How to spend three days in Muscat – Forbes Travel Guide Story

Oman is an underrated destination in the Middle East, with rose gold dunes in Aman, solid mountains, clear waters, pristine islands, terraced farms and white sand beaches. Full of character, capital city Muscat It is home to cultural attractions, with a glimpse of the country’s profound connection to its heritage, while adopting a subtle approach to modern progress.

Omani culture also flourishes in the atmosphere Souqs (market), ancient fortresses and quiet agricultural villages tucked inside the country’s mountainous areas, away from Muscat’s way. Elsewhere, under the surface of aquamarine waters, sea turtles, stingrays and black reef sharks suggest Oman’s shocking biodiversity.

If you only have enough time to go through a short, three-day Oman, it’s a journey that follows a lasting impression.

Day 1

For an exquisite introduction to Muscat, visit the Forbes Travel Guide for four-star St.Regis Al Mouj Muscat Resortonly 10 minutes’ drive from Muscat International Airport. Boasting nine world-class restaurants, stunning outdoor pool, a Padel Stadium and luxurious Guerlain Spathe property opened in October 2024 is a destination in its own right, located on a private beach in the upscale Al Mouj area, next door to Al Mouj Golf, a beachfront 18-hole championship game designed by Greg Norman.

The resort’s contemporary architecture and design draws inspiration from its coastal locations and Oman’s rich maritime history. Stylish accommodation features superyacht aesthetics – cream, beige and naval pop music, setting nautical tones – and best enjoy the beautiful sea views from the private balcony. Don’t forget to take advantage of the signed St. Regis Butler service, which will immediately meet packaging needs, clothing pressures, restaurant reservations and a cup of steamed chamomile tea for relaxing after a long flight.

As you are ready to explore Muscat, head to the Qaboos Grand Mosque, Sultan, a 25-minute drive away. Sultan Qaboos bin said Al said that this 1995 contemporary Islamic architecture masterpiece was commissioned to celebrate his 30-year reign. Oman’s largest mosque covers 90 acres and has a capacity of 20,000 worshippers, with vaulted sidewalks; ornate, 164-foot central dome; a giant Swarovski crystal chandeliers; five minarets symbolizing the five pillars of Islam; inscriptions with Quranic verses; stained glass panels; and marble walls decorated with floral and geometric designs. In the main prayer hall you will find the second largest carpet in the world (beat only by the Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Abu Dhabi), which has been handmade in natural colors for nearly four years. There are audio guides and guided tours.

Muscat would not have been visited without the historic Mutrah Souq. This traditional market was built in the 1820s with mud and palm leaves, and is only a 15-minute drive from the mosque. Now restored, its labyrinth passage remains a charming place for shopping antiques, traditional clothing, Amani Hanga (dagger), frankincense, jewelry, handmade sandals, coffee maker and dates. Buy a cup Carac (Milky White Tea) and Oman Halva (Dessert with cardamom, saffron and nuts) Enjoy whitewashed low-rises, mosques and sea views while strolling along the nearly two-mile long Mutrah Corniche.

exist Royal Opera Housea 15-minute drive to your hotel for a guided tour to learn about the impact of Islamic, Mughal, Oriental and European architecture on Muscat’s iconic cultural institutions, see an exhibition of rare instruments and stroll through landscaped gardens. If you want to experience the show here, check it out Official plan For upcoming operas, music, ballet and acrobatics.

Return to Regis Al Mui Muscat resort and make time to dip quickly in the pool or swim in the Arabian Sea. Afterwards, enjoy the sunset as you stroll along the private beach or lounge on the sunbeds with drinks from the beachfront bar.

After a new look, always hanging Hakasan In the hotel. Here you will discover modern Cantonese flavors and techniques and give a clever speech through the highly respected executive chef Sebastian Tan. Combining modern design with traditional Chinese motifs, the restaurant’s dark wood screens, moody lighting and stunning sculptural installations create a sophisticated atmosphere.

When it comes to dishes, things start with the delightful highest dessert (lobster, chicken, chicken and four beef beef dessert). With perfectly balanced flavors, organic honey grilled charcoal-grilled Chilean sea bass; pan-fried Omani shrimp; pomegranate-flavored sweet chicken are all great choices for power. The cocktail menu boasts creativity like Silk Road margarita, cardamom and pistachio tequila.

Day 2

Wake up early, have a quick breakfast, and arrive at nearby Al Mouj Pier by 8am for an exciting and adventure day. From here, a 40-minute speedboat trip takes you to the Damaniyat Islands, an island about 11 miles from the Muscat coast surrounded by crystal clear blue-green waters. Made of limestone rocks and ancient coral reefs, the nine islands are designated nature reserves in summer and are also a nesting site for migrating birds and sea turtles.

These waters are sublime destinations for snorkeling, with coral shoals, turtles, angelfish, parrotfish and other marine species in these waters. The travel agency will provide snorkeling equipment, life jackets and island permits. Shallow water means that even if you don’t have previous snorkeling experience, it’s easy to explore under the surface.

While you are not allowed to disembark on the island from May to October to protect nesting turtles and birds, you can visit the beach from November to April and walk to the viewpoint after a few hours of snorkeling. From September to October, you may also spot whale sharks, while stingrays and dolphins are often seen in deeper waters around the island.

On the underwater exploration, take a break at your hotel and enjoy a relaxing, Mediterranean-style lunch at the charming Greek restaurant, return to your hotel, and then overbearing. Glances from the terrace table with brilliant sea views through the floor-to-ceiling windows of the interior dining room. The fuchsia nude, coastal tones and a grandmother-approved recipe from chef Athanasios Chatziefthymiou brings you to a quaint restaurant in Thessaloniki.

There is no better place to relax than the quiet and stylish Querlain Spa. Arrived 30 minutes before the meeting using a sauna and hammer. Then, during a revived Empire Relaxation Massage, happiness emanates from the heated bed. The spa’s luxurious royal suite offers the ultimate pampering for couples.

After a full day of event, welcome news heard that dinner will be held at the hotel. Go coyaon the Inca Sea’ inspired interior, painted murals, leaves, a vivid bar and a selection of electronic and Latin soundtracks, create an interesting optimism.

Chef Dhharram Rana’s menu focuses on modern Peruvian cuisine, a favorite family style. There is no mistake on the ceviche plate. Taboo truffle-flavored potato fritters; prawns and chilean sea bass gyroscopes; and charcoal beef. Mushroom rice hotpot also left a deep impression. End the Tres Leches cake and salty Dulce de Leche, which is exactly the kind of indulgence you deserve on vacation.

Day 3

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at Spice-Route-inspired Amani Restaurant at your hotel welcome. This place enjoys a luxurious breakfast until 11am, so you can enjoy a slow morning and refuel with decadent beef bacon or smoked salmon eggs.

After getting ready to explore, a 90-minute journey to the ancient Nizwa, surrounded by the Hajar Mountains. Previously the capital of Oman in the 6th and 7th centuries, this conservative town with ancient mosques, forts, castles and historic souq is still considered the country’s cultural capital, making it well worth the trek.

Your first stop here is the 17th-century Nizwa Fort, which was built over 12 years. Its huge circular tower is the largest in the area and has clever features such as grooves designed to pour hot date syrup on the intruders.

The neighboring Nizwa Castle dates back to the 9th century and has been expanded by rulings Imams (Religious and Political Leader) Centuries since the 1990s and has been renovated. You can stroll through the various rooms of the castle, including residential areas, guest accommodation and official spaces for religious education and public meetings. The museum displays traditional clothing, jewelry, agricultural tools and honeycomb tombs.

Next to the castle, Nizwa Souq, New York, is believed to have been everywhere in stores until the 3rd century, selling high-quality frankincense, incense burners, coffee pots, handmade silver jewelry, Khanjar, embroidered flowers Strange (Traditional headdress for men), pottery and other items that will form unique souvenirs and gifts. Expected meeting price.

For lunch, head to Liwan Nizwa, a five-minute walk from Nizwa Souq, and try some delicious Omani specialties such as rice with curry fish, grilled seafood or meat platter. Refreshing Laban (Yogurt-based drink) or fresh juice.

Before you return to Muscat, quickly stop at the old village of Birkat al Mouz, where you can pass the collapsed ruins of abandoned houses and then go public along UNESCO aflaj (irrigation system) and shelter in the cool shadows of bananas and palm trees.

Prepare for a feast on the hotel’s elegant luxury contemporary Italian seafood on your last night in Oman Roberto’s. Let me start with a delicious cocktail like the frankincense I sprayed in. The talents of Puglia-born chef Gianandonato Tafuri make memorable dishes such as slow-grilled octopus, gnocchi from Basil Pesto (the dining table made with liquid nitrogen), oven-roasted sea bass with charcoal sea salt crusts and grilled spice chicken. End your time in Muscat, on a sweet taste, decadent waste tiramisu or sweet, olive oil pistachio ice cream.