100% customisable travel idea
Tête-à-tête in Oman Unique hotels and nights in the desert
Oman - Muscat - Wahiba Desert - Jebel Akhdar
Elegant and intimate Oman
Your trip
The pace of this trip to the far reaches of the Sultanate of Oman has been designed to allow you to fully enjoy each of these exceptional locations, where you will stay for two nights at a time. To enhance the trip and fill a few days with equally exclusive discoveries, we have chosen to include two private tours in the itinerary. First, you will explore Muscat and its different neighbourhoods, focusing mainly on its culture and cuisine. In the Wahiba Desert, you will spend time with a local who is keen to show you his region as he sees it, namely as one of the country's most beautiful gems. Throughout the trip, you will have access to the Voyageurs du Monde app, which contains your itinerary and our recommendations, as well as a local mobile phone. And if you have any questions, you can rely on the advice and recommendations of our on-site Concierges, who are a wealth of information throughout the trip. One of them will even meet you in Muscat to welcome you.
Itinerary
100% customisable for you
Night on board, arrival the next day.
In your itinerary - Upon arrival at Muscat airport, you will meet one of our Concierges. This is an opportunity for a general introduction to the country, a review of your itinerary, and an informal chat with a few tips to help you make the most of your stay in the Sultanate of Oman.
Private transfer and stay for two nights in a hotel that looks like an Omani fort, with its pink crenellated walls. The property consists of three distinct buildings. You are staying in the most elegant of them all which gives you access to the infinity pool and private beach. A profusion of pools, domes, arches and arabesques brings the Arabian-inspired atmosphere to life. The spacious rooms are decorated with mashrabiyas, silks, fine woods and Persian carpets. All the rooms overlook the sea. A wide range of water activities is available, including scuba diving. Just below the property is a nature reserve that is home to hundred year old tortoises. The hotel is famous for its spa, which is renowned worldwide. As for the restaurant, it serves local dishes and has an international menu too. Your room is available as soon as you arrive.
The Omani capital bridges the transition between the desert and the sea, and between the past and the present. The old city walls and the Sultan’s blue and gold palace, a symbol of the nation's renaissance, have shaped the architecture of the modern city. There are no tall buildings and all buildings have to be in shades of white. Enjoy the pleasant atmosphere of the city as you explore the Portuguese forts, the souk, the fish market at Muttrah port and Ali Mosque. Be sure to admire the splendours of the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, adorned as it is with thirty-five Swarovski crystal chandeliers.
In your itinerary - A day of culture and good food with a local. Spend the day with a local who dedicates much of their time to introducing travellers to their adopted country. Follow their lead as you discover the historic neighbourhoods of Ruwi, Mutrah and Qurum, on a walk where you learn about the country's culture and food. It’s a great experience and a chance to chat about all the diverse influences that have shaped Omani society today. The walk also includes various stops for tastings and refreshments.
At the end of the day pick up your rental car.
Drive to the Wahiba Sands. The road which runs along the Gulf of Oman is stunning, winding between wadis, oases, mountains and the ocean. If you leave early enough, you can stop at Wadi Al Arbaeen, one of the most beautiful oases in the country. You’ll soon find yourself surrounded by date palms, encircling crystal clear pools of water, that form natural swimming pools. If you're feeling adventurous, set out to explore the area all the way to the source of the falaj. Otherwise, simply enjoy the village and the nearest pools. Along the way, you’ll also pass Wadi Shab with its beautiful emerald water. Framed by steep cliffs, the water cascades over piles of rocks where you can go hiking.
Stay for two nights in a luxury camp, in the tranquillity of Wahiba Sands. Settle into your traditional Bedouin tent, with an authentic atmosphere and just enough contemporary comforts. In the evening, candles and oil lamps give the whole place a wonderfully romantic feel. As night falls over the desert marvel at the star filled sky. The skilful chef prepares gourmet meals with fresh, local ingredients. It’s a thoroughly unique getaway amid the golden dunes.
In your itinerary - Wahiba Sands with a local. Your guide is an Omani, originally from the outskirts of the Wahiba dunes. They know the desert like the back of their hand and love to share their knowledge of local customs with passing travellers. Set off in a 4x4 and enjoy stops to watch the camels or share a meal in a family home. Nothing is really planned in advance, the trip unfolds depending on what you want to do.
Drive to Jabal Al Akhdar. The journey is the perfect opportunity to explore the towns of Nizwa and Birkat Al Mouz. The fort at Nizwa, the former Omani capital, offers a remarkable glimpse into history and also houses one of the most authentic souks in the country. Not far away is the historic village of Birkat Al Mouz. The old mosque, palm grove, ruins of mud-brick houses, and falaj, that are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are all good reasons to stop here. Birkat Al Mouz also serves as the gateway to the Jabal Al Akhdar Mountains.
Stay at an understated luxury hotel with a distinctive character, perched high on the impressive Al Jabal Al Akhdar. Scattered along the cliffside, the charming pool, stone suites and villas blend seamlessly into their surroundings. The interiors feature warm tones combined with contemporary design and traditional furnishings. Dark wood furniture and carved marble bathtubs sit beautifully with woven baskets and local pottery. The highlight is undeniably gazing at the wild landscapes from your balcony.
The Jabal Al Akhdar region is where traditional Omani life has been preserved. Everywhere, the landscape is dotted with spectacular sights such small stone or adobe villages, old forts, orchards and terraced fields. It was the Bani Riyam tribe who originally cultivated the land and made the area famous for growing roses, pomegranates, apricots and olives. Irrigation has long been provided by a system of underground aqueducts called falaj. From village to village, you witness a surprisingly sophisticated and fertile mountain way of life here.
Optional extra - Splendour of Saiq private hike.
Drive back to Muscat airport, return the rental car and international flight home.
À la carte
This suggested itinerary can be customisable down to the smallest detail, including duration, stops and content. An à la carte menu of experiences is also available to create a journey that reflects who you are.
A private hike through the splendours of Saiq
During your day in Jabal Al Akhdar, this hike led by a local guide is an opportunity to discover traditional mountain life around the village of Al Ayn, which is known for its rose cultivation, and the abandoned village of Wadi Bani Habib. The level of difficulty is moderate, so a good level of fitness is sufficient.Your private camp in the desert
A canvas camp set up just for you in the red dunes: this is the alternative to our first proposal. This unique concept of a nomadic, temporary and private camp, where luxury is revealed in simplicity and intimacy, is designed in the purest Bedouin tradition. A rare experience to enjoy as a couple, far from the world.
Why visit Oman with Voyageurs du monde?
Every day, our travel specialists craft bespoke experiences shaped around each traveller's profile, desires and budget. These passionate experts design experiences delivered on the ground by a local network of Concierges and trusted contacts. These fully customisable, made-to-measure trips are complemented by a wide range of high-end services (lounges, 24/7 assistance, travel booklet, app, Wi-Fi, restaurant booking, etc.)
Let us create your tripA few of the advantages of travelling with us to Oman
- Globally unique concierge service
- CO2 absorption
