The Chedi Muscat's narrow infinity pool, which the hotel claims is the longest pool in all of Oman, stretches to the Indian Ocean and is a major draw for both for foreign tourists and locals.
1. The Chedi, Muscat —
The Chedi Muscat's narrow infinity pool, which the hotel claims is the longest pool in all of Oman, stretches to the Indian Ocean and is a major draw for both for foreign tourists and locals.
Courtesy The Chedi
Muscat is the only city on the Arabian Peninsula with its own opera house. It blends traditional Omani design with modern acoustic technology and is one of the most recognizable sights in Muscat.
2. Royal Opera House —
Muscat is the only city on the Arabian Peninsula with its own opera house. It blends traditional Omani design with modern acoustic technology and is one of the most recognizable sights in Muscat.
Courtesy Royal Opera House Muscat
Jabal Akhdar, located at nearly 10,000 feet up in the Hajar Mountain range, is uniquely covered with trees and shrubs in an otherwise mostly desert landscape. Oman's green mountain can be discovered from the comforts of the newly-built five-star Alila Jabal Akhdar.
3. The Green Mountain —
Jabal Akhdar, located at nearly 10,000 feet up in the Hajar Mountain range, is uniquely covered with trees and shrubs in an otherwise mostly desert landscape. Oman's green mountain can be discovered from the comforts of the newly-built five-star Alila Jabal Akhdar.
Courtesy alila jabal akhdar
Zighy Bay is home to a Six Senses resort with more than 80 villas. The resort offers the region's most unique way to reach a hotel room: para-sailing from a rocky overlook 1,000 feet above.
4. Zighy Bay —
Zighy Bay is home to a Six Senses resort with more than 80 villas. The resort offers the region's most unique way to reach a hotel room: para-sailing from a rocky overlook 1,000 feet above.
Courtesy Six Senses Zighy Bay
Centuries ago, Omanis dominated the Indian Ocean and earned a reputation as the best seafarers in the world. Omani sailors like the legendary Sinbad used wooden dhows to expand their Gulf sultanate's reach as far south as Zanzibar in East Africa.
5. Sailing explorations —
Centuries ago, Omanis dominated the Indian Ocean and earned a reputation as the best seafarers in the world. Omani sailors like the legendary Sinbad used wooden dhows to expand their Gulf sultanate's reach as far south as Zanzibar in East Africa.
Courtesy Lloyd Images
Camping under the stars in the desert is a favorite Omani pastime. Wahiba Sands is a rejuvenating desert retreat far from the bustle of Muscat, where Bedouin tour guides offer desert safaris and overnight camping treks.
6. Wahiba Sands —
Camping under the stars in the desert is a favorite Omani pastime. Wahiba Sands is a rejuvenating desert retreat far from the bustle of Muscat, where Bedouin tour guides offer desert safaris and overnight camping treks.
Courtesy KHALIL AL ZADJALI/Oman Ministry of Tourism
One of the most popular dishes in Oman is called shuwa, succulent lamb served with spice-infused rice. The whole process can take a full day, which is why shuwa is typically served as a feast only on Omani holidays and special occasions.
7. Shuwa —
One of the most popular dishes in Oman is called shuwa, succulent lamb served with spice-infused rice. The whole process can take a full day, which is why shuwa is typically served as a feast only on Omani holidays and special occasions.
MOHAMMED MAHJOUB/AFP/Getty Images