WHITE sand beaches, orange desert dunes and busy city souks, this destination has it all.
Despite all this, one country in the Middle East isn’t considered a classic holiday destination, but that could all change as TUI has revealed its plans to open hotels there for the very first time.
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Oman is found on the southeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula bordering the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Yemen.
It’s often considered an ‘underrated’ holiday destination simply due to the fact it isn’t as widely visited by Brits as nearby hotspots like Dubai.
However it could become a popular winter sun destination for UK holidaymakers as it has temperatures between 20-25C from November to February.
And TUI has just announced it’s planning on building five hotels in Oman to encourage tourism in the country as a beach destination.
The five new hotels are set to be built in the Dhofar Governorate region – its biggest city is Salalah, which is also the second-largest city in Oman.
The first hotel is set to open in 2027 with others following in the next few years.
Muscat is the country’s capital, sitting on the Gulf of Oman it’s surrounded by mountains, desert and the sea.
Muscat has a number of souks where you can pick up handmade items, but one of the biggest landmarks in the city is the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque.
It’s Oman’s largest mosque with a large dome, and a world-famous carpet which was woven by 400 Iranian weavers.
Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is the only one in the country that welcomes non-Muslim visitors during specific days and times.
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When it comes to the landscape, Oman has towering mountains, but also plenty of sand dunes.
The Wahiba Sands is considered the most famous desert in Oman, particularly for tourists.
Visitors can drive a 4×4 across the sand, go camel riding, and enjoy overnight stays in desert camps.
Being surrounded by the Arabian Sea, Oman has some great beaches too Al Qurum Beach in Muscat and swimming to Al Mughsail Beach in Salalah.
Visitors can go swimming, diving, desert camping, and turtle viewing.
You’re likely to see turtles in Oman as five out of the world’s seven sea turtle species are found in its waters, including Green, Loggerhead, Hawksbill, and Olive Ridley turtles.
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Currently, there’s only one direct route from the UK to Oman.
Flying with Oman Air, the flight goes from London Heathrow to Muscat taking seven hours and 10 minutes.
To get to other cities like Salalah and Duqm, Brits will have to fly to the likes of Doha or Muscat for a layover.
With TUI planning on opening its new hotels, there’s likely to be further routes added in the next few years.
Hear from one writer who tried the Middle Eastern cruise trip with desert stays, five-star dining and wildlife safaris.
Plus, Virgin Atlantic is relaunching winter sun destination flights for the first time in six years.
One writer visited Oman to explore souks and admire the sand dunes
“Exploring this safe, smart and friendly corner of the Middle East feels like stumbling across a closely-kept secret — an old Arabia I had thought was all but lost.
“Oman is the ideal destination for a winter warmer, with some of the best beaches on the Arabian Peninsula bathed in constant sunshine and served by a handful of world-class hotels.
“Like most people visiting Oman, I made my jumping-off point Muscat, a city of neat neighbourhoods spread over a wide coastal area with a skyline pierced by domes and minarets.
“Muscat’s main attraction is the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, with a Swarovski crystal chandelier and the world’s second-largest Persian rug.
“The small Bait Al Zubair Museum gives tourists a good grounding in all things Omani. On the old Muscat waterfront we visited the atmospheric Muttrah Souk, packed with produce including burning frankincense wafting through the labyrinth of lanes.
“Oman’s dashing dunes are another natural highlight. I went quad biking and dune-bashing in the rolling sands, and cycled along the winding paths, enjoying the breeze and Martian-like scenery.” – Sasha Wood
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