With 2023 fast approaching and the cold winter weather beginning to set in, people will be looking to book their next holiday, giving them something to look forward to and the hope of some sunshine in the new year.
If you are one of these people and luxury is what you’re after from your 2023 break, then the Middle East is a great choice, particularly luxury travel hotspot, Oman. With frankincense filled streets, bustling souks, magical nature spots and welcoming culture, those lucky enough to visit will be sold on this country as the ultimate destination to unwind in.
Luxury hotels
There’s no shortage of top hotels and spas across Oman. Which is surprising considering its first ever hotel was opened in 1970. Since then, some of the most famous hoteliers have opened properties here. We’ve handpicked two luscious new hotels for you, where you can check in, unwind, relax and experience true decadence.
The Jumeirah Muscat Bay is just one of the many five-star hotels offering a slice of luxury to holidaymakers. Unveiled in July 2022, it is located just 15-minutes from the capital Muscat and features 206-rooms situated between the cove Bandar Jissah, the Hajar mountains and the Gulf of Oman, offering stunning sea views to some of the rooms. Guests can indulge in one of the five eateries including a multi-cuisine restaurant, afternoon tea lounge, poolside restaurant, a bar and terrace and the brand-new seafood rooftop eatery.
If you’re visiting later in 2023, the famous brand Nikki Beach which oozes luxury, is opening a resort and spa in the capital’s Yiti Bay. It is set to open in autumn, and you could be one of the first to relax at the resort, which will have 115 rooms, 25 suites, 30 villas with private pools. This is their sixth hotel, with sister properties in Dubai, Montenegro, Greece and Thailand – all known for being extravagant destinations.
Must-do activities
If you like action-packed holidays or if you would prefer to spend your days taking a pause at a luxury spa and hotel, then you can tailor your holiday in Oman to fit this.
Relax and immerse yourself in the most decadent spa experience, with traditional Omani rituals, fragrant frankincense and pure pomegranate – the ritualistic flavours of Oman. There are many spas to choose from and those such as the Anantara Spa in Salalah have even been shortlisted in global awards.
Experience fine dining with classical culture, and eat at one of the many restaurants at Oman’s Royal Opera House. There are countless choices of globally renowned fine dining spots, but traditional Omani cuisine will be a treat for anyone’s tastebuds.
With its diverse landscape, visitors can immerse themselves in a range of activities, away from their everyday life. Water sports is a fan favourite, with the choice to snorkel, dive, kayak or sail at some of the hotspots, on Al Khayran, Al Fahil Island or Daymaniyat Island. For the people who prefer to stay on dry land, you can explore the second largest cave chamber in the world, Majilis Al Jinn or take part in one of the favourite pastimes of the locals, wild camping, and book to stay on a beautiful white pebble sand beach in Fins ad Sur, or above the clouds on Jebel Samham in Dhofar.
Oman is also known for its rich culture and as you wander through the streets admiring the blend of old and new architecture, you will see famous buildings, the Royal Opera House Muscat and Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque. Read any tourist book or blog and you will see that these places are an absolute must-see, as well as the special historic forts dotted all over Oman, with the most famous being Nizwa Fort, Jalali and Mirani Fort in Old Muscat.
If you enjoy beaches, Oman has over 3,000km of pristine coastline, so you can unwind by taking a stroll along the gorgeous white sand. There’s also plenty of stunning water pools fed by natural springs, tucked away between the mountains, or fruit plantations, offering people a pocket of tranquillity away from the hustle and bustle of towns and cities.
When to visit
What do people tend to love about Oman? The fact that you can pretty much visit at all times of the year. Oman’s seasonality means that those visiting the country can enjoy a warm holiday at any time. The summer months are extremely hot, while spring and autumn are reasonably warm and dry. Winter is also a fine time to visit Oman – you could experience showers, but they will be short and sharp!
Uma Rajagopal has been managing the posting of content for multiple platforms since 2021, including Global Banking & Finance Review, Asset Digest, Biz Dispatch, Blockchain Tribune, Business Express, Brands Journal, Companies Digest, Economy Standard, Entrepreneur Tribune, Finance Digest, Fintech Herald, Global Islamic Finance Magazine, International Releases, Online World News, Luxury Adviser, Palmbay Herald, Startup Observer, Technology Dispatch, Trading Herald, and Wealth Tribune. Her role ensures that content is published accurately and efficiently across these diverse publications.