Oman Travel: Luxury Vacations in Muscat, Musandam and the Mountains

Oman is a land of mountains, forts and quiet coves, where tradition has been carefully kept even as roads, airports and resorts have reached the highest standard. Buildings in Muscat stay low and white, frankincense still scents the souqs, and Omanis are known throughout the region for their warm courtesy.

For travelers it offers variety in a compact itinerary: a few days by the sea in Muscat, a night on the Hajar Mountains, a desert camp in the Wahiba Sands and a dhow cruise through the fjords of the far north. The country's next steps are set out in Oman Vision 2040.

Visa: there are no nonstop flights from the US, so connect through a Gulf hub; the final hop to Muscat is about one hour. US passport holders should check the Royal Oman Police eVisa portal before travel, where the tourist eVisa is available. US passport holders can visit Oman visa-free for up to 14 days. Oman Air flies to Muscat from the major Gulf and European hubs.

Dress: Oman is conservative; cover shoulders and knees in towns and souqs, and wear long sleeves and a headscarf (women) at mosques. Alcohol is served in licensed hotel bars and restaurants. Ramadan (expected to begin around February 8, 2027) brings quieter days and festive evenings.

Money: the rial is one of the world's strongest currencies, at about $2.60 per rial. Dinner for two at a top Muscat restaurant from about $150 (OMR 58); a private dhow cruise in Musandam from about $500 (OMR 190). Roads are excellent, and a private driver is the easiest way to see the interior.

Days one to three: Muscat, with the Grand Mosque, the Royal Opera House, Mutrah souq at dusk and a boat trip to spot dolphins along the coast. Days four and five: drive to Nizwa for its fort and Friday livestock market, then up to Jebel Akhdar for two nights on the canyon rim.

Day six: continue to the Wahiba Sands for a night in a desert camp. Day seven: swim in Wadi Bani Khalid and see the turtles at Ras Al Jinz. Days eight to ten: fly north to Musandam for Six Senses Zighy Bay and a dhow cruise through the fjords, or south to Salalah in khareef season.

Every visit begins with kahwa, cardamom-scented coffee, served with dates and halwa. Omanis are proud of their heritage, and many still wear the traditional dishdasha and embroidered cap. A few words of Arabic, modest dress and a relaxed pace go a long way.