Visit our friendly neighbours in the oldest independent state in the Arab world and prepare to be amazed

It’s a stone’s throw from the UAE and boasts undiscovered desert stretches, riverbed villages and kilometres of beautiful, untouched Persian Gulf and Arabian Sea coastlines.

The Chedi, Muscat

WHAT: Picturesque views at every turn make it the perfect romantic destination.

TELL ME MORE: Prepare to have your socks blown off – this is place is understated elegance at its best. From the moment you enter the hotel you instantly feel at ease thanks to the resort’s combination of contemporary Asian style and subtle Omani nuances. The 158 rooms and suites all offer views of the Golf of Oman, Al Hajar Mountains and the hotel’s perfectly manicured Zen gardens.

Located by the Al Hajar Mountains with its own private beach, the twenty-one-acre garden’s featuring six dining options, a spa, a health club and three swimming pools make The Chedi one impressive affair.

You’ll want to stay at least a week to experience and truly appreciate all the food outlets. From October to April, epicureans can feast on seafood at The Beach Restaurant and absorb the breath taking views of the Gulf. Our favourite outlet during our stay was The Restaurant, which boasts a lush garden and ocean views, and four open show kitchens. The menu is a diverse and tasty mix of Asian, Middle Eastern, Indian and European cuisine so you’re sure to find something to tickle your taste buds.

Families are more than welcome, but we feel the hotel is more tailored towards couples, making it the perfect romantic getaway.

From mountains and valleys to beaches and the sea the neighbouring area of Muscat offers visitors unique experiences, but when you’re staying somewhere as tranquil as The Chedi we’d recommend you take a load off and simply enjoy your beautiful surroundings and relax.

GET THERE: It’s just 15 minutes from Muscat International Airport or a four-hour drive from Dubai.
DETAILS: www.IHW.com, +968 2 452 4400

Millennium Resort Mussanah

WHAT: The ideal weekend escape for relaxation and recreation in Oman.

TELL ME MORE: It’s a sports-orientated resort with families in mind and has enough activities to rival the best hotels in the Middle East. It has its own 54-berth marina managed by Oman Sail, private beaches surrounded by date trees, a beach club with signature Zayna Spa, fitness centre, outdoor fitness park with running track, floodlit tennis courts, 18-hole mini golf and a fully-supervised kid’s club. But the list doesn’t stop there! Oman’s first ladies-only swimming pool and Jacuzzi, two infinity pools, an Olympic-sized leisure pool, kid’s splash pool, on-site PADI dive centre, sailing, powerboat trips, banana boat rides, kayak hire, stand up paddle boards and hotel dhow boats for private or group cruises. It’s safe to say nobody will be short of things to do here.

The hotel features 234 spacious rooms and suites with views of the Al Hajar Mountains, Marina and the Gulf of Oman, which gives the resort a very ‘big feel’. Beter still, if you prefer to do things your way, the 74 luxurious studios, one and two-bed apartments and duplexes, have fully equipped kitchens, ideal for longer stays. It really is a adrenaline-packed home away from home.

GET THERE: Approx 3½-4 hours driving from Dubai or Abu Dhabi or 45 minutes north from Muscat International Airport.

DETAILS: reservations@mill-mussanah.com, +968 268 71555

Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve

WHAT: A world-renowned encounter with nature in a secluded location.

TELL ME MORE: Unique natural landscape, unspoiled shorelines, golden deserts, pockets of green oasis and rugged mountains, Ras Al Jinz is beautiful in its own right. But given it’s also the home of the endangered green turtle (Cheloniamydas), probably the most important nesting concentration on the Indian Ocean, Ras Al Jinz is a very special place indeed. It’s the only place members of the public can watch the nesting process of these amazing sea giants and believe us when we say it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity. Accommodation is 31 rooms and 12 luxury Eco-tents and rates are inclusive of buffet breakfast, turtle viewing (evening and dawn) entry to the Turtle Reserve Visitor Centre (Museum) and taxes.

The excursions are guided every morning (from 4.45 am) and evening (from 8.30 pm) to see the turtles and witness the nesting process. The centre guides have a commitment to the preservation of the turtle and are extremely knowledgeable.

GET THERE: Approx 5-6 hours driving from Dubai or Abu Dhabi or two hours drive from Muscat International Airport (no 4x4 required if hiring a car).
PRICE: Double rooms start from Dhs900 (OMR 95)
DETAILS: reservations@rasaljinz-turtlereserve.com, +968 9655 0608

The Atana Musandam

WHAT: An escape to the tranquil shores of Northern Oman

TELL ME MORE: Atana Hotels is the first ‘home-grown’ hospitality brand to be established in Oman, which means traditional Omani hospitality is key here. Situated on the northern tip of the Musandam Peninsula, Oman, bordering the UAE, it’s a haven of tranquility. Sail away on a dhow cruise in the magnificent fjords with wild dolphins splashing beside you or catch fish in the Sea of Oman for dinner that night. The options are varied and endless. There’s diving, mountain safaris, as well as forts and ruins to be discovered. It’s all very family-friendly at Atana with large, spacious rooms, lots of dining options and play areas for the kids.

GET THERE: A two-hour drive from Dubai (plus the time it takes to cross the border in RAK)

DETAILS: www.atanahotels.com, +968 26730888

Flying high

If the thought of driving to Oman for your weekend escape brings you out in a cold sweat, don’t panic. FlyDubai offers daily, 45-minute flights from Dubai to Muscat International Airport, so you can be relaxing by the hotel pool, playing tennis, observing turtles, or exploring the mountains within two hours of leaving your house. Flights start at Dhs1,300 return per person. For timings visit www.flydubai.com