Reisgids Oman

Last January, I was there for the third time, that's how much I love it. My very first time was in 2018 and I had no idea what to expect. How big it was? No idea. How many people lived there? No idea. What you could do there? No. Idea. I went there completely blank, but I fell a little in love and still am. Since then, I recommend it to everyone who wants to hear; Oman is where you want to go. If you love nature. If you love hospitality. If you want to soak up culture. If you love luxury. If you love camping. This country is so versatile that I honestly can't imagine anyone finding it disappointing.

If you are planning a vacation to Oman, there are of course a few things you absolutely must not miss, and I will list them with all my love.

1. Muscat
Is the capital of Oman and is surprisingly extensive. It consists of the districts of Muttrah, Ruwi, Qurum, and Seeb. If you are only in Muscat for a day, then the first-mentioned is where you will spend most of your time; here you will find the port (with gigantic ships belonging to the sultan), Muttrah Souq (an indoor market with hundreds of stalls where you can easily spend two hours), and the Al-Alam Palace (where the sultan lives).

You will also find the beautiful Sultan Qaboos Mosque and the Royal Opera House in the Omani capital. By the way, pay close attention to the opening hours of the mosque; it is open for visits every day from eight to eleven in the morning.

2. Visit a wadi
A wadi is an oasis in the desert, filled with clear water, nestled among the rocks. Sounds beautiful, right? Good news: Oman is full of them. I have been to Wadi Shab twice, which I found truly stunning. Do keep in mind a forty-minute walk there and back, and definitely wear water shoes; it can be quite slippery when you are in the water. If you are at this wadi, swim straight through and through the very small opening, and you will find a waterfall in a cave. Very special. Other recommended wadis are Wadi Bani Khalid (a less strenuous walk to get there, so it's a bit more accessible) and Wadi Tiwi (less crowded).

3. The desert
The desert in Oman is called the Wahiba Sands, and it was the first time I ever saw a desert with my own eyes. The ride there is already fun (make sure you have a 4×4 or, as we did, go with an organized tour so that your guides drive); you see camels in the sand everywhere and it is so unimaginably vast. You can take a day tour, but the most fun is to spend a night in the desert. I did that through the Canvas Club and it was so well organized. Even if you are a luxury lover, because these tents were really huge and super clean. You don't even have to set them up yourself, and even the food is prepared for you. Meanwhile, you enjoy the sunset, a shisha, the mega delicious food, and on a clear night, you can look at all the stars and the moon through their telescope. Added bonus: you never share the tent camp with other people.

4. The mountains
Oman is a country with so many different faces. From vast sandy plains to mountainous viewpoints; you honestly don't know what you're experiencing. I stayed at the Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar, which is located in the Jebel Akhdar mountain range. A beautiful resort with infinity pools and several restaurants. Even Prince Charles and Diana didn't skip this place, and when you are there, you immediately understand why. The view from the entire resort (so also from your room) never gets boring; you look over the entire valley. There are also several activities such as hikes (like the Balcony Walk — just be careful if you have a fear of heights) that you can do, for beginners but also for advanced; all bookable at the hotel. Unfortunately, I only stayed there for one night, but next time I will definitely stay longer.

5. Nizwa
This is the former capital of Oman and still a tourist attraction. There are several reasons for this, such as the goat market on Fridays (make sure you are there around six o'clock, as they start early) and the Nizwa Fort. If you love photography or want to shoot the perfect Insta post: this is the place (although all of Oman is quite photogenic). I stayed in a fairly new hotel in the old town itself, but this is also doable as a day tour.

Where to sleep in Oman:

Kempinski Hotel Muscat
I stayed here for two days and it was such a delight. The beds are wonderful, all the staff is so friendly, and I really enjoyed the food. One of the restaurants has an Asian menu with good dim sum and sushi. Fun fact: they also have a sports bar where they broadcast various football matches. The breakfast is extremely extensive, and for all the luxury you get, I found it very affordable.

Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar
I mentioned this hotel briefly, but it is so beautiful here. I would personally recommend staying more than one night, as you can enjoy the hotel but also do activities in the area. The multiple restaurants here are very good, so that won't get boring quickly either. And just take a look at their site and imagine: a cocktail in hand with this view? Take. Me. Back.

General tips for Oman

Are you planning to go to Oman? I understand. Here are some handy things to know before you go.

– Dress code: if you go to the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, women must be completely covered, from ankles to wrists. If you don't have that, you can rent an outfit there. Oman is fairly westernized, but it is appreciated if you walk around with covered shoulders and knees as a woman, especially if you are outside Muscat.

– Tipping: it is certainly expected to give tips to guides, porters, and drivers. A guideline often mentioned is three euros per day if you are traveling with a guide/driver. In hotels and restaurants (if there is no service charge on the bill), a tip of ten percent is appropriate.

– Language: many people in Oman speak very good English.

– Alcohol: alcohol is served in bars and restaurants that are part of hotels.