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

From $7100 to $9400 per person for 8 days Price depends on departure city, season, accomodation types and selected activities

Itinerary highlights

  • In three stages, discover the diversity of Oman's landscapes, from the capital to the mountains
  • Stop off at elegant locations, including a luxury tented camp in the middle of the desert
  • Muscat through a cultural and gastronomic lens, the Wahiba desert in the footsteps of a local: already planned
  • Concierge, local mobile phone, our recommendations: Voyageurs du Monde services
In contrast to the decadent resorts and sometimes ostentatious luxury of the Gulf countries, this itinerary winds its way off the beaten track, stopping at prestigious but exclusive locations. Sobriety, elegance and intimacy are the watchwords for your trip. It begins just outside Muscat, on the shores of the Arabian Sea. All around your room, golden mountains form a barrier, with two long arms of cliff protecting a private ochre sand beach. You then set off in your rental car to explore the magnificent landscapes of natural pools in the heart of the Wahiba Desert. This is where your Bedouin camp is located, in the middle of the red dunes. Luxury is revealed in a breathtaking setting, lit by candles and oil lamps after nightfall. Alone in the silent immensity, you soak up the wind, the warmth, the brightness of the stars and the glowing fire. You catch your breath. Heading north, higher and higher into the Hajar Mountains, you reach the summit of the ‘green mountain of three hundred wadis’: Jabal Al Akhdar. At an altitude of 2,000 metres, your stone hotel overlooking the plateaus and vertiginous gorges is a diamond in the rock. Refinement and sophistication in an untamed, majestic setting.

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.
Wahiba Desert - Oman © Droits réservés
Wahiba Desert - Oman © Droits réservés
Désert de Wahiba - Oman © Un Cercle
Désert de Wahiba - Oman © Un Cercle
Magic Camp - Wahiba Desert - Oman © Droits réservés
Magic Camp - Wahiba Desert - Oman © Droits réservés
Wadi Bani Khalid  - Ash Sharqiyah - Oman © Martin Sasse/LAIF-REA
Wadi Bani Khalid - Ash Sharqiyah - Oman © Martin Sasse/LAIF-REA
Dans le désert de Wahiba - Oman © OT Oman
Dans le désert de Wahiba - Oman © OT Oman
Jabal al Akhdar - Oman © All rights reserved
Jabal al Akhdar - Oman © All rights reserved
Jabal al Akhdar - Oman © All rights reserved
Jabal al Akhdar - Oman © All rights reserved
Jabal al Akhdar - Oman © All rights reserved
Jabal al Akhdar - Oman © All rights reserved
Nizwa - Oman © All rights reserved
Nizwa - Oman © All rights reserved
Djebel Shams - Oman © Andrea Izzotti/Getty Images/iStockphoto
Djebel Shams - Oman © Andrea Izzotti/Getty Images/iStockphoto
Mascate - Oman © All rights reserved
Mascate - Oman © All rights reserved
Mascate - Oman © JP Aaron/Fotolia
Mascate - Oman © JP Aaron/Fotolia
Mascate - Oman © XtravaganT/Fotolia
Mascate - Oman © XtravaganT/Fotolia
Wahiba Desert - Oman © All rights reserved
Wahiba Desert - Oman © All rights reserved

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 trip

A few of the advantages of travelling with us to Oman

  • Globally unique concierge service
  • CO2 absorption

You might also like

Estimated budget

Price depends on departure city, season, accomodation types and selected activities

The estimated budget for this trip is $7,100 to $9,400 per person.*

A fixed price is rarely applicable to a bespoke journey. The final cost depends on various factors, such as the level of service, travel dates, and booking lead times. The only definitive price will be the one provided in your personalized proposal.

The average price for this trip is $8,400 per person*

*For the end of the year, special hotel conditions apply: please contact us.

Included in this suggestion

  • International flights on a scheduled airline
  • Airport taxes and fuel surcharges
  • Carbon absorption contribution for your trip's CO2 emissions through reforestation projects (via our Philippe Romero Insolite Bâtisseur Foundation)
  • Advice and assistance at your hotel in Muscat, provided by one of our Concierges.
  • Private transfers as mentioned in the travel itinerary
  • Car rental for five days
  • Early check-in in Muscat on the first day
  • Two nights in Muscat, in a double room with breakfast included
  • Two nights in the Wahiba desert, in a double tent with half board
  • Two nights in Jabal Al Akhdar, in a double room with breakfast included
  • Private tour of Muscat in the footsteps of a local
  • Private tour of the Wahiba Desert in the footsteps of a local
  • A local mobile phone at your disposal
  • Our on-site Concierge service
  • Wi-Fi access during your trip: an international mini router or eSIM allowing you to connect your various devices (phones, tablets, computers)
  • A travel booklet with useful information (your day-by-day itinerary, hotel contact details, a personalized selection of our recommendations, etc.)
  • Our recommendations and reservations at selected restaurants
Ref:1712849
The Voyageurs du Monde spirit

Travel with complete freedom, guided by your interests,
ideas and passions.

Wherever you want

250 travel specialists, organised by country and region. Driven by a passion for beauty and never short of ideas, they inspire you and design an ultra-personalised journey: itineraries, accommodation, workshops, encounters, and more.

Whenever you want

Always at your service: with a dedicated travel specialist, Concierge service and 24/7 assistance, our teams support you and adapt in real time, for a trip that is both flexible and expertly supported.

However you want

With family, as a couple, in a group of ten, on a road trip, by train, by boat, for a weekend or a round-the-world journey... Trips tailored to your preferences, enhanced by clever services, for ever smoother travel.