Holidays to Oman

For a holiday with a difference why not visit the Sultanate of Oman? Enjoy a true Arabian experience with beautiful beaches, dramatic scenery, enchanting wildlife, friendly people and world class hotels       --> more

Special Offers -   Call 01462 672 397

				from
Shangri La	5*	BB	Al Waha	£855
Chedi	5*	BB	Standard Serai Room	£895
Shangri La	5*	BB	Al Bandar	£995
Chedi	5*	BB	Deluxe Room	£995
Al Bustan	5*	BB	Deluxe Garden View	£1015
Grand Hyatt	5*	BB	Deluxe Room	£1120
Grand Hyatt	5*	BB	Deluxe Sea View Room	£1195
Al Bustan	5*	BB	Deluxe Sea Facing	£1250
Shangri La	6*	BB	Al Husn	£1295
Chedi	5*	BB	Club Suite	£1450

Prices are based on 7 nights accommodation with direct flights and transfers. Please note that these offers are subject to flight and hotel availability. You can of course choose to stay as many days as you wish - it is totally flexible.

10 Unforgettable Memories of Oman

1. A day trip including ancient forts, the Grand Canyon of Oman, and the Hanging Gardens of Jebel Akdhar
2. Browsing the traditional souqs of Muscat, looking for jewellery, spices and souveniers
3. Dine under the stars in a Bedouin Tent at the Al Bustan Palace, while Omani musicians play
4. Experience the sun setting over the desert at Wahiba Sands
5. Swim in the crystal clear pools of Wadi Bani Khalid
6. Enjoy the romantic atmosphere of the Chedi at dusk
7. Snorkel or dive with exotic marine life
8. Enjoy the vast array of facilities at the Shangri La
9. Take an early morning dolphin cruise
10. Sunset Cruise around the spectacular Muscat coast

Your Guide to Oman

The Omani people are some of the friendliest you will meet (see the "Trip Reports" for a hilarious example), and outside the capital Muscat you will see life that has unchanged over time.

One day you could be watching turtles scuttle to lay their eggs, and the next day be admiring the stunning sunsets over the Wahaiba Sand Dunes either on camel or at a traditional bedouin camp.

And don't miss a trip to one of Oman's many wadis - stunning scenery in a desert oasis where you can take a walk or a swim in the turquoise water.

With numerous forts, a ghost village and tremendous snorkeling and diving off the coast, a visit to Oman will be a holiday you will never forget.

Which Hotel?

Oman has only started to embrace tourists in the past ten years or so, and therefore there are surprisingly few hotels, although this is set to change in the next few hotels with more chains opening up (and a very good reason to go now!).

For the most Arabic feel, the spectacular Al Bustan Palace is the clear winner, sitting in a beautiful bay of golden sand with an excellent range of facilities. Meanwhile, for pure relaxation go to The Chedi - a unique, smaller, elegant hotel designed for those who want total bliss. Finally, the Grand Hyatt is excellent for families, with a livlier atmosphere.

In December 2005, the brand new Shangri La hotel opened close to the Al Bustan Palace. There are a huge array of restaurants (19!) and facilities, plus trips and excursions into Muscat and the rest of Oman. I was fortunate to view it being built a few months ago, and it really is in a truly spectacular setting. All rooms look well furnished, and the prices are good if you book now, so this will be popular.

For much more detail on the hotels, and my own reviews, please click on the links on the left hand side to find out more about each hotel, and if you need further advice just give me a ring on 01462 672 397. At the bottom of each hotel page is a link direct to the hotel website which will have more pictures etc. And finally, if you cannot decide between the three, many of my customers choose to spend a few days in one hotel, and a few days in another.

Flights

There are direct flights with Gulf Air and British Airways from London Heathrow, with Gulf Air being slightly more generous with legroom. Other carriers such as Qatar often have great fares although this involves a stop, and Emirates have flights via Dubai making a twin centre holiday a popular option.

British Airways are the only carrier to Oman that offer a premium economy class. Seat pitch is 38 inches. All carriers have full business and first class fares.

Gulf Air
Heathrow (20:25) - Muscat (07:50) next morning
Muscat (16:30) - Heathrow (21:00)

British Airways
Heathrow (09:25) - Muscat (22:10)
Muscat (00:15) - Heathrow (06:30)

Please note that the British Airways flight touches down in Abu Dhabi. In addition, due to the departure time from Muscat being just after midnight, you may choose to keep your room on until the time of leaving the hotel for your transfer back to the airport. If you would prefer this, please let us know.

Flying from Manchester?
There is a BA shuttle service at 06:20 from Manchester arriving at Heathrow at 07:20 ready for you to connect on to the 09:25 British Airways flight to Muscat. On the return, there is a flight back to Manchester which leaves Heathrow at 07:45 and another at 08:55.

When to Go?

The hottest months are during our summertime and prices tend to be lower then. However, whenever you go you are unlikely to see rain - clear blue skies throughout the year is the norm.

Ramadam is celebrated at a different time each year. In 2006, it lasts from 23 September to 22 October. During this time you should not eat, smoke or drink in public outside the hotels from dawn until dusk. Eid Al Fitr is a 3 day feast to mark the end of Ramadam.

Will I need a visa?

Yes. You can either buy one on arrival at Muscat airport (about £9) or to save time buy one before you go. On Your Travels will send you the necessary form.

Is car hire recommended?

First time visitors are often surprised at the excellent road network which has really been built only in the last couple of decades. Car rental is available in every hotel, and driving in Oman is easy. Beware though - some trips require a 4x4, and you should heed the advice that will be given to you if you drive into the desert.

Is it Safe?

Yes. Crime is very rare in Oman, and like Dubai, the governement has excellent political relations with the west.

Booking…

Just call us on 01462 672 397 with your preferred dates, duration, and choice of accommodation. If you are unsure which hotel to stay in, we will be happy to give detailed advice on each and which you may enjoy the most. You may also decide to spend a few days in one hotel and a few days in a second hotel.

Tom Seddon
On Your Travels