Oman may not be the first country that you consider when you’re planning a holiday to the Middle East, but capital city Muscat is a popular choice for celebrities. Indeed, the late Swedish DJ Avicii was a fan of the Muscat Hills resort, and BBC newsreader and Strictly Come Dancing star Kate Silverton has talked openly about her love of the country. If you’re ready for your next adventure and want to live like a celebrity on your travels, then we’ve got the guide for you.
Find the right hotel
No visit to a faraway land would be complete without a stay in a luxury hotel – and the good news is that there are lots of hotels in Muscat to choose from. The stunning Mysk by Shaza hotel, for example, overlooks the Al Mouj marina and offers a whole host of features, including award-winning dining, beautiful bedrooms and first-class service. It’s a location where Oman’s most respected figures stay when they’re in Muscat, and celebrities, too, have been spotted.
See all of the sights
There is so much to see and do on a visit to Muscat, so make sure you create an itinerary so that you don’t miss out on any of the sights. Start at the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, which features a room for up to 20,000 worshippers, and then head off to Al Alam Palace, a stunning building faced for its bright blue and gold columns. After that, the Bait Al Zubair Museum is a great afternoon out, offering an extensive selection of ancient weapons and costumes, and a full-scale Omani village for you to see what it was like to live in the country first-hand. There’s also the Royal Opera House Muscat, Al Jalali Fort, National Museum, Omani French Museum and Muscat Gate Museum. In short, there’s something for everyone, so don’t waste time.
Hire a fancy car
If you want to look and feel like a celebrity when you’re out and about in Muscat, then you should consider hiring a fancy car. All of the biggest car rental providers are available within the city, including Dollar, Budget and Europcar, where you can find premium models such as the Toyota Land Cruiser and Hyundai Tucson. Alternatively, you can choose a local company and enjoy luxury cars such as Tesla, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and the Porsche Panamera.
Dine in style
Before we wrap up, there’s just time to talk about food. Muscat is home to some of Oman’s most celebrated restaurants, whether you’re looking for Turkish food, Western food, Middle Eastern cuisine or something more exotic. Indeed, you’ll be able to find Indian eateries, cafes, seafood bars, Chinese restaurants and barbecue food, so you’ll really be spoiled for choice. Hotels like the Mysk by Shaza offer in-house dining for guests and visitors, but other fine dining choices include Kurkum, which offers Asian and Indian foods, and Shiraz, which offers Middle Eastern and Persian foods; their rice with saffron and lamb is a particular favourite amongst locals.
If you’re thinking about a trip to Muscat in the coming months, the tips we have offered in this post will no doubt serve you well. Remember to shop around to find the best deals, and keep your eyes peeled for a celebrity or two – especially if you’re dining out in luxury establishments!