Oman is a quiet destination ideal for those more interested in Arabic culture than the glitz and gold taps of the more commercialised Arabic countries such as Dubai. It is a country of pristine sandy beaches, rugged mountains and vast sand dunes.
There are great hotels, good infrastructure with good flight connections to the UK and guaranteed winter sun.
The capital of Oman is Muscat, a mix of modern boutiques and chaotic souks. The Chedi Hotel just outside Muscat is the obvious choice for honeymoons, or if you have driven to Oman from Dubai, just 1.5 hours drive away, Zighy Bay is a great spot on the Musandam peninsula and within easy reach of Dubai.
Summers in Oman are hot: temperatures are often above 40C and humidity is uncomfotably high. However for the rest of the year, from October through to April, it is a perfect climate with temperatures in the twenties, or up to the thirties in the autumn and late spring.
Rain showers are only ever very brief and tend only to occur in the winter.
Temperatures are considerably cooler in the mountains than on the coast and from June to September, wet winds create a fog throughout the mountain areas. The fog deposits moisture creating luxuriant green hills without any actual rain.
The Chedi Hotel
Close to Muscat .. and heaven