Whether you're after a desert camp or a five star resort on your holiday to Nizwa, the mountains and the Wahiba Sands, we've compiled a list of some of our favourite accommodation options in the desert and mountains of Oman.
Desert Nights Camp
Located in the heart of the Wahiba Sands, a vast expanse in the Omani desert, Desert Nights Camp is the ultimate desert refuge, with an added dose of luxury.
Accommodation is comprised of 30 Bedouin style tents - two of which are specifically for families and four of which are attached - and all take desert camping to another level. Tents are equipped with comfortable beds, and stunning Omani furniture, wall hangings and lanterns complete the picture. Bathrooms are equally sumptuous with touches such as bathrobes and slippers ensuring all creature comforts are to hand.
The Two Dunes restaurant serves authentic Arabic cuisine, and the Oasis Bar is the place to go after a day's adventure in the dunes for a refreshing cocktail. There is also plenty to do in and around the camp. With the desert as the playground, and more specifically the Wahiba Sands dunes, the activities range from dune bashing and quad biking to a sunset camel ride and trekking in the dunes.
Why We Love It
Each tent has its own veranda with stunning views, and if you ask nicely the camp will lend you a BBQ.
The View
The View just got even better. Where this eco retreat once had 15 tents, some of which were in a second row behind the first, an eight month makeover now means there are 30 stylish pods spread over a larger area, and all of which have stunning views of the extraordinary canyon scenery.
The emphasis is still very much on environmental consideration, but now guests can relax safe in the knowledge the hotel has a minimal impact philosophy but in considerably more comfort than before. The rooms all have tasteful décor, king size beds and en suite bathrooms with baths.
The View restaurant, which serves a range of international and Omani dishes, is all about the views as well (it's something of a theme here, if you hadn't gathered) and is reached by a walkway located near the canyon.
Away from the camp, activities in the area include trekking, donkey rides, mountain biking and visits to nearby cultural sites. It is also the perfect place from which to explore the Jebel Shams Mountain.
Why We Love It
Located near Nizwa, many of Oman's major draw cards are close by. Visit the Al-Hoota caves, one of the largest caves in the world, before heading to Jebel Shams, the highest mountain in Oman.
Alila Jabal Akhdar
The spectacular Hajar mountain range is one of the (many) highlights of Oman, and at the centre of the range sits the magnificent Jebel Akhdar or 'green mountain'. Long seen as somewhere to explore on route between the capital Muscat and the ancient market city of Nizwa, the opening in 2014 of the Alila Jabal Akhdar hotel means the mountains now have a supremely luxurious place to stay in their own right.
Built to blend in to the surroundings and using traditional Omani building techniques, Alila Jabal Akhdar aims wherever possible to allow guests to enjoy the incredible views across the mountains.
There are 84 suites and two villas in total, all decorated in Omani style but with contemporary comfort in mind. In addition, there is a restaurant serving high quality Arabian and world classics, both indoor and outdoor pools and an Alila spa. Other activities include cooking courses and cultural tours.
For families there is a dedicated 'Play Alila' kids club which caters for children from four to 12. With daily activities like balloon art and animal games, as well as an Xbox and Play Station, little ones will be fully entertained, leaving Mum and Dad free to enjoy the views in peace. For parents with younger children there is also a babysitting service.
Why We Love It
Because the Hajar mountains of Oman are completely beautiful and this is the place from which to explore them.
Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar
The luxury resort is perched 2,000 meters above sea level, making it the highest five star resort in the Middle East. Only two hours' drive away from Muscat International Airport, the Anantara Al Jabal Akhdar is a tranquil oasis perfect for a relaxing escape.
The 115 luxury rooms and villas at the resort all come with a grand bathtub, separate rain shower, walk in dressing room and digital concierge service with views over the gardens or Canyon edge. The villas each have their own private pool and personalised butler service providing the ultimate luxury experience.
From the Italian pool bar and restaurant to the Arabic Grill and Moroccan sky lounge, the resort caters for all palettes and provides a variety of dishes and drinks to enjoy both indoor and out.
The Anantara Spa boasts two indoor swimming pools, a Jacuzzi and separate male and female thermal suites with salt and steam rooms. A separate pool lies outdoors along with a fitness centre, tennis court, kids club and teen club and even a library with an interactive museum.
If you ever tire of the hotel facilities then there's an even longer list of things to do in the nearby area. These include hiking, biking, star gazing and archery. For the culture vultures a visit to nearby Birkat al Mouze, a 400 year old village and UNESCO world heritage site, should provide enough history for the whole holiday.
Why We Love It
The famous 'Diana's point' is situated on the resorts edge and offers incredible views over the canyon.