Oman has a unique culture: one that combines the traditions of the desert Bedouin with that of the adventuring seafarer. At its peak, its maritime empire spread all the way across the oceans to Asia and Africa. Because of this, Oman is very much an outward-looking nation, proud of what it is has to showcase to the world and welcoming to visitors. It is the ideal place to begin your Arabian explorations.

Oman uses the rial (OMR). While Visa and Mastercard are accepted at most establishments, it is still advisable to have cash on you.

Oman’s weather is as varied as its landscape. On the coast, it can be hot with peak temperatures of up to 40°C in the summer months of June to August, although the famous khareef monsoons bring relief and a spectacular explosion of greenery. The mountainous interior, meanwhile, is cool, dropping to 10°C at night during the winter months of December to February.

Oman’s main port of entry is Muscat International Airport, with flights from around the Middle East as well as Africa, Europe and Asia. If you are travelling to Oman’s south, you can fly into Salalah Airport. Visitors from the UAE can also drive over the border.

Oman allows you to combine adventure and relaxation, mountain and beach in one visit. Its Hajar mountains are the highest in the Arabian Peninsula, a world of their own with all sorts of high-energy activities like rock climbing and hiking through the wadi. Its coastline, meanwhile, is rugged and beautiful, although the beaches around Salalah in the south are the picture of golden tranquillity.

Visitors transiting through Muscat should devote a day or two to exploring the city. Its palace, mosque and souk are among the most beautiful in the Middle East, while its corniche is a favourite spot for strolls at sunset with fabulous views of the Gulf. If you then drive along the coast, you can visit Oman’s famous forts: there are approximately a thousand of them, some UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Oman has its own culinary culture that differs from the rest of the Middle East, although they share a love of grilled meats. Taking full advantage of its long coastline, fresh seafood is abundant, with dishes such as tuna curry and swordfish spiced with cumin, cinnamon and ginger. Dessert is also delicious, with the traditional halwa with saffron, cardamom and rose water often accompanied by dates and tea.

Many of Oman’s celebratory gatherings are dictated by the seasons. For example, during the khareef monsoons, with visitors flocking to see Salalah turn green, they can also enjoy grandiose displays of Omani music, art and dance at the Salalah Festival. Then in April, springtime, they head to the mountains to observe the rose harvest and traditional Omani producing of rose water. Finally, during the cool season, there is the excitement of camel races and beauty pageants.

Minor Hotels has luxury resorts both in the north, in the Hajar mountains, and in the south, in Salalah. Each has a unique history: Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort as the place where Princess Diana admired the beauty of the wadi on her tour of Oman in 1986; and Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara, with the UNESCO World Heritage archaeological park and Museum of the Land of Frankincense just next door.