TOTAL INDULGENCE AWAITS YOU IN OMAN

In 1983 His Royal Highness Qaboos bin Said Al Said commissioned Guy Robert, the renowned French perfumer behind the scents of Hermes, Dior and Rochas…

… to formulate a new and exotic fragrance that would incorporate native Omani ingredients: frankincense and myrrh as well as rosewater extracted from the rarest rock rose found in Oman’s Jabal Akhdar region. The result was Amouage – one of the world’s most priceless and desirable scents.

It seems fitting that a nation that produces such a high-end fragrance would also be at the pinnacle of global luxury tourism experience.

Stunning seaside resorts and hotels dot the Muscat coastline, luxury tents are sprinkled through the desert and five star retreats sit atop the highest mountains.

With its plethora of jaw dropping infinity pools, impressive spas and bespoke dining Oman should be top of the list for indulgent experiential travel.

Luxury Lodgings

Perched in the Hajar Mountains, luxury lodgings offer guests a mountainous escape and at certain times of the year a welcome relief from the desert heat.

Explore ancient villages, take a cooking class, practice yoga on a platform over the edge of a canyon or indulge in fine dining cuisine and soak up the ultimate mountain sunset.

The Alila Jabal Akhdar offers a 380 degree spellbinding view of the surrounding Hajar Mountains, 2,000m above sea level.

Private and secluded from the chaos of the daily grind, the property provides the peace and tranquillity required for a true escape.

For the more active, graded hikes are offered around the surrounding lush farms of pomegranates, roses and walnuts.

For those travelling with an entourage try out one of the 2 villas boasting your own private lap pool, Jacuzzi and a bath tub which fits 12 people and weights over 1.2 tonnes.

At the Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort sits a viewing platform on the edge of the Grand Canyon at ‘Diana’s Point’ where in 1986 Princess Diana sat and admired the view in between pages of her book.

Today at the same spot you can enjoy the stunning view over a romantic dinner, a sunset cocktail or even a sunrise yoga class.

Throughout the resort the architecture reflects the surrounds and Oman’s artistic culture with contemporary design motifs depicting the region’s ancient forts.

Check into a room with a view or hide away in a private villa with a temperature-controlled pool, or for the ultimate indulgence take out the prestigious three bedroom villa – with its own infinity pool, it is one of the most luxurious in the country.

If all of this relaxation is too much then why not tackle via ferrata steel cable which runs along the mountainside.

Under the guidance of qualified mountain instructors, the via ferrata provides 20-metre-long steep and exciting climbs, and also allows the more adventurous to abseil down sheer drop-offs for an eagle’s eye view.

Back on the coast on the edge of the Gulf of Oman are numerous designer digs from five-star resorts and hotels complete with private beaches to boutique hotels blending a modern aesthetic with opulent Arabic design.

These high- end lodgings come complete with indulgent spas offering sublime treatments in stunning surroundings with everything from relaxing and rejuvenating in a traditional hammam to Ancient Asian treatments and remedies in secluded sanctuaries.

Escape the hustle and bustle and high rises of Dubai with a 90 minute drive ascending 2,000 metres to the mountains with breath taking views of desert fjords on the backdrop of the sparkling azure sea.

The Six Senses Resort at Zighy Bay is cleverly designed to resemble a traditional Omani village and is a truly tranquil escape with the not so tranquil option of a tandem paragliding down to the reception of this luxurious property.

Once you settle in to the change of pace, take a sunset dhow cruise and enjoy the view of the imposing cliffs from the ocean or experience outdoor fine dining on the edge taking in sweeping views of the rugged Musandam Peninsula.

For something different choose to be lulled to sleep by the lapping water on a luxury live aboard dhow.

For many a visit to Oman is not complete without an expedition to the enormous dunes of Sharqiya Sands which can be done in style at a number of luxury desert camps.

An opulent night under the stars is an experience unlike any other.

Sleep in a Bedouin-style tent with modern luxuries close at hand between rippling desert dunes that transform from gold to ochre as the sun dips below the horizon.

Golf on the Gulf

If your indulgence is on the golf course rather than in the spa- teeing off on one of Oman’s three PGA 18- hole Championship courses should be on every golfers bucket list!

No matter where you stay or choose to play, Oman invites you to experience luxury at its finest.

From the backdrop of the highest peaks of the Hajar Mountains to the edge of the azure ocean, you will be cocooned in a blanket of warm and welcoming Arabian hospitality.

WIN a trip for two to Oman!

Agents, here’s is your chance to win a trip for you and a friend. Click here and open one of the doors to discover Oman and ENTER! Enquire about your favourite itinerary for an extra entry. Good luck!

What pure indulgence have you experienced around the world? Share with us in the comments below.

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