally Frolich

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Written by Nana Luckham

Oman luxury travel map & highlights