Oman is a country that stays with you long after you leave.

Jo Dickie, our Beachcomber Tours Reservations Manager, recently embarked on an unforgettable journey through Oman. Follow along as she discovers the culture and hidden gems of this incredible destination…

Our adventure began in Muscat, with our guides Khalid and Salim leading the way. We visited the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, with its Swarovski chandeliers and the largest rug in the world. We enjoyed taking in the calmness and beauty of the main prayer room and the outdoor area, with polished marble floors and stunning arches framing views of the mountains. It’s an inspiring place to visit.

Next, we admired the elegant Royal Opera House, the attention to detail was amazing, even down to the violin print on the seats. We then wandered into the Muttrah Souk, where the air was filled with frankincense and spices. The stalls were packed with knick-knacks, trinkets, and the most incredible jewellery shops.

Our lunch stop was at the stunning Jumeirah Muscat Bay, the perfect location for a beach holiday, yet within easy reach of the main sights. We loved relaxing by the bay before heading to The Chedi for dinner. The tented, majlis-style entrance and the gardens aglow with fire pits scattered around the terraces gave a warm, cosy vibe with a traditional yet contemporary Omani feel. After spending the night at the Al Bustan Palace, we visited the Amouage Perfumery, seeing firsthand how the bottles are decorated and sampling some of their signature scents.

Leaving the cityscape behind, we headed towards the mountains, where the scenery became more dramatic and unforgettable. The walled city of Nizwa, with its bustling markets and 2,000-year-old fort, once served as the capital of Oman. Just outside the city, we took in views over the date palm groves and toured the date and spice markets. An electric cart took us through the walled city, where we saw the Falaj system, an ancient irrigation method that channels water from the surrounding mountains into the city.

We continued our journey in a 4x4 to the mountain range of Jebel Akhdar. The panoramic vistas from Hotel Indigo were breathtaking, and we watched a beautiful sunset from the rooftop. Khalid and Salim then took us to one of the hidden gems in the mountains, a 500-year-old village tucked in a valley and built into the cliffs. The mud-brick buildings cling to the rock face, connected by narrow winding pathways and a rope bridge. A zip line is even used by the hotel to deliver goods. You can stop for coffee and dates or spend the night there, it’s truly special.

Then came the desert. Counting camels along the way, we arrived at Wahiba Sands, where the dunes stretched endlessly into the distance. We spent the night at Desert Nights Camp and took a drive out to see the Milky Way, an unforgettable sight.Continuing our adventure, we travelled to Wadi Bani Khalid’s turquoise pools and swam in a hidden oasis, with tiny fish tickling our toes as we cooled off. From there, we headed to the coastal town of Sur, where traditional dhow builders still craft and restore these beautiful ships, a legacy of the old Silk Route trading days.

We made our way back to Muscat for an evening at the St. Regis in the trendy Al Mouj area. On our last morning, we had the chance to experience a dhow cruise along Muscat’s coastline, passing the ancient Portuguese forts and Al Alam Palace. Seeing Muscat from the sea was a wonderful way to appreciate both Oman’s ancient past and its natural beauty. Our trip was short but unforgettable. In just a few days, we experienced so much, yet there’s still so much more waiting to be discovered. It’s easy to see why everyone is amazed by its beauty, not just in the landscapes, but in the warmth and generosity of the Omani people. To be honest, I can’t wait to return.