An underrated destination in the Middle East, Oman wows visitors with its rose-gold desert dunes, rugged mountains, crystal-clear waters, pristine islands, terraced farms and white-sand beaches. Brimming with character, capital city Muscat is home to cultural attractions that offer a glimpse at the country’s profound connection to its heritage while embracing a nuanced approach to modern progress.
Omani culture also thrives in atmospheric souqs (markets), ancient forts and quiet agricultural villages tucked away in the country’s mountainous interior, an easy drive from Muscat. Elsewhere, under the surface in aquamarine waters, turtles, stingrays and black reef sharks hint at Oman’s astounding biodiversity.
If you only have enough time for a fleeting, three-day glimpse of Oman, here’s the itinerary to follow for a lasting impression.
Day 1
For a sophisticated introduction to Muscat, check into Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star The St. Regis Al Mouj Muscat Resort, just a 10-minute drive from Muscat International Airport. With nine world-class restaurants, a stunning outdoor pool, a padel court and the luxurious Guerlain Spa, the October 2024-opened property is a destination in its own right that’s set on a private beach in the upscale Al Mouj area, next door to Al Mouj Golf, an oceanfront 18-hole championship course designed by Greg Norman.
The resort’s contemporary architecture and design draw inspiration from its coastal location and Oman’s rich maritime history. The snazzy accommodations have a superyacht aesthetic — cream, beige and pops of navy set the nautical tone — and deliver gorgeous sea views best enjoyed from private balconies. Don’t forget to take advantage of the signature St. Regis butler service, which will promptly fulfill requests for packing needs, garment pressing, restaurant reservations and a cup of steaming chamomile tea to unwind after a long flight.
When you’re ready to explore Muscat, head to Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, a 25-minute drive from your hotel. Sultan Qaboos bin Said al Said commissioned this contemporary Islamic architectural masterpiece in 1995 to celebrate his 30-year reign. Measuring more than 90 acres and having a capacity of 20,000 worshippers, the largest mosque in Oman features arched walkways; an ornate, 164-foot central dome; a massive Swarovski crystal chandelier; five minarets that symbolize the five pillars of Islam; doors with inscriptions of Quranic verses; stained glass panels; and marble walls adorned with floral and geometric designs. In the main prayer hall, you’ll find the world’s second-largest carpet (only bested by Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Zayed Mosque), handcrafted with natural colors over nearly four years. Audio guides and guided tours are available.
No visit to Muscat is complete without a wander through the historic Mutrah Souq. This traditional market, built in the 1820s with mud and palm leaves, is just a 15-minute drive from the mosque. Now restored, its labyrinthine lanes remain a fascinating place to shop for antiques, traditional clothing, Omani khanjar (daggers), frankincense, jewelry, handmade sandals, coffee pots and dates. Buy a cup of karak (milky tea) and Omani halwa (dessert with cardamom, saffron and nuts) to enjoy alongside views of whitewashed low-rises, mosques and the sea while you stroll along the nearly two-mile-long Mutrah Corniche.
At the Royal Opera House Muscat, a 15-minute drive toward your hotel, take a guided tour to learn about Islamic, Mughal, Oriental and European architectural influences on Muscat’s iconic cultural institution, see an exhibition of rare instruments and stroll through landscaped gardens. If you’d like to experience a show here, check out the official program for upcoming opera, musical, ballet and acrobatic performances during your trip.
Back at The St. Regis Al Mouj Muscat Resort, make time for a quick dip in the pool or a swim in the Arabian Sea. Afterward, admire the sunset as you stroll along the private sandy beach or lounge on a sunbed with a refreshing beverage from beachfront bar Paralia.
After you freshen up, head to the always-humming Hakkasan at the hotel. Here, you’ll find a contemporary take on authentic Cantonese flavors and techniques, with an artful presentation by well-respected executive chef Sebastian Tan. Combining modern design with traditional Chinese motifs, the restaurant’s dark wood screens, moody lighting and stunning sculptural installation create a refined ambiance.
When it comes to the dishes, start things off with the delightful Supreme dim sum (lobster, seabass, chicken and wagyu beef dim sum), a Hakkasan classic. With perfectly balanced flavors, the organic honey-drizzled, charcoal-grilled Chilean sea bass; wok-fried Omani prawns; and pomegranate-flavored sweet and sour chicken are all excellent choices for mains. The cocktail menu boasts inventive creations like the Silk Road Margarita, with cardamom and pistachio tequila.
Day 2
Wake up early for a quick breakfast to get to the nearby Al Mouj Marina by 8 a.m. for an exciting day of adventure. From here, a 40-minute speedboat journey brings you to the Damaniyat Islands, an archipelago about 11 miles off the coast of Muscat that is surrounded by crystal-clear blue-green waters. These nine islands, made of limestone rocks and ancient coral reefs, are a designated nature reserve and a nesting site for migratory birds and turtles in summer.
A sublime destination for snorkeling, these waters are teeming with coral shoals, turtles, angelfish, parrotfish and other marine species. Tour operators will provide snorkeling gear, lifejackets and island permits. The shallow waters mean it’s easy to explore under the surface, even if you don’t have prior snorkeling experience.
While you’re not allowed to disembark on the islands from May through October to protect nesting turtles and birds, you can visit the sandy beaches from November to April and walk up to viewpoints after you’ve snorkeled for a few hours. From September to October, you might also spot whale sharks, while stingrays and dolphins are commonly seen in the deeper waters around the islands.
Having worked up an appetite with the underwater exploring, return to your hotel for a break and a breezy, Mediterranean-inspired lunch at charming Greek restaurant Zorba. Glimpse splendid sea vistas from the terrace tables and through floor-to-ceiling windows in the indoor dining room. Fuchsia bougainvillea, coastal hues and chef Athanasios Chatziefthymiou’s grandmother-approved recipes transport you to a quaint eatery in Thessaloniki.
There’s no better place for some midday relaxation than the hotel’s serene and stylish Guerlain Spa. Arrive 30 minutes before your session to use the sauna and hammam. Then, drift off into bliss during a reinvigorating Imperial Relaxing Massage, delivered on a heated bed. The spa’s lavish Royal Suite offers the ultimate pampering for couples.
After a full day of activities, it’s welcomed news to hear that dinner will be at the hotel. Make your way to Coya, where the Incan-heritage-inspired interiors with painted murals, foliage, a lively bar and a curated electronic and Latin soundtrack create an intriguingly upbeat atmosphere.
Chef Dhharram Rana’s menu focuses on modern Peruvian fare, which is best enjoyed family-style. You can’t go wrong with the ceviche platter; cheesy, truffle-flavored potato churros; prawn and Chilean sea bass gyoza; and chargrilled beef skewers. The mushroom rice hot pot also impresses. Finish with the tres leches cake with salted dulce de leche, exactly the kind of indulgence you deserve when on holiday.
Day 3
Have a leisurely breakfast in your hotel at the spice-route-inspired Omani restaurant Karibu. This spot serves a lavish breakfast until 11 a.m., so you can enjoy a slow morning and fuel up with its decadent beef bacon or smoked salmon eggs Benedict.
Once you’re ready to explore, begin the 90-minute journey to the ancient town of Nizwa, which is surrounded by the Hajar Mountains. Formerly the capital of Oman in the 6th and 7th centuries, this conservative town with ancient mosques, a fort, a castle and a historic souq is still considered the country’s cultural capital, making it well worth the trek.
Your first stop here is the 17th-century Nizwa Fort, which was built over 12 years. Its monumental circular tower, the largest in the region, boasts ingenious features such as notches designed to pour hot date syrup on invaders.
The adjacent Nizwa Castle traces back to the 9th century and was expanded by ruling imams (religious and political leaders) in the centuries since and renovated in the 1990s. You can walk through the castle’s various rooms, including residential quarters, guest accommodations and official spaces used for religious education and public meetings. A museum exhibits traditional clothing, jewelry, agricultural tools and beehive tombs.
Right next to the castle, the Nizwa Souq, thought to date to the 3rd century, is full of shops selling high-quality frankincense, incense burners, coffee pots, handmade silver jewelry, khanjar, embroidered kumma (traditional headwear for men), pottery and other items that would make for unique souvenirs and gifts. Bargaining is expected.
For lunch, head to Liwan Nizwa, a five-minute walk from Nizwa Souq, to try some delicious Omani specialties, such as rice with curried fish and grilled seafood or meat platters. Wash it down with refreshing laban (a yogurt-based drink) or fresh fruit juices.
Before you return to Muscat, make a quick stop at the old village of Birkat Al Mouz, where you can walk past the crumbling ruins of abandoned houses, wind your way along UNESCO-listed aflaj (irrigation systems) and take refuge in the cool shade of banana and palm trees.
On your last night in Oman, prepare to feast on sumptuous contemporary Italian seafood in the hotel’s elegant Roberto’s. Get the evening off to a delicious start with a cocktail such as the frankincense-infused Spritz My Way. Puglia-born chef Giandonato Tafuri’s talent results in memorable dishes like slow-roasted octopus, gnocchi in basil pesto (prepared tableside with liquid nitrogen), oven-baked sea bass in charcoal sea salt crust, and roasted spiced chicken. End your time in Muscat on a sweet note with decadent tiramisu or the luscious, olive oil-drizzled pistachio ice cream.
