Michelle Laldenga, our Reservations Consultant, describes Oman as a land of surprises. Before visiting, she had imagined the country as only deserts and rugged mountains, but she discovered it also offers bustling markets, turquoise waters, and unspoiled beaches. From bartering at the Mutrah Souk in Muscat to hiking Jebel Shams, stargazing in Wahiba Sands, or relaxing on pristine shores, she found Oman to be astonishingly diverse.
By Michelle Laldenga
Reservations Consultant
Discovering Oman – Beyond Desert and Mountains
What makes Oman even more special is its people. The Omani locals are genuine, proud of their culture, and incredibly welcoming. On this trip, I felt completely at ease – so much so that I wouldn’t be surprised if you were invited to a local’s home for a meal. Their warmth truly sets Oman apart from other Middle Eastern destinations.
From the moment we arrived in Muscat, I knew Oman was unlike any place I’d visited. The journey alone to Al Mouj Marina, the departure point for our Dimaniyat Islands excursion, was invigorating. Feeling the wind on my face and the anticipation building as we approached the islands, I realized that Oman is a destination full of surprises and unforgettable experiences.
Preparing for a Bucket List Adventure
I had always dreamed of swimming with sea turtles, and Oman offered the perfect opportunity. Our trip coincided with July, a quiet time of year, meaning we had the islands almost to ourselves. The Dimaniyat Islands Nature Reserve, comprising nine small islands, is home to turtles, tropical fish, dolphins, and even humpback whales and whale sharks.
Before getting into the water, our captain briefed us on the best spots to find turtles, what fish to look out for, and, importantly, the strict protection of turtle nesting sites. At this time of year, turtles lay eggs on the beaches, making it essential not to disturb them. Though the soft, white sands were incredibly tempting, respecting these animals’ natural habitat was the top priority.
The Dimaniyat Islands – A Snorkeller’s Paradise
As soon as I donned my snorkelling gear, the crystal-clear waters revealed a dazzling underwater world. Coral reefs were vibrant, full of tropical fish in every colour imaginable. Unlike many destinations where coral is bleached or dying, Oman’s reefs seemed almost untouched – a true hidden gem for marine life lovers.
Swimming through these waters, I was in awe of the biodiversity and felt incredibly privileged to witness it first-hand.
Initially, I didn’t spot any turtles, but patience paid off. Moving to another nearby island, I finally saw one – majestic and serene, gliding effortlessly through the water. I followed it for at least 20 minutes, barely able to contain my excitement. Over the course of the day, we saw a total of six turtles – an experience I can honestly call bucket-list worthy.
Watching these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat was thrilling and humbling, reinforcing why Oman is such a special destination for wildlife and marine encounters.
The underwater scenery was just as memorable as the turtles. Everywhere I looked, brightly coloured coral and schools of fish created a living mosaic. The richness of Oman’s marine life reminded me how fortunate we are to visit a place that still maintains healthy, vibrant reefs.
What struck me most was Oman’s commitment to protecting its wildlife. The Dimaniyat Islands Nature Reserve enforces strict rules to preserve nesting sites, and responsible tourism practices ensure that visitors can enjoy these wonders without harming the ecosystem. Experiencing these efforts firsthand gave me a greater appreciation for Oman’s dedication to conservation.
Planning Your Oman Adventure
Oman is a perfectly diverse holiday destination – offering desert, mountains, beaches, and unforgettable marine encounters. Whether it’s snorkelling with sea turtles, hiking the Jebel Akhdar mountains, or exploring local culture in Muscat, Oman continually surprises and delights.
For anyone wanting to tick off a bucket list moment like swimming with turtles, Oman is an ideal destination.
Michelle Laldenga, our Reservations Consultant, describes Oman as a land of surprises. Before visiting, she had imagined the country as only deserts and rugged mountains, but she discovered it also offers bustling markets, turquoise waters, and unspoiled beaches. From bartering at the Mutrah Souk in Muscat to hiking Jebel Shams, stargazing in Wahiba Sands, or relaxing on pristine shores, she found Oman to be astonishingly diverse.
By Michelle Laldenga
Reservations Consultant
Discovering Oman – Beyond Desert and Mountains
What makes Oman even more special is its people. The Omani locals are genuine, proud of their culture, and incredibly welcoming. On this trip, I felt completely at ease – so much so that I wouldn’t be surprised if you were invited to a local’s home for a meal. Their warmth truly sets Oman apart from other Middle Eastern destinations.
From the moment we arrived in Muscat, I knew Oman was unlike any place I’d visited. The journey alone to Al Mouj Marina, the departure point for our Dimaniyat Islands excursion, was invigorating. Feeling the wind on my face and the anticipation building as we approached the islands, I realized that Oman is a destination full of surprises and unforgettable experiences.
Preparing for a Bucket List Adventure
I had always dreamed of swimming with sea turtles, and Oman offered the perfect opportunity. Our trip coincided with July, a quiet time of year, meaning we had the islands almost to ourselves. The Dimaniyat Islands Nature Reserve, comprising nine small islands, is home to turtles, tropical fish, dolphins, and even humpback whales and whale sharks.
Before getting into the water, our captain briefed us on the best spots to find turtles, what fish to look out for, and, importantly, the strict protection of turtle nesting sites. At this time of year, turtles lay eggs on the beaches, making it essential not to disturb them. Though the soft, white sands were incredibly tempting, respecting these animals’ natural habitat was the top priority.
The Dimaniyat Islands – A Snorkeller’s Paradise
As soon as I donned my snorkelling gear, the crystal-clear waters revealed a dazzling underwater world. Coral reefs were vibrant, full of tropical fish in every colour imaginable. Unlike many destinations where coral is bleached or dying, Oman’s reefs seemed almost untouched – a true hidden gem for marine life lovers.
Swimming through these waters, I was in awe of the biodiversity and felt incredibly privileged to witness it first-hand.
Initially, I didn’t spot any turtles, but patience paid off. Moving to another nearby island, I finally saw one – majestic and serene, gliding effortlessly through the water. I followed it for at least 20 minutes, barely able to contain my excitement. Over the course of the day, we saw a total of six turtles – an experience I can honestly call bucket-list worthy.
Watching these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat was thrilling and humbling, reinforcing why Oman is such a special destination for wildlife and marine encounters.
The underwater scenery was just as memorable as the turtles. Everywhere I looked, brightly coloured coral and schools of fish created a living mosaic. The richness of Oman’s marine life reminded me how fortunate we are to visit a place that still maintains healthy, vibrant reefs.
What struck me most was Oman’s commitment to protecting its wildlife. The Dimaniyat Islands Nature Reserve enforces strict rules to preserve nesting sites, and responsible tourism practices ensure that visitors can enjoy these wonders without harming the ecosystem. Experiencing these efforts firsthand gave me a greater appreciation for Oman’s dedication to conservation.
Planning Your Oman Adventure
Oman is a perfectly diverse holiday destination – offering desert, mountains, beaches, and unforgettable marine encounters. Whether it’s snorkelling with sea turtles, hiking the Jebel Akhdar mountains, or exploring local culture in Muscat, Oman continually surprises and delights.
For anyone wanting to tick off a bucket list moment like swimming with turtles, Oman is an ideal destination.
Michelle Laldenga, Senior Reservations Consultant, shares her stay on Denis Private Island, a peaceful Seychelles retreat where nature, privacy, and simple island living take centre stage.
Matt Phillips of Travel Chaps explores the Maldives’ shift from its traditional honeymoon reputation to a more family-focused island escape, visiting four standout resorts: Adaaran Select Meedhupparu, Heritance Aarah, Constance Halaveli, and Constance Moofushi.
As travel picks up back to Oman, Lisa, Senior Reservations Consultant, has just returned after experiencing one of the country’s most talked-about luxury resorts.
We asked our agents, who recently joined us on a fam trip to Mauritius, which Beachcomber Resort stood out as their favourite and here’s what they told us.
Denise Jaye, a former employee at Beachcomber Tours, shares her recent experience of staying at Adaaran Select Meedhapparu in the Maldives, offering an honest insight into what it’s really like from arrival through to departure.
From Muscat’s grand mosques and vibrant souks to the mountains of Jebel Akhdar, the deserts of Wahiba Sands, and hidden oases like Wadi Bani Khalid, this Oman journey blends stunning landscapes, rich culture, and warm hospitality.
Mary Moran, Senior Reservations Consultant, described her trip to Dhigali as unforgettable, noting that encounters with playful dolphins and breathtaking sunsets made the escape truly magical.
Recently, Sarah, had the pleasure of heading to Mauritius on a very special agents’ trip, but this time, we brought some junior travel agents along: their children. It was the perfect opportunity to see just how family-friendly Beachcomber Hotels & Resorts really are, and to share some special moments with……
In June 2025, Michelle Laldenga visited eight Maldives resorts, including Sun Siyam Vilu Reef, Sun Siyam Iru Veli, Heritance Aarah, and Emerald Maldives, experiencing the ultimate Atoll exploring.
In November 2024, Jodi spent a week island hopping in the Seychelles, with Platte Island standing out as a highlight. She stayed at the newly opened Waldorf Astoria, which has transformed the once uninhabited island into a refined and secluded retreat.
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WIN A LUXURY MAURITIUS HOLIDAY
To celebrate the launch of our brand-new website, we’re running two exclusive competitions, one for our customers and one for our travel agent partners. Both winners will enjoy the ultimate island escape with a 7-night stay for two at the newly refurbished Trou aux Biches Beachcomber Golf Resort & Spa, one of Mauritius’ most exceptional resorts.
