Al Bustan Palace

Oman is probably one of the best kept secrets of the Middle East. Quite often overlooked for the dazzling cities of the United Arab Emirates, the wonderful country of Oman never quite gets the accolade it deserves. Officially the Sultanate of Oman, this spectacular Arab country sits on the Arabian Peninsula along the South Eastern coast, bordered by UAE and Saudi Arabia as its neighbours. This stunning destination rose to power between the 17th and 19th Century and features some of the most amazing Portuguese, British and even Dutch colonial architecture from Portuguese rule previously in the 16th Century. Today, Oman’s must-visit cities – including as the capital Muscat, Salalah, Sohar, Nizwa and Seeb – offer stunning architecture, great shopping, luxury hotels and resorts, fine dining, and some truly breath-taking natural sites. For many who visit, Muscat is the place to start and end; a wonderful capital filled with traditional charm and some of the best 5 star hotels in the world. The city is filled with culture and you’ll never have to look far for fine dining options, with a vast choice of delicious local cuisine or food from around the world.

It has gorgeous golden beaches, ideal for beach holidays and sapphire waters that host a plethora of amazing marine species. This combined with its hot beach friendly climate, traditional Arabic Souks and surprisingly varied cuisine, makes it an excellent place for family holidays, or for couples or single travellers to go and experience something different.