How to enjoy your vacation in Oman

Deeply rooted in years of a glorious past and heritage, the Sultanate of Oman comes complete with many a charm to admire and embrace. For the modern-day voyager and vacationer, Oman’s appeals will be the perfect tonic and in turn, will afford one a glimpse of how life unfolds in these parts. For any prospective traveller keen on taking on all that Oman is known for, do factor in the possibility of including as much of or all of the leisure pursuits that have been listed out below.

Explore ancient cities and heritage sites

Oman is a nation blessed with a rich heritage to be proud of and thus, presents countless opportunities to go on memorable adventures and to a time etched in historic values. The archaeological sites of Al-Ayn, Bat and Al-Khutm portray a picture of the Sultanate where ancient buildings of sublime beauty and detail are showcased. Venturing a tad farther to the Ancient City of Qalhat, one will be treated to ruins of varying degrees that continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with the modern-day marvels that have sprung up across major cities of the nation.

Shop till you drop at the Old Mutrah Souq

Even if you aren’t much of a shopaholic or fan of a few hours of retail therapy, Oman’s souqs are sure to have you engrossed from start to finish. Home to both the exotic as well as shades of a wonderful legacy, the Old Mutrah Souq located at Mutrah Corniche is one such establishment that ought to be included no sooner you have your travel schedule in order and air tickets booked. With lines and rows of timber-roofed shops to call by, one can pick and choose from a wide spectrum of antiques, artefacts, textiles, hardware and eye-catching jewellery items that you will find not find elsewhere or within any local mall. Although one will need to have one’s best bargaining skills at one’s disposal, the overall experience will be truly satisfying and in fact, before you head off in search of the next attraction on your list, consider delighting in a cuppa traditional coffee for an added dose of energy.

Whet your appetite for hiking

The glorious and jaw-dropping environs of Oman are best navigated as part of a hiking expedition that will offer you unobstructed access to some of the nation’s most lauded areas and pastimes. Nestled a few miles from the capital of Muscat, lie the Wadi Sands which combine rugged landscapes with shimmering water pools. A hike through this wadi (gorge) will bring you to a stunning waterfall but not before passing through a cave on the way. Take time off to swim and unwind within refreshing waters that will spur you on towards greater goals ahead. In fact, should you be staying at or considering coming over to Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort, then you will be handed a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to move off the beaten path under the watchful eyes of a guide. Coming off as one of the most sought-after things to do in Nizwa, one may enjoy a hike to a 400-year-old village shrouded by towering hills where scenes of wildlife may also be caught sight.

Settle down to a cultural ensemble at Royal Opera House

A household name in contemporary Omani art, the Royal Opera House in Muscat will see to it that you bid adieu to deserts and traditional markets and essentially, have you in the best seat in the house to take pleasure in different cultural performances. A host of activities can be had once here which include inspecting the art, shopping in the retail market area and sampling the flavours of a country that continue to draw in visitors from across the world.