Spiritual Oman: Spas, Resorts and Salalah's Khareef
Six days of absolute relaxation in Oman: The Chedi's legendary spa in Muscat, the coves of the Bandar al Jissah resort, the endless beaches of the Shangri-La Barr al Jissah, and the khareef phenomenon in Salalah when the desert turns green.
Description
Oman is not only adventure and desert: the Sultanate hides a face of understated luxury and relaxation scenery that rivals the best of the Indian Ocean. This 6-day itinerary is designed for total rest, starting in Muscat at The Chedi Hotel's legendary spa — a minimalist sanctuary of Omani architecture where massages with frankincense oil and hot desert stones dissolve any tension. From there you move to the Bandar al Jissah resort — a private cove flanked by rocky mountains and turquoise water where time stands still. The Shangri-La Barr al Jissah offers three resorts in a single bay, with golden-sand beaches, infinity pools over the sea and a turtle sanctuary. The journey culminates with a flight south to Dhofar and Salalah, where the khareef monsoon (June-September) turns the desert into green meadows with waterfalls and mist — a phenomenon unique to the Arabian Peninsula. Lodging in 5-star resorts, breakfasts facing the Indian Ocean and sunsets over the mountains of Dhofar.
Health & safety
- Humidity in Salalah during the khareef runs 90%: wear breathable clothing
- Drive cautiously in Dhofar: mist can cut visibility below 10 m
Day-by-day itinerary
Arrival in Muscat: spa at The Chedi
Muscat
Arrival in Muscat: spa at The Chedi
Flight to Muscat. Check-in at the legendary The Chedi Muscat. Afternoon of spa with frankincense rituals and desert stones.
Ritual spa at The Chedi
Rest3hSunset at the infinity pool
Rest2hBandar al Jissah: private cove
Bandar al Jissah
Bandar al Jissah: private cove
Transfer to the private cove of Bandar al Jissah. Day of beach, snorkelling and rest in the seafront cabins.
Beach day at Bandar al Jissah
Rest4hSnorkelling the bay's reefs
Nature2hShangri-La Barr al Jissah: luxury resort
Shangri-La Barr al Jissah
Shangri-La Barr al Jissah: luxury resort
Full day at the Shangri-La Barr al Jissah resort. Three resorts, two private beaches, infinity pools and a turtle sanctuary.
Circuit of infinity pools
Rest3hDinner on the cliff terrace
gastronomy2hFlight to Salalah and the khareef
Salalah
Flight to Salalah and the khareef
Flight south to the Dhofar region. Arrival in Salalah during the khareef: green mountains and mist.
Walk to the Ayn Athum waterfalls
Nature3hVisit to the frankincense and coconut plantations
Nature2hBeaches of Salalah and Mughsail
Salalah
Beaches of Salalah and Mughsail
Day of pristine beaches. The Mughsail cliffs with blowholes and endless sands with dromedaries.
Mughsail Beach
Rest3hWalk through Salalah's frankincense souk
Culture2hFarewell in Salalah
Salalah
Farewell in Salalah
Morning of relaxation at the resort. Last swim in the Indian Ocean. Shopping for top-quality frankincense and the flight home.
Breakfast facing the Indian Ocean
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