An Active Oman Adventure
From mountain peaks to cycling trails, Oman has plenty of thrills to offer
Personalised journeys from start to finish
Every trip helps support Conservation
Every detail taken care of
Itinerary highlights
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Enjoy a round of golf at the stunning Al Mouj golf course
- Go on a morning hike through the dunes in Wahiba with your Bedouin guide
- Take a bike ride through the ancient village of Al Hamra
- Spend time climbing in the Al Hajar mountains
What's included
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Full support from your Travel Concierge before, during and after your trip
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Expert guides in each destination
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Luxury accommodation throughout
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Meet and greet airport service
At a glance
One of the best ways to experience the beauty of Oman is by lacing up your walking shoes and heading out for an active adventure in the fresh air. We’ll create a trip that hits all the high notes for you when it comes to being outdoors and on the move, here’s what it might look like depending on your interest.
Begin in Muscat with an exploration of the city after dark. Enjoy a leisurely round of golf at Al Mouj golf course, which is consistently ranked second in the Middle East. Then it’s time to head out of the city and into the Muttrah mountains on a walk that promises impressive views of the bay and Muscat’s old town. A private boat trip is the great way to take a breather before the next leg of your trip.
On the way to Wahiba Sands, stop in the old city of Ibra and Al Minzafah, one of the Sultan’s favourite villages. Your time in Wahiba Sands will be filled with energising walks among the dunes with a Bedouin guide, quad biking and sandboarding. Finally, you’ll head north again towards Nizwa with a stop at Mudayrib and the abandoned village of Birkat Al Mauz.
Your exploration of the Al Hajar mountains includes navigating a via ferrata, a rope bridge and a natural cave. You’ll also have the opportunity to go hiking around Jebel Akhdar, happening upon mountain villages and ancient irrigation systems. Take a bike ride through the ancient village of Al Hamra, and hike to ‘The Balcony’ below the summit of Jebel Shams.
Our travel designers will craft the perfect trip for you, taking into account your interests and thirst for adrenalin and adventure.
Example trip itinerary
Muscat
Transfer
Airport meet and greet
Transfer
Transfer to your hotel in Muscat
Accommodation in Muscat
Muscat
Highlights
- Balinese spa offering traditional treatments
- Six dining destinations serving a range of cuisines
- Exclusive Cigar Lounge for guests and members
- Three swimming pools
- Seafront location with easy access to the city
Overview
Traditional Arabic design meets contemporary chic at the Chedi Muscat. Sitting in prime position overlooking the Gulf of Oman, this sprawling property is an oasis of luxury in the country’s capital. Across 21 acres of lush lawns and bristling palms you’ll find 162 elegant Omani villas, each blessed with plush beds, unique artworks and views of the surrounding greenery to be enjoyed from your private patio.
Dining here is a real treat, with six distinctive restaurants to choose from, each in its own refined setting from poolside seating to a beachfront bistro, serving everything from traditional Middle Eastern platters to delicately flavoured Asian dishes and fresh Italian pastas. The Balinese spa offers treatments steeped in ancient traditions from Indonesia, Thailand, India and Tibet, and the three swimming pools are an idyllic place to cool off in the Omani heat. This award-winning property is an exceptional retreat by the ocean, with the sights and sounds of Muscat right on its doorstep.
→ Find out moreMuscat
Highlights
- Five restaurants each with their own personality
- Luxurious bedrooms with serene sea views
- Tailor-made treatments in the Talise Spa
- High-tech gym and outdoor tennis courts
Overview
Settings rarely get more spectacular than at Jumeirah Muscat Bay: a glittering Arabian Sea stretches out ahead of the property, which has 206 rooms each with their own view of the ocean, while the rugged Al Hajar mountains rise up behind the hotel, creating a sense of total privacy in this little corner of the Omani coastline.
Your room, whether a private summerhouse with its own pool or a deluxe bedroom with floor-to-ceiling windows for admiring that enchanting ocean, will provide a calm space for relaxation, while the property’s three pools are a refreshing place to get active. The highlight here, though, is the private beach: soft yellow sands lapped by the calm waters of the Arabian Sea are a tempting prospect.
Savour the fruits of the ocean at the beachfront restaurant, Zuka, or spend cosy nights sipping cocktails in the intimate Anzo bar, where the views are just as good as the mixologists’ creations. Indulge in a hammam treatment at the Talise Spa, or play a game of tennis on the outdoor courts.
→ Find out moreMuscat
Highlights
- Four swimming pools with kids and ladies-only options
- A sublime seafront spa
- Six drinking and dining options with global flavours
- Private beach with watersports
- Bright bedrooms with modern amenities
Overview
Tucked up against the dramatic Al Hajar Mountains and fringed by an azure ocean, Al Bustan Palace enjoys a spectacular location on the Muscat Bay coast. This 250-bedroom hotel sits within a haven of swishing palms and verdant lawns, characterised by a unique blend of Art Deco features and local Arabic design.
Regal bedrooms feature Omani artworks and sublime views of the surrounding seas and greenery, while beyond the main hotel building lies a private beach. Spend afternoons languishing on loungers, or get out onto the ocean with a choice of thrilling watersports activities. For something more sedate, book into the beachfront spa, which embraces Arabic rituals and tradition to help you truly relax with the sounds of the ocean as your guide.
Local and global influence make dining here an exciting experience: unique afternoon teas can be had beneath a 38-metre-high atrium, breakfast buffets are a feast by the beach, and local seafood is the star at the premium Pavilion restaurant. Even the youngest travellers are well served, with personalised fun and experiences available for families, too.
→ Find out more
Muscat by night
Get to know the most beautiful places in Muscat by night. You'll pass the diplomatic quarter on your way to Old Muscat with its colourful Al Alam Palace which is flanked by two Portuguese forts: Al Mirani and Al Jalali. Visit Bait Al Zubair Museum with ethnologic exhibits from private collections. Afterwards you'll drive along the panoramic corniche to Muttrah Souk, the oldest market in Oman. Here you'll have time to stroll around and hunt for bargains. An authentic dinner in a popular local restaurant rounds off this special jaunt.
Golf at Al Mouj
Spend some time at the stunning Al Mouj golf course, the country’s oceanfront golfing destination. Here you will experience golf on a World Top 100 course that is consistently ranked second in the Middle East. Featuring 18-hole, par 72 championship golf course designed by international acclaimed golf designer Greg Norman. Following the natural lines of Muscat’s pristine coastline, this golf course is a links style course offering amateurs and professionals alike a challenging, yet rewarding, round of golf.
A walk in Muttrah mountains
This walk takes you above the ophalite mountains behind Muttrah, where you have a breathtaking view of Muscat's old town, Muttrah Bay and the mountains, the walking time is 2.5 hours. Afterwards, a meal is served in a local restaurant. Please wear suitable walking shoes.
Private boat trip along Muscat's coast
Spend the day exploring Muscat's beautiful coast, in search of dolphins and stopping at a private bay for lunch on board. Snorkel to coral reefs and keep an eye out for turtles.
Ibra and Al Minzafah visit
Travel from Muscat to the dune landscape of the Sharqiyah region where you visit the old city of Ibra where on Wednesday mornings a special event takes place: the women souk. It is the only market in Oman where merchants and clients are women. Men are “banned” from the scene and meet at a nearby coffee shop to enjoy a chat. The tour continues to Al Minzafah, one of the Sultan’s favourite villages. This part of Ibra is a good example of the old architectural style. The houses are close to 300 years old and are said to be the oldest in the country. In the Wahiba desert you visit a Bedouin family where you are invited for tea and dates. Enjoy the drive through the elevations whose shapes are changing as the wind blows. Not only the shape of the dunes change; their colors change with the hours as well: from white in the morning to ocher, almost red in the afternoon.
Wahiba Sands
Accommodation in Wahiba Sands
Wahiba Sands
Highlights
- Restaurant serving traditional Omani cuisine
- Private dining in the desert on demand
- Excursions to desert oases and local souqs
- Desert spa with a range of relaxing treatments
- Family games room for adventurers of all ages
Overview
Two hours from the capital but a world away from the buzz of the city, Desert Nights Camp promises evenings of seclusion and starry skies. Set amid the rusty orange dunes of the Omani desert, it comprises 55 bedrooms set across 10 acres of sand. Despite the remote location, each room has its own en-suite bathroom, while some come equipped with private terraces and their own plunge pools for cooling off in the desert heat.
Days can be spent adventuring on the dunes in a 4×4 or on a sandboard, or you can explore the local souqs in nearby villages and see the shimmering waters of Wadi Bani Khalid. Evenings, though, bring the real excitement with sunset camel rides and endless dark skies that shimmer with millions of stars, while Omani shuwa (barbecued lamb) is served in the onsite restaurant.
→ Find out moreWahiba Sands
Highlights
- Luxurious Bedouin-style tents with soft bedding
- Bathroom tent with high-end products
- Endless opportunity for stargazing at night
- Traditional Arabic food
- Mesmerising views of the ever-changing sand dunes
Overview
With sand dunes of up to ten metres high, Wahiba Sands is a spectacular, undulating landscape. The dunes shift and move almost constantly thanks to the wind, as does their colour, changing from soft yellow and beige throughout the daytime to a rich, ochre-red come sundown. There are no roads through this desert, which sits south of Muscat, so getting here is all part of the adventure.
Once you’ve arrived, you’ll be greeted with traditional Arabic hospitality, with sweet tea and dates on offer within this small village of Bedouin-style tents that will become your home for the night. Expect plush mattresses and soft, white linens as good as any fixed hotel, and bathroom tents with soft towels and luxury products to wash the sand from between your toes.
Evenings are magical here: the light from oil lamps flicker as you eat a traditional Omani dinner, and the stars in the sky twinkle in their millions, offering up views into other worlds.
→ Find out more
Hiking through the dunes
Start the day with a hearty breakfast at the camp. Afterwards a Bedouin guide will pick you up to take you on a two-hour hike through the dunes. Once returning back to the camp relax and watch the sun go down.
Birkat Al Mauz and Jebel Akhdar
Stop for a short break in Mudayrib. Even from a distance you can see the watchtowers on a small hill around which the village spreads out. Continue to Birkat Al Mauz, an abandoned village at the foot of the mountain. Enjoy a picnic in the date plantation near the Aflaj Irrigation System that is recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. In the afternoon you will drive up Jebel Akhdar, the green mountain: the Saiq Plateau at 2000m and Diana Point offer a beautiful view down to the plains. The point is named after the late Princess of Wales, who landed here in 1990 on a helicopter to marvel the extraordinary vista.
Nizwa and Al Hajar Mountains
Accommodation in Nizwa and Al Hajar Mountains
Nizwa and Al Hajar Mountains
Highlights
- Viewing platform once used by Princess Diana
- Canyon views from every bedroom
- Hammam rituals in the spa
- Unique dining experiences within the mountains
- Emphasis on local suppliers and community engagement
Overview
Set atop the limestone Jabal Akhdar and overlooking a vast, rocky canyon in the Hajar Mountains, this resort has some of the finest views in all of Oman. Every one of its 115 bedrooms looks out over the chasms below, with balconies made for lounging to soak up the mountain scenery. Bathrooms offer your own private spa, with bathtubs surrounded by marble, rainfall showers and double sinks, but for a really relaxing experience make use of the hammam suite and locally-made rose water products in the wellness centre.
There’s all-day dining that makes the most of the mountain views, a courtyard cafe, a cosy shisha bar and a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant right on the cusp of the canyon. But for a truly special experience, there are tailor-made private dining experiences for every occasion. Sustainability is key here, as the property blends in naturally with its rocky surroundings, and they prioritise thoughtful policies around sourcing and single-use plastics, meaning your experience has the lowest impact possible.
→ Find out moreNizwa and Al Hajar Mountains
Highlights
- Traditional architecture that blends with the landscape
- Earth Check-certified for its sustainability commitments
- Taste locally-grown fruits and vegetables at every meal
- Spa treatments using locally-harvested ingredients
- Indoor and outdoor pools
- Kids’ club for all ages up to teens
Overview
This cliff-top resort is a haven like no other: inspired by the ancient fortresses that once protected these mountains, using traditional wooden rafters and doors and Arabic motifs, it blends historic architecture with modern luxury. Set 2,000 metres above the sea, breathtaking views abound from its 78 bedrooms and suites, each of which are accented with traditional Omani art and crafts.
Connection with the surrounding land and community is at the heart of this property, with rainwater collection for watering its lush kitchen gardens, to a sophisticated filtration system for drinking water, eliminating the need for single-use plastic. Here, you can engage with local customs and culture, exploring local villages or getting your thrills while trying the mountains’ adventure sports.
Arabic-inspired cuisine is on the menu here, with fresh, seasonal and local produce at the heart of every meal, and you can opt to indulge under the stars or above the cliffs with various private dining options.
→ Find out more
Al Hajar via ferrata
A daring way to experience the breathtaking beauty of Oman’s landscape. Set out on a journey that incorporates a section of via ferrata, Italian for ‘iron path’, just below the ridge. Then, make your way along the mountain to discover a natural cave that stretches into the mountainside. Step out onto a 20-metre-high rope suspended over the valley below as you make your way across to a secret cave on the other side. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience you will never forget.
Jebel Akhdar village walk
This hike offers breathtaking views of Jebel Akhdar, the green mountain that lies 2,000m above sea level. Take a walk through the mountain villages where you will find ancient irrigation systems and green terraces built into the mountainside. The walking distance is around 4km. Ensure you wear comfortable walking shoes.
Bike ride in Al Hamra
You will start the day early with a journey to the ancient village of Al Hamra. Through the plantations, under the palm trees and between the 400-year-old houses, you will enjoy a two hour bike ride and finish with a private lunch set up.
Jebel Shams Balcony walk
In the afternoon head to 'The Balcony', a flat area of rock not far below the summit of Jebel Shams which gives way to Wadi Ghul, The Grand Canyon of Oman. The balcony walk follows an old donkey trail to a small natural pool and the abandoned village of As Sab.
Private hike at altitude
Enjoy an easy hike at altitude on ancient trails connecting mountain villages. Admire terraced farmland and ancient falaj irrigation systems, fossilized coral and a traditional rose water distillery. Experience the breathtaking beauty of the western Hajar Mountains as they change with the seasons.
Transfer
Private transfer to Muscat airport
We design private journeys for people who wish to go beyond the typical and experiencing something truly special. Our amazing team of travel designers, concierges and local guides work together to create unique journeys that get deep under the skin of where you’re visiting.
Other trips you may be interested in
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An Active Oman Adventure
How we work
One of the best ways to experience the beauty of Oman is by lacing up your walking shoes and heading out for an active adventure in the fresh air. We’ll create a trip that hits all the high notes for you when it comes to being outdoors and on the move, here’s what it might look like depending on your interest. Begin in Muscat with an exploration of the city after dark. Enjoy a leisurely round of golf at Al Mouj golf course, which is consistently ranked second in the Middle East. Then it’s time to head out of the city and into the Muttrah mountains on a walk that promises impressive views of the bay and Muscat’s old town. A private boat trip is the great way to take a breather before the next leg of your trip. On the way to Wahiba Sands, stop in the old city of Ibra and Al Minzafah, one of the Sultan’s favourite villages. Your time in Wahiba Sands will be filled with energising walks among the dunes with a Bedouin guide, quad biking and sandboarding. Finally, you’ll head north again towards Nizwa with a stop at Mudayrib and the abandoned village of Birkat Al Mauz. Your exploration of the Al Hajar mountains includes navigating a via ferrata, a rope bridge and a natural cave. You’ll also have the opportunity to go hiking around Jebel Akhdar, happening upon mountain villages and ancient irrigation systems. Take a bike ride through the ancient village of Al Hamra, and hike to ‘The Balcony’ below the summit of Jebel Shams. Our travel designers will craft the perfect trip for you, taking into account your interests and thirst for adrenalin and adventure. | Whats included?
|
Days 1-4 |
Muscat |
|
Flights & transfers
Airport meet and greet |
|
| Transfer to your hotel in Muscat | |
|
Accommodation in Muscat
•
The Chedi Muscat - $$$$$
•
Jumeirah Muscat Bay - $$$$$
•
Al Bustan Palace - $$$$$
|
|
| Muscat by night Get to know the most beautiful places in Muscat by night. You'll pass the diplomatic quarter on your way to Old Muscat with its colourful Al Alam Palace which is flanked by two Portuguese forts: Al Mirani and Al Jalali. Visit Bait Al Zubair Museum with ethnologic exhibits from private collections. Afterwards you'll drive along the panoramic corniche to Muttrah Souk, the oldest market in Oman. Here you'll have time to stroll around and hunt for bargains. An authentic dinner in a popular local restaurant rounds off this special jaunt. |
|
| Golf at Al Mouj Spend some time at the stunning Al Mouj golf course, the country’s oceanfront golfing destination. Here you will experience golf on a World Top 100 course that is consistently ranked second in the Middle East. Featuring 18-hole, par 72 championship golf course designed by international acclaimed golf designer Greg Norman. Following the natural lines of Muscat’s pristine coastline, this golf course is a links style course offering amateurs and professionals alike a challenging, yet rewarding, round of golf. |
|
| A walk in Muttrah mountains This walk takes you above the ophalite mountains behind Muttrah, where you have a breathtaking view of Muscat's old town, Muttrah Bay and the mountains, the walking time is 2.5 hours. Afterwards, a meal is served in a local restaurant. Please wear suitable walking shoes. |
|
| Private boat trip along Muscat's coast Spend the day exploring Muscat's beautiful coast, in search of dolphins and stopping at a private bay for lunch on board. Snorkel to coral reefs and keep an eye out for turtles. |
|
| Ibra and Al Minzafah visit Travel from Muscat to the dune landscape of the Sharqiyah region where you visit the old city of Ibra where on Wednesday mornings a special event takes place: the women souk. It is the only market in Oman where merchants and clients are women. Men are “banned” from the scene and meet at a nearby coffee shop to enjoy a chat. The tour continues to Al Minzafah, one of the Sultan’s favourite villages. This part of Ibra is a good example of the old architectural style. The houses are close to 300 years old and are said to be the oldest in the country. In the Wahiba desert you visit a Bedouin family where you are invited for tea and dates. Enjoy the drive through the elevations whose shapes are changing as the wind blows. Not only the shape of the dunes change; their colors change with the hours as well: from white in the morning to ocher, almost red in the afternoon. |
|
Days 4-6 |
Wahiba Sands |
|
Accommodation in Wahiba Sands
•
Desert Nights Camp - $$$$$
•
Roaming Camp - $$$$$
|
|
| Hiking through the dunes Start the day with a hearty breakfast at the camp. Afterwards a Bedouin guide will pick you up to take you on a two-hour hike through the dunes. Once returning back to the camp relax and watch the sun go down. |
|
| Birkat Al Mauz and Jebel Akhdar Stop for a short break in Mudayrib. Even from a distance you can see the watchtowers on a small hill around which the village spreads out. Continue to Birkat Al Mauz, an abandoned village at the foot of the mountain. Enjoy a picnic in the date plantation near the Aflaj Irrigation System that is recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. In the afternoon you will drive up Jebel Akhdar, the green mountain: the Saiq Plateau at 2000m and Diana Point offer a beautiful view down to the plains. The point is named after the late Princess of Wales, who landed here in 1990 on a helicopter to marvel the extraordinary vista. |
|
Days 6-10 |
Nizwa and Al Hajar Mountains |
|
Accommodation in Nizwa and Al Hajar Mountains
•
Anantara Jabal Akhdar - $$$$$
•
Alila Jabal Akhdar - $$$$$
|
|
| Al Hajar via ferrata A daring way to experience the breathtaking beauty of Oman’s landscape. Set out on a journey that incorporates a section of via ferrata, Italian for ‘iron path’, just below the ridge. Then, make your way along the mountain to discover a natural cave that stretches into the mountainside. Step out onto a 20-metre-high rope suspended over the valley below as you make your way across to a secret cave on the other side. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience you will never forget. |
|
| Jebel Akhdar village walk This hike offers breathtaking views of Jebel Akhdar, the green mountain that lies 2,000m above sea level. Take a walk through the mountain villages where you will find ancient irrigation systems and green terraces built into the mountainside. The walking distance is around 4km. Ensure you wear comfortable walking shoes. |
|
| Bike ride in Al Hamra You will start the day early with a journey to the ancient village of Al Hamra. Through the plantations, under the palm trees and between the 400-year-old houses, you will enjoy a two hour bike ride and finish with a private lunch set up. |
|
| Jebel Shams Balcony walk In the afternoon head to 'The Balcony', a flat area of rock not far below the summit of Jebel Shams which gives way to Wadi Ghul, The Grand Canyon of Oman. The balcony walk follows an old donkey trail to a small natural pool and the abandoned village of As Sab. |
|
| Private hike at altitude Enjoy an easy hike at altitude on ancient trails connecting mountain villages. Admire terraced farmland and ancient falaj irrigation systems, fossilized coral and a traditional rose water distillery. Experience the breathtaking beauty of the western Hajar Mountains as they change with the seasons. |
|
|
Flights & transfers
Private transfer to Muscat airport |
