8 minute read
HIT THE ROAD
TAKING THE scenic route
If you’ve ever considered a road trip through Oman, now is the perfect time
Jabal Villa Master Bedroom
Dense fog, lush greenery, vast waterfalls, wild waves, seemingly endless desert, rolling dunes, winding wadis, Mars-like mountainscape, abandoned towns, bustling cities, countless camels, baby goats and a few donkeys – these are just a handful of things you will see in Oman when you experience it on four wheels. Exploring Oman’s natural wonders by car allows you to witness many of the country’s most underrated assets. So, armed with a full tank of fuel, our favourite snacks and essential road trip tunes, we hit the road from Dubai. sea level, we imagine every room has a mountain
The journey begins with a six-hour drive view. To reach the hotel you’ll need a 4x4, and our to Alila Jabal Akhdar, where we check transport of choice is a Mini Cooper Countryman. into a mountain view room, although The small but mighty vehicle is the perfect size, with realistically, as we’re 2,000 metres above plenty of space for luggage (and snacks) and has more than enough power and agility to get us across the diverse types of terrain we come across throughout the road trip. The resort is totally remote, and the stark silence is a welcome change from city life as we sip coffee on our balcony in the morning. With a breathtaking infinity pool that stretches into the mountainous view, the hotel’s location and facilities sell themselves. However, the superb dining options and faultless service are an additional bonus.
Alila Jabal Akhdar Pool
Alila Hinu Bay Pool Villa below you. You can get a decent view throughout the morning (weather dependent), but the best time to arrive is at sunrise. Wadi Durbat is a popular spot to visit, with cascading waterfalls and boat rides around the lake, but unless you enjoy sharing your experience with hundreds of other tourists, we’d give this one a miss. Instead, drive to Dolphins Beach, given its name due to the high probability of watching wild dolphins happily bounce along the horizon. Even if you don’t manage to see them, you’ll enjoy a secluded patch of sand and calm waves, set beneath a picturesque mountain – many of Salalah’s beaches are rocky and overgrown, so this one is worth the trip. The drive along the coast road alone is truly magical, with natural beauty around each winding bend. On our final day, we make our way up the eastern coastline towards Muscat. While it’s not the most efficient route home, it’s certainly the most beautiful. The varying landscapes we come across are somewhat mindblowing, and unlike the busy one-lane drive down to Salalah, on the way back we rarely encounter other cars, giving us free reign to enjoy the mountains, desert and beachside roads to ourselves. We pass through many small towns throughout the journey, which show the reality of how many people in Oman live, built with all the necessities needed for a simple life. Villages next to the sea are stacked up
When it’s time for the next leg of our trip, a 7am departure with fishing boats, while many of the towns further into the is required. We’re headed to Alila’s second Oman-based resort, desert have been abandoned, likely due to extreme weather found close to Salalah in Hinu Bay. The ‘quick route’ cuts right conditions and lack of infrastructure. through the middle of the country and takes us across almost Seeing an alternative side to Oman, away from luxe resorts 1,000km of completely untouched land. Empty desert fades and tourist attractions, gives us a new perspective of the country into harsh dusty conditions, before slowly turning greener as and a deeper understanding of its culture. While the view of we approach the coast. Oman’s annual monsoon season, called mountains and beaches can be enjoyed from a hotel room, it’s Khareef, runs until September, meaning for three months, thick venturing into the unknown and soaking up the surroundings cloud envelops the huge mountain that blocks the desert from the that will imprint the experience in your memory forever. beach. As we approach it, we find our thermostat dropping from For more information on the hotels visit alilahotels.com. 45° Celsius to 25° Celsius in less than half an hour, and soon we’re To find out more about Mini visit mini-dubai.com passing through dense fog and mist with minimal visibility. The surroundings we can see, however, offer lush greenery and thick forest, clearly benefitting from the intense moisture. When we reach the coast, conditions are still overcast, and the ocean waves are thrashing aggressively against the beach rocks.
After eight-and-a-half hours, we make it to Alila Hinu Bay and are welcomed with a refreshing hibiscus tea. The boutique property features both rooms and villas, and ours has a private pool, beach view and outdoor seating area. The interiors are gorgeous, featuring a modern, beachy design with chic furnishings and a part-alfresco bathroom.
The hotel offers excursions, but we’re here for a solo adventure so we hop back in our trusty Countryman and head to Jabal Samhan. During Khareef season the clouds lay low, meaning when you’re on top of the mountain, the fluffy white pillows sit
Jabal Samhan
TOP TIPS FOR THE ROAD
■ Give yourself plenty of time at the border and make sure you have all your documents ready (including Oman car insurance) ■ Police check points may also be along your route so keep your ID, documents, insurance and car registration to hand ■ Keep your eyes peeled for speed cameras – Oman has a 10kph buffer (unlike 20kph in most of the UAE) ■ Watch out for speed bumps, especially in small towns where they tend to blend into the road and are not always sign-posted
Dolphins Beach
WIN!
A SERENE SPA-CATION AT ANANTARA EASTERN MANGROVES HOTEL
In need of a little pampering? We’re giving you the chance to win a two-night stay for two in the blissful comforts of Anantara Eastern Mangroves Hotel. You’ll check-in to one of the hotel’s luxurious guest rooms and be treated to a hearty breakfast each morning. Plus, you’ll get to enjoy some indulgent relaxation, with a 60-minute traditional Turkish Hammam at the award-winning Anantara Spa included too. T&Cs apply.
For your chance to win, go to whatson.ae/win
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A FOODIE GETAWAY TO SOFITEL ABU DHABI CORNICHE
Fusing Sofitel’s fine French flair with a luxurious Arabian aesthetic is Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche. We’re giving you the opportunity to enjoy a fun-filled, two-night escape to this five-star city property and packing it with an array of tasty culinary experiences. As well as a sumptuous breakfast buffet on both mornings, you’ll enjoy a soft package Saturday brunch for two at Corniche Dining, taste the true essence of Thailand with dinner at Silk & Spice, and dine on eclectic Mediterranean dishes with an evening meal at Grills at Chill’O. T&Cs apply.
For your chance to win, go to whatson.ae/win
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Put a unique spin on a traditional beach holiday with a weekend away at Le Méridien Abu Dhabi. With a two-night stay at this urban escape, you’ll get to enjoy all of the hotel’s best bits. Check-in to a newly renovated guest room, fill your boots with breakfast at the all-day dining restaurant and brunch into the weekend with a Friday evening feast at Mediterranean restaurant, Mykonos. On Saturday, you’ll be treated to a relaxing 30-minute couples’ massage at Eden Spa, then round out the weekend with a dinner of classic pub grub with house drinks at Captain’s Arms. T&Cs apply.
For your chance to win, go to whatson.ae/win
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A WEEKEND ESCAPE AT RADISSON BLU ABU DHABI
Radisson Blu Abu Dhabi has arranged a two-night itinerary that’s packed with all the hotel’s best bits. You and your guest will check-in for a two-night stay at the beachfront resort and on both mornings enjoy an impressive buffet breakfast. But that’s not all. You’ll also enjoy a beachside brunch for two with house drinks in the gorgeous surrounds of West Bay Lounge, and a dinner for you and your guest at legendary pub Hemmingway’s, with house drinks thrown in. Perfect for a little R&R, there’s a 30-minute couples’ massage at the West Bay Spa too, to leave you feeling totally zen. T&Cs apply.
For your chance to win, go to whatson.ae/win
