Muscat & The East Coast
Muscat is one of Arabia’s great port cities. Meaning “anchorage”, Oman’s capital - with its strategic location on the Gulf - has been an epicentre of seafaring and trade for thousands of years. Following Oman’s surge in popularity as a travel destination, Muscat became one of the Middle East’s premier luxury vacation destinations. Visitors come, especially, for the idyllic powdery beaches bordering a string of ultra-luxury hotels.
The city overlooks the turquoise expanses of the Gulf, a renowned spot for scuba diving, dolphin spotting, sunset cruises and all manner of sea-adventures. Glorious golden swathes of palm-lined beaches extend from the city’s core, where you’ll find most luxury accommodation. Tumbling like dominoes in the background, the Al Hajar Mountains complete a rugged and impressive natural setting.
The city itself captures both ancient and modern Arabia. The houses are classically low-rise and whitewashed, well regimented and always remarkably spotless. Sleek malls and upmarket restaurants extend back from the beach, but there’s also an old quarter, home to ornate mosques and old colonial Portuguese forts. Overall, Muscat has a hazy, laid-back feel and its beaches are among the most chilled in the region.
Part of the fun of a luxury vacation to Muscat, is exploring the famous East Coastand taking in the coastal road down Sur is an unforgettable experience. Stop on the way to explore ancient fortresses and ruined cities, as well as some of Oman’s most scenic wadis. Inland, there’s the breathtaking Wahiba Sands; a stark and beautiful desertscape, where you can take part in high-octane dune off-roading or spend the night ‘glamping’ in luxury, under a star-speckled Arabian sky.
Sur is lovely place to visit; it has an old-world charm and its traditional maritime way of life is well-preserved. The highlight is the old town, sitting on a sandbank nearly separated from the mainland and surrounded by a lagoon shimmering like mirage. Two forts and a series of old watch towers protect the harbour and town. The beaches are excellent, particularly Raz Al Jinz just to the south, which is a famous turtle-nesting area and perhaps Oman’s most memorable natural spectacle.
When booking a luxury vacation to Muscat and the East Coast, you’ll receive expert advice from our regional specialists. They will use their own experience and knowledge to design your perfect tailor-made itinerary.
Read more...Country: Muscat & the East Coast
Classic Oman
Muscat & the East CoastNizwa & the Empty QuarterMusandam & Northern Oman
- Explore Old Muscat’s old fortresses, palaces and mosques
- Enjoy a camel ride, desert trekking or quad biking in the Wahiba Sands
- Shop for Arabic treasures in Nizwa
- Go hiking in the stunning Al Hajar mountains
- Relax at the beach at the stylish Six Senses Zighy Bay
Oman Cultural Tour
Muscat & the East CoastNizwa & the Empty QuarterOmanMiddle East & North Africa
- Visit the buzzing town of Muscat
- Drive through the imposing Hajar Mountains
- Explore Wahiba Sands and its wildlife
- Visit the picturesque fishing town of Sur
- Spend a night under the stars in a luxury Bedouin encampment
Oman with Kids
Muscat & the East CoastMusandam & Northern OmanOmanMiddle East & North Africa
-
Spot dolphins and whales off Muscat’s rugged coast
-
Go on a sunset camel safari in the desert
-
Try sandboarding and quad biking across the sands
-
Witness green turtles laying their eggs
-
Camp out in a Bedoin-style tent under the stars
Al Bustan Palace, A Ritz-Carlton Hotel
Set on a kilometre stretch of private beach within 200 acres of lush gardens, and with a dramatic backdrop of mountains, Al Bustan Palace is a stylish and sophisticated hotel that combines art deco style with local Arabian traditions.
Al Bustan Palace features 250 lavishly designed rooms and...
Shangri-La Al Bandar Hotel
Set in lush, landscaped gardens within the Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa, Al Bandar lies close to the beach and is the focal point of the resort.
Each of the 198 spacious rooms is elegantly designed with contemporary Arabian décor. All rooms are sea-facing and feature...
Shangri-La Al Husn Resort & Spa
Set on a rocky bluff overlooking the Gulf of Oman, not far from Muscat, Al Husn is the flagship hotel of the magnificent Shangri-La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa. This palatial hotel resembles a magnificent Arabian castle, its opulent design inspired by traditional Omani forts.
All 180...
Shangri-La Al Waha Hotel
Nestled at the foot of the mountains, not far from Muscat, Al Waha is Oman’s first dedicated family hotel. This superb hotel is the largest of three luxury hotels at Shangri-La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa. Al Waha has a fun and informal atmosphere with...
The Chedi Muscat
Located amid 21 acres of landscaped gardens, The Chedi Muscat is a stylish beachfront resort in Oman’s capital. Fusing Omani elegance with a Zen-like serenity, the resort offers superb cuisine, world-class amenities and impeccable service.
The stylish guestrooms and suites feature earthy tones, plush furnishings, and open-plan bathrooms...