Oman

Upon arrival at Muscat International Airport, you will be met by your Lightfoot Travel guide who will assist you with immigration formalities and escort you to your hotel. Al Waha is Oman’s first dedicated family hotel. The name “Al Waha” means “The Oasis” and this largest of the three hotels at Shangri-La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa delivers on that promise in every respect. Every room provides expansive outdoor space with views of the mountains or the sea. There are also several swimming pools that form an oasis, shaded from the sun by landscaped date palms. Stay: Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah, Al Waha Hotel

After an early breakfast you’ll head to the marina and cast off by boat in search of your morning companions – dolphins and whales. Watching wild dolphins is a thrilling way to start the day and if you’re lucky, you may even spot a whale or two off Muscat’s rugged coast. Whatever you find, you’ll surely enjoy your time at sea, learning about nature’s most fascinating marine mammals. In the afternoon you’re free to explore. Little ones can play in the Cool Zone Kids Club or the Adventure Zone. Adults can enjoy Chi, the Spa. Or families can set off down the lazy river, meandering across the resort without a care in the world. Stay: Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah, Al Waha Hotel

This morning is dedicated to primeval adventures. The first stop is the ruins of Bibi Maryam’s Tomb in the village of Qalhat, a mysterious site with a mystical air of history seeping through the ancient stones. Next you’ll visit Fins beach for a refreshing swim before heading to the Bimah Sinkhole, a spectacular limestone crater with turquoise water collecting below. On clear sunny days while driving along the coast, you might spot a shark in the deep blue ocean or a fast-footed gazelle sprinting across the landscape. You’ll end the morning at Wadi Al Arbeieen, a valley flanked by rocky cliffs, and home to natural fresh-water pools set among the date palms. In the afternoon you’ll be transferred to The Ras al–Jinz Scientific and Visitors Centre for a unique ecotourism experience. After settling in, your plans for the night will include a short walk to the beach to witness endangered green turtles as they lay their eggs. You’ll have a chance to ask questions of your ecologist guide and see baby turtles head out to sea. A once-in-a-lifetime experience to be sure. Stay: Ras al-Jinz Scientific and Visitors Centre

This morning begins with a drive to the 17th century Round Tower Fort, and its famous souq, renowned for its Friday cattle auction, intricately hand-carved “khanjars” (daggers), and ornamental silver jewellery. After exploring the wares, you’ll head east for Sur, via Izki, the Sinaw souq, and Mudhauibi. Your final destination is the Wahiba Sands, a vast mass of undulating red and white sand and dunes, rising up to 200 metres. You’ll head into the dunes, witnessing a variety of flora and fauna, and a Bedouin house in the desert wild. Later in the afternoon, after checking in to Desert Nights Camp, you’ve got a choice of what to do next. If you’re feeling energetic, why not try quad biking or sandboarding in the desert? Or rest up because an Arabian desert adventure awaits with a sunset camel safari. Trek 1-1/2 hours across the dunes and watch the sun cast a golden glow on the sand. Feast on traditional Omani fare in the glow of a campfire, then retreat to a luxury Bedouin-style tent for the night, falling asleep with only a linen canopy between you and the stars. Stay: Desert Nights Camp

Sitting just a short distance to the northwest, your next destination is the Al Hajar Mountains, Oman’s geological backbone, characterised by rugged peaks and arid land. During a stop in the famous old town of Nizwa, you’ll have a chance to explore the dramatic wadis and historic old mudbrick homes that give way to unexpected fruit orchards carrying the sweet scent of peaches, apricots, figs, apples, pears, plums, almonds, and more on the gentle breeze. You’ll spend the night perched 2,000 metres above sea level at Alila Jabal Akhdar. This luxury resort is the perfect spot to relax and unwind in total comfort after a day exploring the region’s magnificently rugged landscape. Adults and kids alike will find this a luxurious haven from the desert heat. Stay: Alila Jabal Akhdar

What’s the point of staying at a luxury resort if you don’t have time to enjoy it? Today you’ll have a chance to do just that. Spend the day at the Alila, spreading your wings on top of the world. Take a swim in the heated outdoor infinity pool. Cool off in the indoor plunge pool. Marvel at spectacular views of the gorge. Book a relaxing treatment at the spa. Or grab a book or one of the family fun games (Scrabble and Backgammon are the most popular of the bunch) and play in the shade. The concierge is also available to arrange a number of different activities; everything from trekking, canyon walks, and cave exploration, to goat auctions and visits to majestic forests with 3000-year old juniper trees. Stay: Alila Jabal Akhdar

Today’s destination is the Musandam Peninsula. The 6-hour drive may seem daunting, but you’ll forget all about the journey once you reach the ancient fishing villages and turquoise seas. The Peninsula is dubbed the ‘Norway of Arabia’ for its beautiful khors (rocky inlets), small villages, and dramatic, mountain-hugging roads. The remote spot feels worlds away from the rest of Oman. Open your heart to experience the cultural eccentricities and vistas like nowhere else on earth. Stay: Six Senses Zighy Bay

The beautiful indigenous village-style accommodations at Six Senses Zighy Bay are a highlight unto themselves, but with the dramatic mountain vistas, a private marina, and an inviting sandy beach thrown into the mix, your time here will be unforgettable. Tantalize your senses: feel the sand beneath your toes, listen as your sunset dhow cruise glides through waves, taste culinary delights of the region. Take in all there is to see and do at Zighy Bay. Options for activities include: Paragliding from the top of Zighy Mountain Diving and snorkelling amid Oman’s most spectacular reefs Treasure hunts, Olympic games, and swim relays at Chaica’s Club for children Adventure hikes, wadi swimming, archery, abseiling, slack lining, or canyoning at the Teen Club Movies on the beach Stand up paddle boarding Water skiing Arabic cooking classes and organic garden excursions with master chefs Family-style open-air dining on the beach Loads more Stay: Six Senses Zighy Bay

All good things must come to an end, and today you’ll depart Zighy Bay for the 2-hour drive to Dubai, where you’ll head off on your return flight to your next destination, full of great adventures and unique memories from your time in Oman. Bon voyage.