A Journey to the Whispering Sands of Oman

Seek out a sun-soaked city of luxurious excess, thrilling innovation and impressive landmarks. So cosmopolitan it hurts. Ski through snow, watch choreographed waterworks, listen to ship-shape opera, behold another Lamborghini, sail an abra and gasp at the floral universe. Delve into Old Dubai’s forgotten past, get the picture at the lofty Dubai Frame and head downtown to the iconic Burj Khalifa and uber-extravagant Mall. Rotate on the cosmical wheel and fine dine in the sky. Like a shimmering mirage, Dubai’s diversity lights up Arabian skies with its ability to evolve and astound.

Seek out a sun-soaked city of luxurious excess, thrilling innovation and impressive landmarks. So cosmopolitan it hurts. Ski through snow, watch choreographed waterworks, listen to ship-shape opera, behold another Lamborghini, sail an abra and gasp at the floral universe. Delve into Old Dubai’s forgotten past, get the picture at the lofty Dubai Frame and head downtown to the iconic Burj Khalifa and uber-extravagant Mall. Rotate on the cosmical wheel and fine dine in the sky. Like a shimmering mirage, Dubai’s diversity lights up Arabian skies with its ability to evolve and astound.

Discover magic in the Arabian desert on land, by air or in an oasis of water. Take on towering sand dunes; crash through on a buggy, master sand surfing or soar above sands to hit the skies for a bird’s eye view of the Wahiba Sands desert. Linger at one of the many Oman wadies; Wadi Bani Khalid’s palm-dotted valley escape of pools and caves, Wadi Shab’s deep sandstone gorge lined with turquoise lagoons and at meteor-formed Bimmah Sinkhole for the most luminous waters you ever did see. Witness turtle homes at Ras Al Jinz Reserve, wander the corniche and visit a traditional Omani dhow yard or the domed Lighthouse for sweeping city views. Or simply slope off to where spotless sands meet the Arabian Sea and gently snorkel through turtles, rays and the occasional whale. With its cultural riches, wondrous waters and adventurous surrounds, Sur has a broad appeal.

Ease yourself in authentic Arabia with spirit-lifting adventures. Snorkel alongside turtles and rays, come alive at souks bearing gold and silver gifts and enjoy the arid desert on land, by air or in an oasis of water. Browse Omani art and cultural curios and track down the fragrant headquarters of the world’s most expensive perfumery. Learn to cook, rock climb and cliff dive. Submerge in sinkholes and soothe at holistic Arabic-style spas. Hike up terraced trails to cliff-hanging fertile farms in the Al Hajar Mountains to zip off-road to ancient Sabatyn. This lavish capital swirls in twinkling souks, thrilling terrain, and smouldering oud scents.

Set on the bay of Khor Fakkan is a little Emirate gem known as the creek of two jaws and for its dramatic Hajar Mountains. Check out archaeological sites which include ancient graves and a ruined Portuguese fort, then head west to biodiverse Wadi Wurayah’s waterfalls and pools. Cruise the rugged coast by dhow, dine Bedouin-style on mountain-cradled beaches and scuba dive through coral reefs. Up your game to canyon in rocky wadis, paraglide off cliffs and mountain bike through craggy goat paths. Further afield, visit the ancient village of Sabatyn and Musandam’s fjords, aka Norway of Arabia, known for its spectacular iridescent waters. Exploit senses at spice markets before soothing them at hammams using delicious homegrown ingredients. This is spirit lifting stuff on the northernmost tip of the Arabian Peninsula.

Arrive in a remote Omani peninsula at its filigreed fingertip pointing at the Strait of Hormuz. Burn up rocky peaks on bikes and off-road vehicles, cruise through spectacular inlets on converted dhows to explore the landscape and flit beneath warm waves with schools of dolphins and tuna of Telegraph Island. Look into Old Town forts, laid-back souks and whitewashed mosques. Pass hidden Bedouin houses, mosques and goats to reach a vast green oasis, then swing up to the summit for cooler climes, fossilised fish and views to behold. Blink and you might miss the richness of this discreet legend.

Seek out a sun-soaked city of luxurious excess, thrilling innovation and impressive landmarks. So cosmopolitan it hurts. Ski through snow, watch choreographed waterworks, listen to ship-shape opera, behold another Lamborghini, sail an abra and gasp at the floral universe. Delve into Old Dubai’s forgotten past, get the picture at the lofty Dubai Frame and head downtown to the iconic Burj Khalifa and uber-extravagant Mall. Rotate on the cosmical wheel and fine dine in the sky. Like a shimmering mirage, Dubai’s diversity lights up Arabian skies with its ability to evolve and astound.