Oman is one of those places that does not shout for attention but quietly becomes a favorite once you have seen it for yourself. I visited not knowing exactly what to expect and came back completely in love with it.
One of my favorite stays anywhere was The Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar. It sits so high in the mountains that some mornings feel like waking up above the clouds. I booked a cliff view room and every morning stepped out onto my terrace to breathe in the crisp mountain air and watch the sun light up the canyon. It is so quiet at night that the staff sometimes bring guests white noise machines because the silence can feel so deep if you are used to city life. I loved every moment of it.
During the day I hiked through nearby villages with one of our local Omani expert guides. Walking through the ancient terrace farms and learning how people have lived up here for centuries was a highlight for me. It felt like getting a glimpse into a hidden side of Oman that you would never find on your own.
After the mountains, I spent time exploring the souks in Nizwa. With my guide, I went behind the scenes in the market, met some of the local vendors, and did a private date tasting that completely changed how I think about dates. It was simple but so memorable.
I also spent a few days by the sea at The Chedi in Muscat, which is one of my favorite coastal hotels anywhere. The atmosphere is laid back and elegant without ever feeling stuffy. I could have spent every hour moving between the oceanfront pool and the stunning spa. If you are there on a Sunday, do not miss the Champagne brunch. It is so good you might not want another meal for the rest of the day.
And then there are the wadis. Wadi Shab is my personal favorite. It takes a bit of effort to reach but every step is worth it. You hike, wade through streams, and swim into hidden caves where the water glows bright turquoise. It feels like nature’s secret swimming pool and one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen.
Oman is authentic, warm, and naturally beautiful. It does not try to impress but somehow does anyway. Every time I think about that crisp mountain air, the quiet moments on the cliffs, the souks of Nizwa, and the hidden wadis, I know exactly why this is easily one of my favorite places on earth and I cannot wait to go back.
Curious about experiencing Oman the way I did? Reach out to me directly — I would love to design something special for you as our guest.
