Oman is a fascinating country of endless green forests, domes and minarets, rich culture, stunning natural scenery, and heartwarming hospitality. Only an hour’s flight from Dubai, I was amazed to discover its storybook scenery and its beehive-like medinas (cities).
Strolling through the Nizwa souqs and forts, soaking in the sunshine & fiery sunsets at Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar, hiking Wadi Al Masdara with the best guide, munching on the real deal Oman chips, and best part yet, meeting the kindest people.
A practically perfect vacation in every way. Here are my 2 fils on the trip.
FLYING TO OMAN
Depending on your nationality, a visa may be required to enter Oman. Citizens of the GCC countries (Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates) do not require visas to enter. A recent announcement by the Foreign Ministry of Oman stated that Oman will be offering visa-free entry for up to 14 days to tourists from 103 countries. Here’s a list of these countries.
However, it’s worth noting that this same information is not shown on the Oman e-visa website. I did find a new visa category 26O which says free entry for 14 days for people from ‘G1 Special Countries’ but the list of the G1 countries was not provided. Also, ‘visa-free entry’ still requires an application to be submitted online on the Oman e-visa website.
As I had traveled prior to this announcement, both my friend and I had to obtain our e-visas online via the website here. I had read online that GCC residents could now get in visa-free; but we still had to submit the applications. My friend, a UK citizen, applied under the 29A GCC Resident Visa – as she was on the list of approved professions and received her 10-day visa almost instantly, for a fee of OMR 5. I however, was not on this G1 list of countries, was not on the list of approved professions, and was not accompanied by my ‘sponsor’. So I had to apply for a sponsored 6A Tourist Visa via a travel agency which I got successfully. Highly recommend Mr. Arun from New Salalah Travels. Feel free to contact me here for his details. Total fee: OMR 15 for a 10-day visa.
Do note that you can only apply for the visa 1 month prior to the visit.
P.S: Rules and requirements may change, so always check official government websites for updates.
TRANSPORT FROM & TO THE AIRPORT
Would highly recommend arranging your roundtrip airport transfers in advance via a tour/transport company. A trip from Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar to the airport arranged by a friend with a driver, cost OMR 30 one-way and took approximately 2.5 hours. So a round-trip should cost OMR 60 total. Only 4x4s are permitted and you will have to pass by a check point. You can contact Maher via DM on IG or contact me here for his phone number.
NIZWA
The labyrinthe medina.
Nizwa Souk: There are a variety of vendors selling everything from fruits and vegetables to Omani coffee, pottery, frankincense, tourist souvenirs, and everything in between. The less frantic souk environment, relative to Dubai’s, allows one to peruse the markets and chat with its vendors. We were told that Friday mornings were particularly busy with locals as that’s when cattle auctions were held, early in the morning (at 5AM – yikes!). Do note that the afternoon siesta time is between 1PM and 4PM, and many shops are closed then.
Al Saifi Omani Halwa: This glorious dessert is enough reason to visit Oman alone. As a few of my favorite halwa-making shops in Dubai have closed post-covid, I have been on the hunt for a halwa fix, and boy did Al Saifi deliver. Their range of options has something for everyone. Halwa with figs, with pistachios, with walnuts, and much more, served with Arabic coffee (minus the cardamom). The trick is to pick a version that will enhance but not overpower the halwa, typically made with caramelized sugar, saffron, rosewater, and ghee. It’s as addictive as it is caloric. Make sure it’s either just been prepared fresh (still hot) or ask for it to be heated.
Athar Cafe: Athar Café right at the Nizwa Souk is where you can capture the ethereal beauty of Oman’s ancient capital, listen to the prayer calls of the muezzins, and linger over strong coffee. Here is where I discovered that in Oman, the only way is up via its staircases which command strong knees.
Al Sabah House: Originally an Omani house, this gorgeous minimalist café pays tribute to its origins with its palm tree frond ceiling, its old doors repurposed as tables, and with pots and daggers hung on its walls.
Al Aqur Traditional Restaurant: Embrace the Omani communal dining culture at Al Aqur, where you sit and eat barefoot in a traditional majlis, a private dining room where there are no chairs, tables, or even cutlery (can be requested). Here you can try the delicious Omani Qabooli – slow cooked lamb with rice.
ANANTARA AL JABAL AL AKHDAR STAY
The mountainous landscape that surrounds Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Hotel is no doubt one that features Oman’s most stunning topography. The name Al Jabal Al Akhdar in Arabic translates to ‘The Green Mountain’ in reference to the surrounding scenery. From the mountain base and checkpoint, it took us approximately 45 min to reach the hotel. Upon arrival, we were warmly greeted, checked into our room, and then headed straight to the canyon’s edge to catch the fading sun as it brushed dabs of gold against the rocks. It was definitely a pinch me I’m dreaming kind of moment, and we’d soon discover, one of many.
Here are a few of my favorite highlights of our stay below:
At the canyon’s edge!
Soaking in an infinity pool that seems to hang off the Al Jabal Al Akhdar mountains. It’s serene and beckoning, and offers a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape.
Wandering around the hotel grounds, both luxurious and intimate. Although the rooms were mostly occupied, it often felt like we were the only ones!
Diana’s lookout point is dedicated to the princess who once visited Al Jabal Al Akhdar in Oman in 1986 and stood here.
The hotel has a lounge in its courtyard with a firepit in the center, keeping things toasty for when the weather dips to the low 10s.
I signed up for a half day hike at Wadi Al Masdara, which was a 10 min drive from the hotel and a fantastic experience. The trail is well maintained and requires an intermediate skill level of hiking. Mazen, the Omani guide, was excellent company, encouraging me to take a leap (often literally) and sharing intel on Oman’s flora, fauna, fantastic creatures and where to find them. We stopped for breaks whenever needed, and indulged in Oman chips to power through. As we descended, directly below us, a worm-shaped wadi of absolute exquisiteness shimmered. One has the option of taking a dip, but was too chilly when I visited so I chickened out.
It may have been the most beautiful setting for a yoga session I have ever had. The view framing a picture-perfect slice of Oman’s Al Jabal Al Akhdar and a set of white velvet clouds floating across an azure sky. You can sign up for either a sunrise or sunset yoga session against a stunning mountainscape. Make sure to ask for the schedule ahead as the sessions are held on select days. Afterwards, head over to the spa for a steam room visit, followed by a dip in the indoor jacuzzi, and finally the sauna room, in that order.
If you’re looking for a change from hotel dining, then head over to Layali Al Jabal, a nearby Persian restaurant (10 min walk from the hotel) with a lovely upper terrace to soak in the sunset. We were given delicious complimentary bowls of lentil soup to start with. For mains, I opted for my usual favorite order: lamb koobideh with saffron rice, zereshk, and yogurt on the side. Ask for Annabelle who is just lovely!
This 3-night quick trip was just the perfect length and reset. I would definitely recommend booking tours to explore Oman as there were many places we would have never found on our own or likely had access to. Would also recommend packing snacks to bring to the hotel with you. Hope this was helpful! DM me if you have any questions.
Also, here’s an IG reel of my first ever Oman adventure. Enjoy!