Oman: Magical mountains and splendid escapes

It was nonetheless darkish as our aircraft started its descent into Muscat. Under us, the inky black waters of the Gulf of Oman mirrored the sunshine of the silvery moon and the shadowy outlines of the saw-toothed Jabal Akhdar Mountains encircled the still-sleeping metropolis.

The airport was quiet, our flight the one one touchdown at the moment of day. Rapidly by way of immigration, we emerged into the arrivals space of the terminal, the place a uniformed driver awaited. By means of the terminal and into the ready automobile, we headed straight out of city, in direction of the mountains.

The street wound by way of the outskirts of Muscat, progressively giving technique to the rugged vastness of the Omani desert. As we get nearer to the mountains, the panorama turns into much more dramatic, with jagged peaks rising towards the slowly brightening sky. The air grows cooler as we climb. We move small villages and conventional stone homes, clinging to the hillsides.

Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar: A high-altitude haven

It had taken seven years to complete the winding, steep street, that’s taken us from fashionable Muscat as much as the distant Saiq Plateau – a wonderful feat of engineering that has modified the lives of the native villagers, who’d beforehand needed to negotiate the rugged terrain by donkey. On the finish of the street, and the tip of our two-hour journey, lies the gorgeous Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort.

We’re ushered to our room which, perched on the sting of a steep canyon 2,095m above sea stage, has unbelievable views. Mild pours into the room, glistening and reflecting off the swimming pool on our deck, and we are able to see remote-looking clusters of buildings dotted alongside the other aspect of the canyon. We head out to discover.

The Jabal Al Akhdar Mountains and the Saiq Plateau

Dwelling to a number of conventional villages, the Saiq Plateau is a stark distinction to Oman’s arid lowlands. Over centuries the folks right here have tailored to the mountainous surroundings, laboriously establishing sturdy stone homes, timeless terraced farms and an historic irrigation system generally known as ‘falaj’, that channels water from mountain springs on to their fields. There are round 58 totally different villages scattered all through these mountains; as soon as inhabited by farmers and their households, however now predominantly deserted. The handful of residents who stay completely, stay a way of life that’s deeply related to the land they’ve cultivated for generations.

Dwelling to a number of conventional villages, the Saiq Plateau is a stark distinction to Oman’s arid lowlands. Over centuries the folks right here have tailored to the mountainous surroundings, laboriously establishing sturdy stone homes, timeless terraced farms and an historic irrigation system generally known as ‘falaj’, that channels water from mountain springs on to their fields. There are round 58 totally different villages scattered all through these mountains; as soon as inhabited by farmers and their households, however now predominantly deserted. The handful of residents who stay completely, stay a way of life that’s deeply related to the land they’ve cultivated for generations.

Omani rose water

Maybe probably the most prized crop although is the Damask rose, identified regionally as ‘wardh’, which is harvested in March and April and distilled to make world-famous Omani rosewater. Blooming in spring, the roses fill the air with their delicate, candy scent. Farmers rise early to handpick the fragile rose petals, whereas their perfume is at its strongest. The petals are then distilled, utilizing conventional clay ovens or copper stills. It takes three hours to show 1.5kg of those heady pink blooms into uncooked rosewater. Every batch will nonetheless take an additional three to 4 months of cooling, filtration and storage earlier than it turns into the smokiest and darkest rosewater, and might command a worth of round 9 Omani Rials (£20) per 750ml bottle. It’s a time-honoured craft, handed down by way of generations.

Limitless views and Omani structure

Again on the lodge, the views are unbelievable. Diana’s Level, a glass-sided platform named after the late Princess of Wales, who had visited within the Eighties, shortly grew to become our favorite sundowner and dinner spot. Watching the solar dip beneath the canyon from right here was unforgettable—though the view from our room’s terrace was virtually pretty much as good.

The resort’s fortress-like stone partitions, big arched home windows, and intricately carved woodwork replicate Oman’s cultural heritage. Indoors conventional parts like tadelakt plasterwork and zellij tiles are integrated and within the gardens, pathways result in a standard hammam, an expensive spa, and secluded spots for stargazing. It took 4 years to construct the resort – I believe it was time nicely spent!

Magical Muscat

From the mountains, it was time to go again all the way down to Muscat to discover some extra. Sharp switchbacks and steep inclines gave technique to a sea of whitewashed buildings and a shoreline kissed by the waters of the Arabian Sea.

Muscat, clings to the coast, sitting between the Gulf of Oman and the towering Jabal Akhdar Mountains. Surrounded by the shiny megacities of the Gulf, Oman favours custom and the nation has banned skyscrapers in favour of a low-rise, whitewashed aesthetic. Untouched by mass tourism and with out the skyscraper flashiness and crowds of its UAE neighbours, what units the nation other than its neighbours, is its dedication to authenticity. Oman has resisted the pull of mass tourism, as an alternative focussing on preserving its tradition whereas embracing modernity.

The Chedi Muscat

The Chedi Muscat was our house for the subsequent few days – the proper mixture of a central metropolis location, with beautiful ocean views. Acres of manicured inexperienced lawns, swaying palm bushes, meandering pathways, effervescent water options, three azure swimming swimming pools, a personal 370m lengthy seaside, and a few really fantastic eating places.

The lodge has a legendary popularity within the Center East. This was the primary luxurious lodge to be inbuilt Oman, and it has change into the benchmark for Omani hospitality. Twenty years later folks nonetheless flock right here from world wide, to expertise its understated luxurious.

Exploring Muscat

Dragging ourselves away from the deliciously heat ocean, it was time to discover the town. We signed up for a personal tour with a neighborhood information, Hajer Al Muzayni. Hajer works as a information for With Locals and has her finger on the heartbeat of the town – other than all of the common sights, she confirmed us a few of the hidden gems and quirky corners of Muscat that the majority vacationers may miss. Join a 5-hour Full Protection Muscat Metropolis Tour and ask for her by title!

First cease was the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque. Oman’s mosques are a notable exception to the nation’s ‘no tall buildings’ coverage and the mosque, within the coronary heart of Muscat, dominates the town’s skyline with its 91m minaret. Quietly imposing from the surface, this unbelievable instance of contemporary Islamic structure, was a present to the nation from Sultan Qaboos, to mark his thirtieth 12 months of reign. The primary prayer corridor is magnificent. The carpet alone, measuring 70m by 60m, took 600 ladies 4 years to weave. The mosque can accommodate 20,000 worshippers, and with its ornate courtyards, mosaics, prayer halls and fantastically manicured gardens, is likely one of the prettiest sights within the metropolis.

Subsequent on the agenda was the Mutrah corniche. We strolled alongside the 2km promenade, stopping for some robust, candy cardamom tea, generally known as karak chai. Spiced with cardamom, clove, cinnamon and ginger, and blended with sweetened condensed milk, which give is an intense creaminess, this tea is tremendous scrumptious!

Persevering with alongside the corniche, we marvelled on the Masjid Al Rasool Al Adham, a blue-domed Shia mosque that dates again to the fifteenth century, earlier than calling in on the 200-year-old Mutrah Souq. Right here we wandered the size of the coated market, from the doorway gate on the Corniche, all the best way to the exit gate within the previous quarters of the town. Classic furnishings, souvenirs, jewelry, conventional Omani daggers, spices, incense and perfumes, we noticed all of it.

Muscat’s glistening white marble Opera Home was our final port of name. Identified for its distinctive acoustics, the constructing is the town’s hub of arts and tradition, recurrently internet hosting musical performers from all world wide. Performances are surprisingly reasonably priced, although you may, like us, simply take a fast guided tour of the within.

Tasting Muscat

For a pick-me-up alongside the best way, we known as in at a neighborhood sizzling spot for some Omani espresso, kahwa. Sometimes fairly weak, with hints of rosewater and saffron, kahwa is a well-liked social drink as a result of, because it’s not robust, you may sit with your mates and drink quite a few cups in a row.

By the tip of our tour, we’d labored up fairly an urge for food and had been in search of one thing just a little extra substantial than espresso. There’s not a lot avenue meals in Oman. However what Hajer launched us to was mishkak, skewers of barbequed meat and seafood. Marinated in garlic, ginger, and spices, then grilled over flaming sizzling charcoal, mishkak is eaten both with spicy chilli sauce or tamarind sauce. We known as in at one of many everlasting avenue meals stalls alongside the seaside space and, taking a seat at one of many plastic tables and chairs within the automobile park, devoured the smoky skewers.

No meal is full with out dessert, so we headed for Al Diwaniya, probably the greatest locations in Muscat for Halwa, a really candy, sticky Omani dessert, cooked right into a thick paste and seasoned with rosewater, saffron, and nuts. This is likely one of the solely genuine Omani desserts and if, like me, you have got a candy tooth, you’ll find it irresistible.

After six hours of sightseeing, visiting native seashores, calling in at galleries and low outlets, purchasing and consuming, we felt we’d had a great ‘style’ of the town.

Why Oman ought to be your subsequent luxurious escape

Oman is famend for the nice and cozy welcome it provides guests. In some way the nation manages to mix a wealthy historical past and robust traditions, with gorgeous landscapes and a decidedly fashionable outlook. From the ornate mosques of Muscat to the dramatic Jebel Akhdar mountains, and a few of the most gorgeous seashores on the Arabian Peninsula, Oman is a tremendous vacation spot that provides a lot. As they are saying in Arabic, “jamil jiddan” … very lovely.

Sarah Kingdom

Sarah Kingdom is a journey author from Sydney, Australia. When she is just not climbing or touring, she lives on a cattle ranch in central Zambia.