1. Oman
Oman offers a range of holiday options—incredible city culture, unique desert experiences, breathtaking mountains, deserted beaches and hidden wadi gems—all of which can be done in a week-long itinerary.
If you start in Muscat, you shouldn’t leave without staying at the uber-luxe Chedi Muscat, which houses the Middle East’s longest swimming pool. Then, drive out into the Wahiba Sands for a night or two to take in the desert dunes and sleep in a traditional Bedouin tent. Next, journey to the Jabal Akdar Mountain Range and stop at Nizwa’s market to pick up honey and juicy dates and watch as goats are sold by local farmers.
Once in the mountains, spoil yourself at Anantara Jabal Akhdar, which boasts an outstanding view of Oman’s fabled mountains. Take the costal road on your way back to Muscat and stop off at Sur, a picturesque fishing town famous for its traditional dhow boat building. Allot enough time to include a picnic lunch stop at Wadi Shaab, a beautiful oasis of freshwater pools, and visit the Bammah Sinkhole before finally returning to the city.
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