Espresso Boarding: Oman
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Oman:
Camels, Hidden Waterfalls, and Turtles
Oman is a land of breathtaking contrasts, where golden deserts meet lush green oases, rugged mountains cradle ancient forts, and the warm waters of the Arabian Sea kiss pristine beaches.
Living here feels like stepping into a timeless fairytale of hospitality, tradition, and unspoiled natural beauty that invites every visitor to slow down and truly savor life's wonders.
- Cris
Muscat
The Grand Mosque is the country's tallest structure, with an imposing 90-metre minaret. The mosque has four additional minarets, and together the five towers symbolise the five pillars of Islam: profession of faith, prayers, giving of alms, fasting and pilgrimage. Sultan Qaboos Mosque of Sohar is one of the largest holy places in the Arab region. Comprises of more than 180,000 sq. meters and can hold more than 5,500 worshipers at any given time in its prayer halls for both men and women. The total area of the mosque is distributed into three main portions. The outer gardens, main structure where we have courtyard and main prayer hall. The mosque is known for its stunning architectural beauty, with a mix of traditional Omani and Islamic elements. The attention to detail is impressive. One example is that the ablution places are kept separated on the left side corner and they are huge and spacious so the cleanliness can be maintained up to high standards.
Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque
Immerse yourself in the beauty and art of Islamic culture by visiting the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, a masterpiece of modern Islamic architecture. The Mosque is one the world's largest mosques and a massive architectural work of art that intentionally blends different Islamic architectural schools. It features 82 domes, more than 1,000 columns, 24-carat-gold gilded chandeliers and the world's second largest hand-knotted carpet. The Carpet of Wonder was commissioned for the prayer room.
The Carpet of Wonder was commissioned for the Prayer Room
Experience the "old, pure Arab" culture of hospitality and inclusion.
Dome of marble
Marble dome with gold chandeliers
The view along a hallway.
Mutrah Corniche
In the evening, return to Muscat and stroll the 1.5 miles along the Mutrah Corniche to visit the Mutrah Souq, one of the oldest markets in Oman. Sweeping from Muttrah Fish Market in the west to Riyam Park in the east, Muttrah Corniche lines Muttrah Bay on Muscat’s coast. Backed by the craggy Al Hajar Mountains and home to Muttrah Souk and Muscat cruise port; this popular waterfront is Muscat’s oldest commercial center and its most scenic and vibrant spot. This is where you come to shop, gossip, and drink coffee with your friends while admiring the ships and ocean.
Nizwa
Nizwa Fort
Did you enjoy pretending to be pirates when you were young? Get ready to relive your childhood because Nizwa Fort has cannon holes, turrets, and 7 doors at the entrance which each lead to a different place. I would be so lost living there. We recommend visiting the Nizwa locations in a single day by hiring a local guide to handle transportation and ticketing. Technically, the entire complex is called ‘Nizwa Fort’ but it actually contains both a Fort AND a Castle.
Nizwa Castle
Since not everyone wants to live in a fort, there is a castle next door. Nizwa Castle was built by Imam Salt bin Malik Al Kharusi in the first half of the third century AH / late ninth century AD, and it was built next to the old mosque. Nizwa was the capital of Oman until the late 18th century and so this was the seat of power prior to the new capital opening. This castle had a place for everyone; a headquarters for guests who come from far away to visit the imam, the military room, the imam’s library, coffee making and preparation rooms, prayer rooms in which the imam used to meet with people, a room (al-Najwa) for secret conversation, the imam’s private rooms in which he used to stay for worship, receiving guests, and dates stores. I wonder if people invited into the room for telling secrets were secretly thrilled? Or really worried?
Bahla Fort
You’re lost in the desert, wondering what possessed you to walk in this direction, when you see palm trees, water, and beautiful women. Are you nearly dead? Nope. You have entered an oasis that contains the immense, ruined Bahla Fort. With its walls and towers of mud brick on stone foundations, and the adjacent Friday Mosque with its decoratively sculpted prayer niche (mihrab), this fort dominates the surrounding mud brick settlement and palm grove. The fort and settlement, a mud-walled oasis in the Omani desert, owed its prosperity to the Banu Nebhan tribe (Nabahina), who dominated the central Omani region and made Bahla their capital from the 12th to the end of the 15th century. From there they established relationships with other tribal groups of the interior. Bahla was the centre of Ibadism (a branch of Islam), on which the ancient Omani Imamates were based and whose influence can be traced across Arabia, Africa and beyond. This was built without cement trucks, cranes, or electrical equipment and it still stands. We have a lot to learn about how we build modern buildings.
Desert Adventure
Wahiba Sands
Do you drive an SUV with all wheel drive but mostly use it to go to Costco? Time to change that because we’re headed into the desert to do some dune bashing, camel riding, swimming in an oasis, and possibly meeting some bedouins! Take a tour and cruise through desert dunes in a 4WD vehicle, savoring the thrill of off-road navigation. Venture into Wahiba Sands to observe the traditional homes of desert nomads and Bedouin tribes, keeping watch for nomads accompanied by their camels. Explore a Bedouin residence nestled in the desert heart, contrasting the arid surroundings with the crystalline waters of Wadi Bani Khalid. Take a leisurely break in the shade of palm trees, marvel at villages adorning the wadi slopes, and appreciate houses clinging to the rugged mountainside. Remember to pack your swimsuit for a revitalizing dip in the inviting waters!
The desert is also home to some 3,000 Bedouins, some of whom you may meet if you travel through the sands. Bedouin camps can be found along the tracks and trails in this isolated desert. You can also spend the night in one of these camps and experience an unpolluted sunset followed by all of the stars in the night sky. People describe this experience as “life changing” and vow to make sure that everyone in their family gets to experience it. No phones. No computers. Just water, animals, people, and a focus on what is important.
Watch out for camels.
This is what your SUV was made for.
Water is life. Swim in an oasis.
Watch out - they spit.
Magic camps in the desert.
Turtles
Wadi Shab
Hire a driver to take you to Wadi Shab, with giant honeycomb walls and crystal clear emerald water, it’s what Arabian dreams are made of. Things get even more exciting when you swim through a narrow passageway and into a cave with its very own hidden waterfall. It’s a magical place and no one who visits would question why it’s become Oman’s most coveted wadi. The hike to the Wadi is mostly easy but does include some “boulder hopping” where rocks have cascaded down the canyon walls. The swimming is relaxing but we recommend taking a noodle or life jacket with you because you might get tired when swimming and treading water, particularly if you want to spend a bit of time in the cave. However, overall it’s an easy swim, with regular places that are shallow enough to stop for a breather if needed.
It’s recommended to take a really early boat - 6:45 am early! - in order to find parking and beat the crowds. This is one of Oman’s most popular destinations and there will be hundreds of people on the weekend trying to walk on very narrow paths and swim in the water. That’s crazy. By leaving early, you can get the pools to yourself and make it back in time to visit the turtles.
A beautiful oasis
Several sections can be waded.
Never visit when rain is forecasted! The area floods very quickly and it is extremely dangerous.
Enter a hidden cave.
A waterfall inside of a cave!
Stunningly beautiful without the crowds.
Follow trail markers.
Witness A Momma Turtle Lay Her Eggs
One of the most popular eco-tourism activities in Oman is turtle viewing. Oman is home to several important nesting sites of four different species of turtles: the endangered Green Turtle, the Olive Ridley Turtle, the Loggerhead Turtle, and the critically endangered Hawksbill Turtle.
Surprisingly, the best time to travel and see the turtles hatch in Oman is during summertime, between May and September. Because Oman is located in the Middle East, there is always that hesitation in traveling due to the temperature and humidity. Truth is, Ras Al Hadd (where the Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve is located) enjoys very comfortable weather all throughout the year and during summertime as well, averaging from 77°F to 97°F. As the only place to legally watch turtles in Oman, this experience absolutely should not be missed!
$$$: Fine Dining
The Beach Restaurant at The Chedi Muscat is a luxurious beachfront dining experience with a focus on fresh seafood and international cuisine. Soak up the sea breeze and salt air on the expansive waterfront patio or gaze out from the high-ceilinged, contemporary dining room.
Order: Omani oysters and snow crab.
Pro: Stunning ocean views and romantic atmosphere.
Con: Premium pricing reflects the exclusive setting.
$$: Feed The Family
Ubhar offers a modern twist on traditional Omani dishes in a contemporary setting.
Order: Frankincense ice cream for a unique dessert experience.
Pro: Innovative menu that appeals to both locals and tourists.
Con: Portion sizes may be smaller than expected.
$: Cheap And Tasty
Bin Ateeq offers a traditional Omani dining experience with floor seating and authentic dishes. Yes - you will sit on the floor. Fun!
Order: Grilled meats and rice dishes.
Pro: Unique cultural experience at an affordable price.
Con: Basic amenities; may not suit everyone’s comfort preferences.
$$$: Luxury
The Al Bustan Palace, a Ritz-Carlton Hotel, is set against the Al Hajar mountains overlooking the Sea of Oman. This 5-star luxury resort offers a unique palace experience, showcasing the art of Omani hospitality.
Location: Located near the Al Hajar mountains, offering scenic views and proximity to natural attractions.
Pro: Features a 1-km long private beachfront—the longest in Muscat—and 250 newly renovated rooms and suites.
Con: Premium pricing reflects the exclusive setting.
$$: Family Comfort
The Radisson Blu Hotel, Muscat, is located in the center of Muscat, 3.1 mi from Mutrah Souq and National Museum. The tallest hotel in Muscat, it features a bar and spectacular views of the city.
Location: Situated in the heart of Muscat, providing easy access to shopping and cultural sites.
Pro: Offers modern amenities and is close to major attractions.
Con: Can get crowded during peak seasons.
$: Clean and Safe
The Garden Hotel, Muscat, is located close to Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque and Royal Opera House Muscat. The Garden Hotel Muscat provides shopping on site, a coffee shop/cafe, and dry cleaning/laundry services. For some rest and relaxation, visit the steam room. The on-site restaurant, Al Luban, offers breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, and garden views. Stay connected with free in-room WiFi.
Location: Located near Al Khuwair, close to shopping malls and restaurants.
Pro: Provides free parking and Wi-Fi.
Con: The location and low price means this hotel can be booked months in advance so it’s a good idea to make your reservation as soon as you purchase your plane ticket.
Rent An Apartment
This 3-bedroom, 3-bath house is a tropical garden paradise near the beach. The ground floor of a traditional Omani villa is at your disposal! With a spacious living area of more than 200 square meters and a garden, equipped with seating, charcoal grill and a dining table, no wish remains unfulfilled. You open the garden gate and the deep blue ocean is in front of you. Only a narrow, barely used road separates you from the fine sandy beach. Enjoy the calm and relaxed atmosphere!
Location: 3-minute walk from Qantab Beach.
Pro: Your own kitchen, washer, and dryer means saving luggage space for souvenirs and not waiting for a table at each meal.
Con: You have the ground floor and so someone else will live above you. This is not renting an entire home.
Muttrah Souq
The Muttrah Souq is one of the oldest markets in Oman. Muttrah Souq is a labyrinth of narrow alleys filled with vibrant stalls. It offers an authentic glimpse into Omani culture and commerce. Many stall sell similar items and light haggling is expected so we recommend listening to prices achieved by other people for similar items and then walking to the stall next door and getting that price (or better). This is respectful, polite haggling and should never become aggressive or disrepectful.
Buy: Frankincense, traditional Omani silver jewelry, handcrafted khanjars (daggers), spices, and textiles. The souq is also known for its variety of dates and traditional Omani sweets.
Ibra Ladies Souq
Every Wednesday from 8 to noon, the typically quiet desert town of Ibra is overrun with vendors and shoppers from all around Sharqiyah for the massive ladies' market, a display of the best perfumes, silks and other textiles, makeup, and jewelry in the region. Though traditionally access was restricted exclusively to women, this policy has eased over the years so the odd brave or curious man can be seen walking through the crowded byways through the hoards of women immersed in the heat of barter and negotiation.
The energy of the market is exhilarating, and the women are extremely friendly with foreign visitors and quick to try to explain their handicrafts and products. Other customers will jump in to help translate. Notice the beautiful richness of the outfits for Bedouin women from the surrounding Sharqiya Sands. A dusty square, normally filled with camels, goats and desert bric-a-brac becomes a ‘Designer`s Guild of the Desert` selling soft furnishings for the home or tent, together with clothing, textiles, make-up and jewelry for brides-to-be.
Buy: Handmade textiles, traditional dresses, jewelry, and cosmetics. It's an excellent place to find authentic Omani handicrafts and garments. Female vendors also sell homegrown vegetables and fresh cheeses.
Bahla Souq
The Bahla Souq is located near the UNESCO World Heritage Site Bahla Fort and known for its traditional pottery and crafts.
Buy: Handcrafted pottery, woven baskets, and traditional Omani artifacts.
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