Before the mountains, my trip started in the capital, Muscat, at the absolutely beautiful Mandarin Oriental – situated in a prime spot overlooking the Gulf and ideally situated for exploring the many things to do in and around Muscat. Our hosts wasted no time in giving my group of travel advisors the whistlestop tour: the National Museum of Oman, the Al Alam Palace, and the Muttrah Souk.

The following day was one full of surprises, starting with the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque. We were blown away by how beautiful it was! Opened in 2001, it houses the largest chandelier in the world (weighing in at 8.5 tonnes with 1,122 bulbs and encrusted with Swarovski crystals) and the second largest carpet in the world (weighing in at 21 tonnes with 1.6 billion knots created by 600 female artisans).

Afterwards, our hosts whisked us off to the breathtaking Wadi Al Arbeieen for an outdoor lunch and cooking class, followed by a swim in the cool waters. (A wadi, as you may know, is a valley or gorge that has collected water to form a natural watering hole.)

To finish the afternoon, we took a speedboat transfer back to Muscat where we had the opportunity to swim in the waters of Bandar Khyran with sea turtles and other sea life, and enjoy the beautiful coastal landscape of Oman while the sun was setting.

The next day we set off for the mountains and visited the ancient city of Nizwa. Naturally we dove into the souks to buy tea, dates, and spices, before visiting the Nizwa Fort for a traditional Omani lunch of grilled chicken, biryani, sala, dates, and coffee.

A sixth-generation potter at the Bahla Pottery Factory demonstrated his skills and invited us to create our own – none of which was even remotely comparable to his! But I took home my humble souvenir anyway.

My final destination was the Jebel Akhdar Mountains, which stretch the length of inland Oman. A smooth two hours drive into the clouds delivered us to Alila Jabal Akhdar. Perched 6,500 feet above sea level on the edge of a canyon, this resort offers views that are nothing short of awe-inspiring.

The next morning, we set out on a three village walk, a trek that took us to quiet stone hamlets connected by irrigation channels winding through the rocks. On the way we learned first-hand how rose water is extracted and then distilled from the Damask roses grown on the hillsides. The terraces on the Jebel Akhdar slopes also provide pomegranates, apricots, peaches, almonds – high value crops that can’t be grown elsewhere in the country.

We then enjoyed a home-cooked Omani lunch in a local home. Not only was the food delicious, the hospitality of the family was sincere and gracious. Back at the hotel, we toasted our Omani journey with sundowners against an extraordinary sunset.

Looking back on the trip, I realize that Oman is still one of the most underrated destinations in the world. Rooted in tradition yet welcoming and easy to explore, with rugged canyons, white-sand beaches, ancient forts, and nights under star-filled desert skies. Add in warm hospitality, safe roads, and exceptional hotels, and Oman becomes a dream destination for culture lovers, adventure seekers, and any traveler looking something different, old yet new.

As he drove us to the airport, Jamal, our driver, offered a sentiment that perfectly encapsulated the experience. He noted that while Abu Dhabi and Dubai are “high tech”, Oman is “high touch”. It is intimate, tactile, and deeply human. I will return.