oman:
arabia’s Quiet Wonder

If you’re wondering where to go for a winter holiday, make sure you put Oman at the top of the list.

As a lifelong Londoner, I’m used to city energy, so arriving in Muscat, Oman, felt like stepping into a calmer, sun-baked groove without losing that sense of culture and sophistication I love.

Muscat surprised me – the grandeur of the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque and the opulent accessibility of the Royal Opera House just to start with. I can remember the scent of frankincense drifting through the hustle and bustle of Mutrah souk where I got my shopping fix, while I based myself at The Chedi Muscat, all serene lines, palm-fringed pools and mountain-meets-sea views. Further south in Salalah, staying at Anantara Al Baleed, the landscape shifted completely: lush after the monsoon, with camels wandering lazily along the roadside and vast, empty beaches that feel worlds away from the capital. Oman has less razzle-dazzle than Dubai, but it’s layered with history, culture and a warmth that lingers long after you’ve flown home…