Oman Family Holidays

Why is Oman a good family holiday destination?

Short answer: because it has everything and no one really knows about it.

Lingering in the shadow of its shiny UAE neighbour, Oman has enjoyed its share of anonymity. And while we don’t wish for that to change too much, we’re more than happy to give them the shout out they deserve. Oman family holidays seem like a good place to start. Offering traditional Arab landscapes and scenes by the bucketful, as well as plenty of scope to get far off the beaten track, you’ll wonder why you’ve never considered Oman before. Older ones will relish the challenge of hiking Jebel Shams (think Oman’s answer to Las Vegas’ Grand Canyon) while younger ones won’t believe their eyes as they career down sand dunes, snorkel with colourful schools and pretend to be the kings and queens of the castle atop Ar Rustaq Fort. It’ll have something for you too. Think five-star resorts, serene sink holes and nomadic desert camps that’ll silence even the most boisterous of children and just like that you have a restful, eye-opening and memorable family holiday.

What are the best options for an Oman family holiday?

While Oman may not be the first place to spring to mind when thinking about family travel, it certainly deserves to be. Keep it simple on Oman’s beaches, bouncing between family-friendly beach resorts in Salalah and bucolic boutique hotels in Muscat. If you decide that dhows are the way to go, spend a few days floating around the Musandam Peninsula, dolphin and whale-watching or moor up to make the most of its long stretches of sandy beach.

After a few days by the sea, change the scene on a private 4x4 safari into Oman’s desert interior. Take in Wahiba Sands’ beautiful mountain panoramas and oasis villages, ogle at its elaborate medieval forts and accompany camels across the dunes on twilight walks. Of course, a night at a Bedouin tented camp is a must.

After a sleep-out under the stars, head back towards the coast of Oman via wildflower-fringed wadis for a cooling dip in freshwater pools. Once back in Muscat, we recommend finishing your Oman family holiday with a dose of culture. Unearth the country’s rich history on visits to Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, Muscat’s National History Museum and the Mutrah Souq – just in time for the children’s school show and tell.