Oman

Oman is one of the Arab world’s most rewarding destinations for the curious traveller — a country of enormous geographical variety, a deeply hospitable culture and a welcome absence of the hyper-development that characterises much of its Gulf neighbours. The capital Muscat is an elegant, low-rise city spread along a dramatic coastline of rocky headlands and turquoise bays. The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is one of the world’s most beautiful — rivalling Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Zayed Mosque in its scale and craftsmanship. The Mutrah Souq is one of the most authentic traditional markets in the region, fragrant with frankincense, rose water and dried limes.

The Hajar Mountains, rising to over 3,000 metres above the Omani coast, offer a completely different landscape of dramatic gorges, ancient villages and cool mountain air. The Jebel Akhdar and Jebel Shams plateaus are home to terraced rose gardens, walnut orchards and some of Oman’s most spectacular scenery. The Wadi Bani Khalid and Wadi Shab — rocky desert canyons with pools of clear turquoise water — are among the most beautiful natural spots in the country.

The Wahiba Sands in central Oman is a classic Arabian desert experience: a vast sea of wind-sculpted dunes where Bedouin camps offer overnight stays beneath astonishing star-filled skies. The Musandam Peninsula in the far north, separated from the rest of Oman by UAE territory, is a dramatic fjord landscape best explored by traditional dhow boat.

Oman is warm year-round but best visited October to April. It’s an exceptional destination for travellers who want the Arabian Peninsula experience without the crowds and commercialism, combined with some of the most genuine and warm hospitality in the world.