Oman Originating from centuries-old civilisation, the Sultanate of Oman is a traditional yet modern state, discreetly unfolding its myriad of unique facets. Surrounded by mountains, deserts and the Arabian Sea, you ll discover a haven of architectural and cultural treasures. The historic forts are reminiscent of Oman s rich heritage and the souks seem to come right out of Arabian Nights with their dazzling array of delights. Oman s capital Muscat is the commercial and cultural hub, and home to the Sultan s magnificent palace, flanked by the majestic forts of Jalali and Mirani. Salalah, to the south, is a tropical haven fringed by coral reefs and crystal-clear waters, while the Musandam Peninsula is backed by rugged mountains. Oman Travel Tips Time: GMT + 4 hours Flying Time from the UK: Approx. 8 hours Language: Arabic but English is widely spoken. Currency: Omani Rial, 1 = 0.77 OMR Visa Requirements: Required by British Citizens and available on arrival at Muscat Airport (cost 6 OMR). Festivals & Events: Ramadan, the Islamic month of fasting, is due to commence on approx. 21 Aug 09. During this time, visitors are requested to refrain from eating, smoking and drinking in public during daylight hours; some alcohol restrictions will apply. Airline Access: Muscat is well served by direct flights from the UK. Salalah has flight connections from either Muscat or Dubai, hence making an easy twin-centre combination. The gateway to the Musandam Peninsula is Dubai. Tourist Office: Oman Tourism, 11 Blades Court, 121 Deodar Road, London SW15 2NU Tel: 0208 877 4524 More useful information can be found on pages 56/57. QATAR Persian Gulf SAUDI ARABIA UNITED ARAB EMIRATES Musandam Peninsula Al Jibal Suhar Barka Nizwa Khaluf Gulf of Oman Barr Al Jissah Muscat Al Mudaybi Wahiba Sur Sur Masirah Ras Al Hadd Mughshin Duqm Gulf of Masirah Dawkah Ras al Madrakah Sawqirah Mudayy Salalah 31
Oman - Muscat Shangri-La's Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa Exclusively located on the bay at Barr Al Jissah, Shangri-La's Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa sits in 124 acres of landscaped gardens and nestles against the dramatic backdrop of the rugged interior mountains and the spectacular waters of the Gulf of Oman. This luxurious resort complex comprises three hotels and is a perfect gateway to discover this land of contrasts and culture. Facilities throughout the resort are plentiful and include a large variety of food and beverage outlets, including six main restaurants, seven casual dining outlets and pool bars, three lobby lounges, two bars and a nightclub, CHI- The Spa at Shangri-La, and three private beaches, along with many other activity options. Shangri-La's Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa caters for all tastes, making it a perfect location for a family holiday, or a romantic getaway. Al Waha, at 5 Al Bandar, at 5 Al Husn, at 5+ Al Waha, the largest of the three hotels was the first to open on this beautiful resort and features a fantastic array of facilities. Facilities 5 food & beverage outlets business centre fitness centre 6000sqm of pool 500m lazy river tennis watersports boat excursions spa hair & beauty salon laundry daily shuttle to downtown Muscat gift shop kids pool kids club Rooms 262 rooms & suites mini-bar satellite TV 24hr room service air-con tea & coffee balcony or terrace Offers Book 6 nights 93 days prior to arrival and pay for 5, valid 01Jan09-13Feb09, 23Feb09-03Apr09, 20Apr09-21Oct09, Al Bandar sits elegantly in the heart of Shangri-La s Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa complex, is smaller and more intimate and houses the teens kids club. Facilities 9 food & beverage outlets business centre fitness centre 6000sqm of pool 500m lazy river tennis watersports boat excursions spa hair & beauty salon laundry daily shuttle to downtown Muscat gift shop kids pool kids club Rooms 197 rooms & suites mini-bar satellite TV air-con tea & coffee 24hr room service balcony or terrace Offers Book 6 nights 93 days prior to arrival and pay for 5, valid 01Jan09-13Feb09, 23Feb09-03Apr09, 20Apr09-21Oct09, The last hotel to open, the lavish Al Husn stands alone as a mystical retreat overlooking the resort with breathtaking sea views. Facilities 6 food & beverage outlets business centre private fitness centre private pool for Al Husn guests private 100m beach tennis watersports boat excursions spa hair & beauty salon laundry daily shuttle to downtown Muscat gift shop Rooms 179 rooms & suites mini-bar satellite TV internet access 24hr room service air-con tea & coffee balcony or terrace butler service Offers Book 6 nights 93 days prior to arrival and pay for 5, valid 01Jan09-13Feb09, 23Feb09-03Apr09, 20Apr09-21Oct09, 32 Superior 01Jan09-13Feb09 96 20 16Sep09-21Oct09 96 20 14Feb09-22Feb09 125 26 22Oct09-01Nov09 125 26 23Feb09-03Apr09 96 20 02Nov09-25Dec09 96 20 04Apr09-19Apr09 125 26 26Dec09-31Dec09 125 26 20Apr09-14May09 96 20 15May09-15Sep09 71 15 Deluxe 01Jan09-13Feb09 142 30 16Sep09-21Oct09 142 30 14Feb09-22Feb09 171 36 22Oct09-01Nov09 171 36 23Feb09-03Apr09 142 30 02Nov09-25Dec09 142 30 04Apr09-19Apr09 171 36 26Dec09-31Dec09 171 36 20Apr09-14May09 142 30 15May09-15Sep09 96 20 Deluxe 01Jan09-13Feb09 192 40 16Sep09-21Oct09 192 40 14Feb09-22Feb09 221 47 22Oct09-01Nov09 221 47 23Feb09-03Apr09 192 40 02Nov09-25Dec09 192 40 04Apr09-19Apr09 221 47 26Dec09-31Dec09 221 47 20Apr09-14May09 192 40 15May09-15Sep09 150 32
Oman - Muscat The Chedi, Muscat The Chedi is totally unique; not only to Oman but the Middle East. Its reputation precedes it and it is sure to impress. Its chic minimalist Omani architecture comprises elegantly designed, sharp-white angular buildings and villas; punctuated by palm-fringed gardens and integrated water features. Attention to detail is king from the show-stopping contemporary chandelier at the heart of the lobby to the stunning rectangular infinity-edge pool which mirrors the clear blue ocean beyond. The dining options are fantastic, a delight is the see-through kitchens and the host of worldwide, plus Omani, cuisine available is a real treat. By night it is a mastery of light and reflections, creating a very romantic and dreamy ambience. By day, experience the vibrant city with wonderful mosque s, colourful markets and a scenic waterfront corniche or simply relax in the beautiful surrounds of the hotel. Only 15 minutes from the airport and set on a private beach, The Chedi is a must-see hotel of the world. Facilities 5 food & beverage outlets gym 2 stunning pools (1 of which is exclusively for adults) floodlit tennis courts spa boutique library laundry & dry cleaning Rooms 151 rooms & suites mini-bar satellite TV entertainment system internet air-con 24hr room service shower only in rooms and sunken baths in suites Serai Superior Chedi Deluxe 01Jan09-10Jan09 119 238 01Jan09-10Jan09 149 297 11Jan09-31May09 133 266 11Jan09-31May09 168 336 01Jun09-30Sep09 82 164 01Jun09-30Sep09 104 207 01Oct09-26Dec09 133 266 01Oct09-26Dec09 168 336 27Dec09-31Dec09 153 306 27Dec09-31Dec09 193 386 Grand Hyatt, Muscat By far the most lavish and largest hotel in Muscat, Grand Hyatt Muscat perfectly blends traditional architecture with the latest comforts and amenities. The Hyatt comands an ideal location on the tranquil sandy beach of Shatti Al Qurm and is overlooked by the Hajar mountains. Facilities 4 restaurants 2 bars cafes nightclub tea lounge business services fitness centre pool with lazy river kid's pool gym tennis squash watersports massage & beauty centre boutique Rooms 280 rooms & suites mini-bar satellite TV internet air-con 24hr room service balcony Offers Book 7 nights or more before 31Mar09 and receive a 10% discount, valid 01Jun09-31Aug09 Al Bustan Palace Intercontinental, Muscat Recently acquired by the Intercontinental Hotel Group and extensively renovated in 2008, the Al Bustan Palace is once again set to feature prominently amongst Muscat s finest luxury hotels. Benefiting from perhaps the most spectacular location of all the hotels in Muscat, the Al Bustan is nestled in 200 hundred acres of lush palm flecked gardens with a dramatic and starkly beautiful mountain range to the rear and a large sweeping bay with fine beach and sparkling waters to the front. Originally designed to host dignitaries and VIPs the hotel has an ingrained grandeur and opulence of scale, the vast lobby atrium that greets guests on arrival consistently inspires the type of gasps of astonishment more common in grand mosques and cathedrals. The hotel features a large private beach and extensive health, leisure and entertainment facilities. Facilities 4 restaurants 2 bars 4 pools tennis watersports health club mini golf beauty salon kids pool & playground Bedouin Village Rooms 250 newly refurbished rooms & suites mini-bar satellite TV CD/DVD player internet air-con tea & coffee balcony or terrace Offers Stay 5 nights, pay for 4 OR stay 7 nights, pay for 5 OR stay 10 nights, pay for 7, valid 01Jun09-31Aug09 Grand Room 01Jan09-04Jan09 158 280 01Jun09-31Aug09 74 147 05Jan09-15Feb09 133 229 01Sep09-25Oct09 133 229 16Feb09-20Feb09 158 280 26Oct09-30Oct09 158 280 21Feb09-05Apr09 133 229 31Oct09-26Dec09 133 229 06Apr09-17Apr09 158 280 27Dec09-31Dec09 158 280 18Apr09-31May09 133 229 Bustan Garden View Deluxe Mountain View 01Jan09-06Apr09 165 330 01Jan09-06Apr09 165 330 07Apr09-16Apr09 190 380 07Apr09-16Apr09 190 380 17Apr09-15May09 165 330 17Apr09-15May09 165 330 16May09-30Sep09 130 260 16May09-30Sep09 130 260 01Oct09-23Dec09 165 330 01Oct09-23Dec09 165 330 24Dec09-31Dec09 190 380 24Dec09-31Dec09 190 380 Deluxe Sea View 01Jan09-06Apr09 185 370 07Apr09-16Apr09 211 422 17Apr09-15May09 185 370 16May09-30Sep09 145 290 01Oct09-23Dec09 185 370 24Dec09-31Dec09 211 422 Bustan Lagoon Access 01Jan09-06Apr09 220 440 07Apr09-16Apr09 246 492 17Apr09-15May09 220 440 16May09-30Sep09 172 343 01Oct09-23Dec09 220 440 24Dec09-31Dec09 246 492 Brochure prices may change. See booking conditions. 33
Oman - Musandam Peninsula Six Senses Hideaway Zighy Bay Six Senses Hideaway Zighy Bay is located on the Musandam Peninsula, the most northerly tip of the Sultanate of Oman. Separated from the rest of the country by the United Arab Emirates, Zighy Bay is just a two-hour drive from Dubai International Airport. The peninsula s rugged mountains which rise up to 2,100 metres above the coast and jut into the strait of Hormuz have a spectacular fjord-like look. It is no wonder that Musandam is often referred to as The Norway of the Middle East. This luxurious, yet rustic hideaway, will really allow you to unwind and relax in the privacy of your own spacious villa. The landscape surrounding the indigenous village style accommodations and private marina is dramatic, with mountains on one side and a 1.6 km sandy beach at Zighy Bay, on the other. Enjoy the peace and tranquillity of your own villa, relax by the stunning poolside, or enjoy the Six Senses Spa, which focuses on holistic wellness and rejuvenation. Guests can also enjoy the numerous dining options which are available in addition to the excellent restaurants, including Bites, serving the finest seafood. Eat in the wine cellar, or dine on the edge of a cliff overlooking Zighy Bay. A perfect choice for honeymooners or romantics alike! Facilities 2 restaurants bar gym pool spa non-motorised watersports bicycles shop library laundry Rooms 82 uniquely designed villas mini-bar LCD satellite TV CD/DVD air-con tea & coffee infinity-edged pool outdoor patio & dining suite private outdoor shower outdoor Majlis large daybed 24hr butler service Offers Stay 7 nights, pay 5, or stay 14 nights, pay 10, valid 01Jun09-31Jul09 Stay 7 nights, pay 6, valid 11May09-31May09 & 01Aug09-30Sep09 Honeymooners staying 4 nights or more receive a complimentary spa treatment (up to 50 mins each), champagne at sunset on the beach & 1 x private dinner in villa (excl. drinks) Book a minimum of 4 nights, before 27Feb09 & receive a credit of US$250 per villa, per stay, to be spent in resort, valid 01Jun09-31Aug09 Arrival Experiences Not only is your stay at Six Senses Hideaway Zighy Bay an experience, getting there is also one! Guests have the choice of three arrival experiences: A scenic 15 minute speed boat trip from Dibba port, just over the border from Dubai; a winding drive down from the hill top overlooking the bay; or travel as a companion passenger with the Six Senses Hideaway s professional paraglider. Private car transfer, per person one way from: 39 Private car, plus boat, per person one way from: 84 Private car, plus paragliding, per person one way from: 156 34 Pool Villa Pool Villa Suites 01Jan09-10May09 312 623 01Jan09-10May09 379 758 11May09-31May09 259 518 11May09-31May09 336 672 01Jun09-31Jul09 219 437 01Jun09-31Jul09 291 582 01Aug09-30Sep09 259 518 01Aug09-30Sep09 336 672 01Oct09-20Dec09 312 623 01Oct09-20Dec09 379 758 21Dec09-31Dec09 426 851 21Dec09-31Dec09 491 982
Oman - Touring 3 Day Oman Escape Barka Barr Al Jissah Muscat Departures: Daily on a private basis. Minimum 2 people. Day 1: Muscat Ras al Hadd This morning you will be collected from your hotel before traveling to Ras Al Hadd via the scenic and rugged coastal route. This tour offers breathtaking glimpses of the blue waters of the Gulf of Oman offset by pristine white beaches. Drive past the fishing village of Quriyat, visit the picturesque Wadi Arabayeen with its deep pools of water set among the date palms before proceeding to the Bimah sinkhole, a spectacular limestone crater with blue green water at the bottom. Enjoy a picnic lunch enroute. As you continue from here the road winds through mountain terrain offering breathtaking glimpses of the blue waters of the ocean.we continue our drive to Ras Al Hadd, a sanctuary for the green turtles. Here, it is possible to witness the extraordinary sight of the female Green Turtles approaching the beach to lay their eggs.(ld) Overnight: Ras Al Hadd Beach Hotel Day 2: Ras al Hadd - Wahiba Adventure Today, drive along the Indian Ocean through one of the most magnificent landscapes of Oman s East Coast. After lunch, continue to the Wahiba Desert where you will be welcomed by a Bedouin family and have the option to ride on camel back. Later after experiencing the sand dune drive you will arrive at your desert camp. This evening, relax and enjoy an authentic Bedouin dinner. (BLD) Overnight: Campsite at Wahiba Day 3: Wahiba - Wadi Bani Khalid - Muscat Drive along the dunes of Wahiba which will take you to Wadi Bani Khalid one of the most beautiful wadis in the mountains of Oman. Next to the dry vastness of the desert you step into another world. The landscape is filled with lush greenery and fish swim in the clear blue waters of the pools. After lunch in the village of Al Qabil, you will continue your journey through more of the fascinating Hajar mountain range. Various minerals and stone formations make the drive a colourful feast for your eyes. Your tour ends late afternoon at your chosen Muscat hotel.(bl) Nizwa Al Mudaybi Wahiba 1 Sur 1 Ras Al Hadd Accommodation and meals as specified (B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner) Transport in a 4WD vehicle (max. 4 guests per vehicle) Services of an English-speaking driver/guide Price per person, in 's from Oman Escape 01Jan09-30Apr09 519 579 01May09-30Sep09 n/a n/a 01Oct09-31Oct09 519 579 01Nov09-31Dec09 575 639 1 No. of nights stayed Land 4 Day Muscat Uncovered Departures: Daily on a private basis. Minimum 2 people. Day 1: Arrive Muscat On arrival in Muscat you will be met and transferred to your hotel for a three-night stay. The Shangri-La is situated on a beautiful bay just outside Muscat and is the perfect place to return to after a days touring. Here, enjoy the facilities that this fantastic hotel has to offer (see page 32 for more information). Overnight: Al Waha, at Shangri-La's Barr Al Jissah Resort Day 2: Morning Muscat City Tour This morning depart on a fascinating tour of this vibrant and historical city. Muscat offers visitors a unique insight into a modern Arabian city which exists in harmony with its traditional culture. Once a powerful sea-faring nation, Oman colonised much of the Indian Ocean, including Zanzibar which, to this day, displays much if its Omani heritage. Start with a visit to the impressive Grand Mosque followed by a tour of the Bait Al Zubair museum where you will learn about Oman s history. Visit the quaint waterfront Corniche and markets before returning to your hotel. Once at the hotel enjoy the many facilities or simply relax by the pool or on the golden beach.(b) Day 3: Morning Dolphin Tour Embark on a wonderful cruise into the beautiful Gulf of Oman in search of dolphins and whales. Watching wild dolphins is a thrilling way to start the day and the lucky may even come across one of the many species of whales that can be found just a few kilometers from Muscat s rugged coast. Not every trip guarantees a sighting, but you are sure to enjoy the cruise out to sea and enhance your knowledge of nature s most fascinating marine mammals. Soft drinks, tea and coffee and light snacks will be served on-board. Transfer back to the hotel at lunchtime for an afternoon of relaxation.(b) Day 4: Depart Muscat Your morning is at leisure before being transferred to Muscat airport for your onward flight.(b) Note: The Grand Mosque is closed to visitors on Thursdays and Fridays, the Bait Al Zubair museum is closed on Fridays for the tour on Day 2, ladies must be fully covered and wear a head scarf and men must wear trousers Accommodation and meals as specified (B =Breakfast) Transfers and sightseeing as specified Services of an English-speaking driver/guide Price per person, in 's from Muscat Uncovered Shangri-La, Al Waha, Superior 01Jan09-13Feb09 405 765 14Feb09-22Feb09 495 939 23Feb09-03Apr09 405 765 04Apr09-19Apr09 495 939 20Apr09-14May09 405 765 15May09-15Sep09 335 615 16Sep09-21Oct09 405 765 22Oct09-01Nov09 495 939 02Nov09-31Dec09 405 765 3 Day Salalah Escape Departures:: Daily on a private basis. Minimum 2 people. Day 1: Muscat - Salalah Today you will fly from Muscat to Salalah, the perfume capital of Arabia where you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel for a two-night stay. The remainder of the day is at leisure. Overnight: The Hilton Salalah Resort, Salalah Day 2: Exploring Dhofar In complete contrast to most of the rest of the Arabian Peninsula, the province of Dhofar and its largest town Salalah are for at least part of the year lush, green and full of life. This is a result of the invigorating effects of the annual khareef, the South East monsoon, which bathes the area annually from June to September. The wealth and history of the Dhofar region was built on the frankincense trade, a commodity at one time more valuable than gold and the frankincense still produced here is considered by many as the best in the world to this day. Today you can enjoy a comprehensive exploration of this fascinating region, visiting the old town and castle of Taqa, the ruined city of Samhuram, the medieval town of Mirbat - ancient capital of Dhofar, the medieval tomb of Mohamed bin Ali and the ancient Biblical tomb of Prophet Job high up in the mountains. Your journey will take you along winding mountain roads with spectacular views across the fertile emerald green pasture below. The ubiquitous, gnarled frankincense trees that dot the landscape and played such a crucial role in the history of this fascinating part of the Middle East will also be an important feature of the day. (B) Day 3: Salalah - Muscat Your morning is at leisure to enjoy the facilities at your hotel before you are transferred back to the airport for your flight to Muscat where the tour ends on arrival. (B) Note: Samhuran is closed to visitors on Thursdays and Fridays Accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis Transport in an air-conditioned car Services of an English speaking chauffeur Economy class return airfare from Muscat to Salalah Entrance Fees Return transfers in Salalah Price per person, in 's from Salalah Escape 01Jan09-30Apr09 389 599 01May09-30Jun09 349 519 01Jul09-14Jul09 389 599 15Jul09-31Aug09 449 705 01Sep09-30Sep09 349 519 01Oct09-31Oct09 389 599 01Nov09-31Dec09 429 659 Supplements & minimum stays apply over Christmas, New Year & special events. Please call for Brochure prices may change. See booking conditions. 35