Wahiba Sands, Oman © Shutterstock
Treasures of the Orient
By Aurélie, Oman specialist at Étendues Sauvages: “After 2.5 hours on the road from Dubai through desert and mountains, discovering Six Senses Zighy Bay from the top of the mountain was spectacular! Nestled between the warm blue waters of the Gulf of Oman and the steep ochre mountains of the Musandam peninsula, everything feels cut off from the world. Luxury the way I like it, understated, with a genuine eco-conscious approach. A magical setting, the villas are beautifully decorated in a rustic-chic style, blending contemporary and traditional. I also have a great memory of the culinary experience, with varied flavours and settings. You feel at ease in this wellness oasis, always with blue sky as a backdrop — I highly recommend it!”
Discover this favouriteThe veil is not mandatory in Oman, but out of respect, as in all Muslim countries, certain clothing is discouraged, such as skirts and shorts above the knee, low-cut necklines and overly tight clothing. Shoulders and legs should be covered. A t-shirt with cropped trousers or a long skirt is perfectly suitable.
However, to enter places of worship, women must wear the veil.
Oman is arguably the safest country in the Gulf, though the terrorist threat remains present in the region.
Only the border area with Yemen is advised against except for essential travel by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, due to the risk of infiltration into Dhofar by armed groups from Yemen.
No armed conflict in the country for over 40 years, good diplomatic relations with its neighbours, and a peaceful population.
In Oman, it quickly becomes clear that safety levels exceed those in Europe, with crime almost non-existent, even in the capital.
Sultan Qaboos, a messenger of peace and moderniser, died in 2020, after half a century of rule. He chose his cousin Haitham as his successor, ensuring continuity and legitimacy for a peaceful transition.
From October to April, Oman is an ideal destination to warm up during the European winter! Days are sunny, with temperatures ranging from 25°C during the day at the height of winter to 30°C.
In the north and east, the climate is warm Mediterranean (very hot in summer), the most visited part of the sultanate. In the southern Dhofar region, summer is tropical, with monsoon rains falling from June to September.