Oman
Having travelled to Dubai on numerous occasions I was very excited when I was given the opportunity to visit Oman. Oman was a destination I wasn’t too familiar with and did wonder how it would compare to its well-known neighbours in the United Arab Emirates. On arrival into Muscat I was immediately drawn to the natural beauty and clear skies. Unlike Dubai there was no skyscraper buildings, bright lights, or foggy air. With the East Coast being set next to the Arabian Sea the water is calm making it a perfect location for little paddlers and for divers to experience the nearby dive sites and sea life. If you choose to stay at one of the luxurious beach hotels, you may be lucky enough to watch the turtles coming in to lay their eggs, or even watch a turtle nest hatching and making their way into the wild. Turtle hatching is year-round, however the peak season for this is between July and October.
To make the most of your Omani experience I would highly recommend splitting your stay between the mountains and the beach. Starting in the mountains, explore the dramatic landscape by foot or bike, enjoy some archery, rock climbing, or simply take in the mountain views, relax in the spa, and settle down for a movie under the stars. Moving to the beach resorts I would recommend making the most of the calm waters, try the local dates and coffees, and make sure to visit some of the best attractions; Muttrah Souk, Al Alam Palace, and the National Museum.