Luxury Oman Explorer

First highlight of the day is the visit of the world’s fifth biggest mosque, Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque. It impresses with a 14m long Swarovski chandelier and the largest hand-woven carpet on Earth Please adhere to the dress code when visiting the mosque. 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 drive along the panoramic corniche to Muttrah Souk, the oldest market in Oman. Here you'll have time to stroll around and hunt some bargains.

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.

Go on a journey through the evolution of our universe as you listen to the story off the sky above us. Alila offers some of the clearest nighttime views of the stars, moon, and planets, making it a must-see for celestial enthusiasts and avid stargazers. Learn about the galaxies, nebula, clusters, and supernova remnants and see the treasures of the night sky. You will also learn how to set up a telescope before peeking through the lens and photographing the magnificent sights.

Spend time with your astral guide observing the moon, planets, stars and galaxies through a telescope. Bring along your SLR camera to learn how to capture amazing images of the beautiful Jebel Akhdar night sky.

Explore Jebel Akhdar, the green mountain. The name derives from the fact that the area is one of the most fertile in the country. In the plantations grow apricots, pomegranates, peaches, grapes, almonds, walnuts and of course the roses that are the base of the popular Omani rose water. In spring, when the roses bloom, the visit of a rosewater factory is a special experience. For lunch you will have a private set up in the beautiful nature of Jebel Akhdar. Your guide will show you some beautiful traditional villages where you can take a walk.

Early in the morning, the hotel's chef is waiting for you with a lavish takeaway breakfast. He will accompany you to the Nizwa souk, where he will introduce you to the rich variety of spices. Omani cuisine is a true play of flavours with its Arabic, Asian, Indian and African influences. After shopping, you will return to Jabal Akhdar and prepare a two-course menu step by step, which you will enjoy in the late afternoon.

Embark on the Ibra from the Al Mouj Marina in Muscat and sail to the Dimaniyat Islands, where you will spend two nights. The Dimaniyat Islands are a protected and uninhabited group of nine beautiful islands 18km off the Batinah Coast north of Muscat. The islands are Oman’s only marine National Nature Reserve and play host to a number of native birds and it is a successful breeding sanctuary from April through to October (as a result it is not allowed to set foot on the islands between May and October).

The journey to the islands from Muscat will take two hours – a great opportunity to enjoy a morning snack, get comfortable, sit back and relax as the coastline gradually disappears and the islands slowly appear on the horizon. There are sometimes dolphins swimming alongside to keep you company. You'll have time to swim, snorkel, stand up paddle board, discover the islands or just relax onboard. If you are keen to do some diving, a boat with a dive guide and all necessary equipment can be arranged.

This easy trek explores the village of the Sabatyn Plateau. After a scenic one-hour 4x4 drive from your resort, you will reach the plateau 3,937 feet (1,200 meters) above sea level then continue to Sabatyn, a village that stretches along a mountainside with wonderful views down to Wadi Al Bih. The village contains a wealth of petroglyphs, stone towers and ancient houses that were once home to farmers tending their large terraced fields.

Early risers can take the opportunity to witness the beauty of Sabatyn while enjoying a scenic lunch picnic. For sunset worshipers, take the trip three hours prior to dusk, after a winding drive to the plateau and find a perfect spot, you can enjoy a selection of canapés and sparkling date juice, as you watch the sun set over the breath- taking mountains.