Heaven Scent

OMAN is full of contradictions of old and new and many modern shopping complexes have recently sprung up across #Muscat. Fully air-conditioned, they have a selection of local and international stores, local boutiques, supermarkets, cafes, food courts and play areas for children. 

When it comes to shopping a special mention goes to Oman’s world-famous scent, Amouage. One of the world’s most valuable perfumes, it is available at the flagship store, The House of Amouge, in Muscat’s Sabco Centre. Guy Robert, the renowned French perfumer behind the scents of Hermés, Dior and Rochas, was commissioned to formulate the celebrated fragrance, incorporating native Omani ingredients – frankincense and myrrh as well as rosewater extracted from the rarest rock rose found in Oman’s Jebel Akhdar region. 

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A gentle wander in Oman

IF you love to shop, whether it be pottering through ancient alleyways in a traditional souk, visiting local villages for one of a kind pottery pieces, sifting through shelves of high quality silver then #Oman is the place for you. From traditional #souks and local villages here is the low down on where to shop in Oman. 

Muttrah Souq Since ancient times the traditional market places in Oman have been much more than a place to do trade. Omani souqs are places for social gatherings and there is nowhere better to experience this than Muttrah Souq. The oldest marketplace in the capital, Muttrah Souk- located behind Muttrah Corniche, is a maze of tightly packed, narrow lanes that lead in and out of each other revealing gold, silver, textiles, pottery and dates, together with piquant aromas of incense, spices and varying qualities of frankincense, which waft through the alleyways. Also plentiful, are traditional coffee pots and plates, along with handicrafts, incense burners, Bedouin jewellery and silver khanjars – traditional Omani daggers worn by men. Gold and silver are well priced and are mainly sold by weight. The best time to visit is either early morning or late afternoon. 

Nizwa Souq Once considered a symbol of wealth, Silver has been one of Oman’s most precious metals for four thousand years. Visitors to Nizwa, a place famous for the work of its silversmiths, will find some superb silver pieces at Nizwa Souq. Don’t miss the Friday cattle market where you will witness locals converge to sell or buy a prized new cow, goat or camel.  Afterwards take in the views of Nizwa fort with a delicate cardamom scented Omani coffee and Oman’s most famous Halwa (local sweet) from Al-Saifi’s store. 

Bahla Souq Based in the centre of this mystical village is Bahla Souq, where if you are lucky you can witness the modern form of magic that takes place daily with master potters creating their wares. Many of the incense burners, pots and dishes you see around Oman originate from Bahla so it is a treat to be able to visit the source and Bahla Fort is also well worth a visit. 

Ibra Souq One of Oman’s most interesting souqs is at Ibra, where the Wednesday market is a ‘ladies only’ event. Operated by women, the souq’s specialties cater to women and include silks, handicrafts, Bedu jewellery and sandalwood. Although the real highlight, is viewing the women shopping and chatting with their colourful attire. 

Al Hafah Souq Set amid Salalah’s coconut groves in Oman’s southern Dhofar region is Al Hafah Souq, one of the best markets to buy perfume or high-grade frankincense, myrrh and rose. Once worth more than gold, frankincense is in high demand along with the brightly-painted Dhofari incense burners. Local vendors also sell regional food including hummus and mishkak — Omani barbecue meat cooked over a spit. 


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Picture Credit: By yeowatzup from Katlenburg-Lindau, Germany - Nizwa Souk, Oman, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=24520873

Mövenpick Hotel Muscat Airport capitalises on city’s tourism growth

Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts’ #Oman expansion strategy is gathering pace with the company revealing plans to operate its third property in the Sultanate’s capital, #Muscat.

The global hospitality company has inked an agreement with Oman’s Golden Group of Companies to manage the 370-key Mövenpick Hotel Muscat Airport, part of a new upscale mixed-use project under development near Muscat International Airport, which will also feature retail and commercial space covering 3,000sqm and 10,000sqm respectively when it opens in 2021.

It expands Mövenpick’s inventory pipeline to almost 1,000 keys countrywide after deals to operate Mövenpick Hotel & Apartments Al Azaiba Muscat and Mövenpick Hotel Bausher Muscat were recently signed.

The three properties will capitalise on Oman’s growing importance as a regional hub for business and leisure tourism, spurred by the development of new infrastructure that ranges from conference centres to cruise terminals. At the same time, Muscat International Airport is undergoing extensive renovations and expansion that will boost its annual capacity from 12 million to 48 million passengers when the redevelopment project is fully completed.

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Adrenalin adventures in Oman

TRAVELLERS with a sense of #adventure need look no further than #Oman to satisfy the next adrenalin rush. No other Gulf region offers such a diverse range of great outdoor adventures across a striking terrain that travels back 500 million years of geological time.

Desert Dune Bashing - Huge rolling dunes as far as the eye can see makes for a white knuckle ride dune bashing in 4WD’s at Shaqiya Sands- less than 3 hours from Muscat. Take a quad bike or camel over the dunes and watch the world turn pink and orange with a spectacular desert sun set. 

Caves and Canyons - For those who like their adventure on the extreme side, the thrill of rock-climbing and abseiling awaits. Climbers from around the globe are drawn to the high peaks of the Hajar mountains, and to the beautiful sea cliffs along the Omani coast. First-time climbers can attempt one of several Via Ferrata (‘by wire’) routes which keep them permanently attached to a cable via a harness for maximum safety at Snake Canyon, Jabel Shams and Jabal Akhdar. 

Take a Hike  - The challenging terrain of Oman’s ‘Sun Mountain’, Jabal Shams – standing 3009 metres above sea level as the country’s highest mountain peak – is a perfect place to start an adventure tour. 

Wadi Bash - Go off-road and experience one of Oman’s fastest growing adventure sports. Throughout the Sultanate there are many opportunities for travellers to hit the dirt, water and sand dunes in a 4 x 4 wheel drive. 

Snorkel and Scuba - Oman’s magnificent marine environment draws in adventurous travellers with the opportunity to snorkel, scuba dive and kayak in sparkling turquoise waters that support vibrant coral reefs. 

Get Airborne - Kitesurfing is one of the fastest growing and extreme water sports to be enjoyed in the Gulf’s warm waters and Masirah Island has the only kitesurfing academy in the Gulf where you can camp out on the island in Bedouin style tents. 

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Picture Credit: Pintrest

New hotels open in Oman

THE Middle Eastern country of #Oman is the subject of some reimagining of its potential from within the region. Thirteen new hotel facilities started operating in the Sultanate during the first five months of this year, and the number is expected to increase to 81 hotels during 2017-2018.

The Ministry of #Tourism has detailed its efforts since the beginning of the year to establish hotel projects in the Sultanate, along with supporting investment opportunities through electronic services.

According to Director General of Investors Services & Quality Control
Eng. Mohammed Mahmoud Al Zadjali, the total number of rooms by the end of 2016 was 18,825 rooms distributed throughout the Sultanate, through hotels, resorts, hotel apartments, tourist camps, rest houses, guest houses, heritage hotels and green hotels.

The number of hotel establishments by the end of 2016, at 339, increased by 6.6% compared to the year 2015, which was at 318 hotel establishments. The number is expected to rise in 2017 to 352 hotels.

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Spabreaks.com launches its hottest relaxation holiday to date

SPA-LOVERS in search of the hottest new #luxury #spa holiday need look no further than Spabreaks.com's brand new four night 'city and desert' twin-centre break in #Oman.

The trip includes two nights in a luxury tented camp under the stars in the middle of the desert, two nights in one of Muscat's most luxurious properties, return flights, plus spa treatments dating back to the Ancient Egyptians.

Guests will enjoy two nights at Dunes by Al Nahda on a half board basis, experiencing a traditional hot sand ritual using techniques from the Ancient Egyptian times. Guests immerse themselves in sunken hot sand tubs before being wrapped in fabric and covered in a mix of milk, wine and oils before a relaxing massage. 

The final two nights will be spent at Al Nahda in Muscat on a bed and breakfast basis in an executive suite. As part of the package, guests will be treated to a 60 minute exotic facial.

For more information or to book visit www.spabreaks.com

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Al Hoota Cave

OMAN'S most popular natural tourist destination, Al Hoota Cave, has reopened following the implementation of broad enhancements to the visitor experience at the attraction. 

The cave, located in the wilayat of Al Hamra, is believed to be over 2 million years old located in a mountain in the vicinity of the Tanuf Valley in Al Hamra district at the foothills of Central Al Hajar mountains The cave offers a fascinating insight into what lies beneath Oman's plateaus and peaks.

The cave features an electrical train that starts from the visitor centre reaching the mouth of the tunnel arriving to the cave's main entrance. Another feature of this amazing cave is the subterranean lake system which is home to unusual species of aquatic, pink-coloured blind fish which sense their way around the lake with feelers.

The enhanced Al Hoota experience will enable people to get the most from their visits and the ability to plan a visit online means people can book the elements of the visit they want, creating a bespoke experience. Opening times are Saturday-Thursday (Except Monday) from 9am-6pm and on Fridays from 9am-12pm and 2pm-5pm.

alhootacave.com

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Picture Credit: By No machine-readable author provided. Nabieh~commonswiki assumed (based on copyright claims). - No machine-readable source provided. Own work assumed (based on copyright claims)., CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1528942

Khasab Sea Tours

KHASAB Sea Tours, one of the oldest travel agencys in Khasab,Oman operate trips for Cruise Ship passengers docking in Khasab. Khasab Musandam is famous for its natural beauty & dolphins which can be seen during the dhow cruise tours there are also tours of the historical city including Khasab fort.

Khasab is a destination for hundreds of Cruise Ships every year from Italy, Germany, France, United Kingdom & many other countries. Cruise Ships in Khasab for 2016/2017 are MSC Fantasia, Vision of the Seas, Celebrity Constellation, Mein Schiff-3, Norwegian Star, Costa Pacifica to name but a few.

Khasab Sea Tours provide free pickup & drop off services to the dhow cruise terminal for dhow cruise trips. They also operate Musandam trips:

Musandam dhow cruise tours: dhow cruise to Khasab Musandam Fjords with dolphin watching, swimming and snorkeling.

Mountain safari: mountain safari to top of the mountains with amazing views not to be missed.

City tour: tour of historical city of Khasab.

http://www.kstoman.com

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Picture Credit: Khasab Sea Tours

Thomson Cruises to base ship in Dubai

THOMSON CRUISES is to base a ship in #Dubai in winter 2016-17. Thomson Celebration will run two itineraries in the Gulf region from December next year.

The two seven-night itineraries – Arabian Nights and Cities of Gold – will include an overnight in Dubai and calls in Oman, Bahrain, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi.

Flights will operate to Dubai from Manchester, Birmingham, Gatwick, Cardiff, Newcastle, and Glasgow, with #cruise-and stay-packages also available when the programme goes on sale in November.

Thomson Cruises managing director, Helen Caron, said: ‘We know that destinations are one of the key deciding factors for our customers, and our decision to set sail from Dubai will allow holidaymakers to see and experience more destinations than ever before. With the average Brit visiting more than 14 foreign countries in their lifetime, we can’t wait for everyone to discover Arabia, from the glamour and opulence of Dubai and Abu Dhabi to the ancient heritage sites in Oman.’

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Picture Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/33694690@N07/4457890795">from burj khalifa to dubai shopping mall</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/2.0/">(license)