Once upon a time a sleepy sultanate found on the Arabian Sea would be shut off from the world every night at 10pm.

The desert setting beyond the city gates was a land with valleys of intrigue, sand dunes that shifted and mountains that forbade passage. 

It was the Portuguese who feared that territory and erected the walls that would enclose Muscat in the 16th century. They were right to be fearful, with their rule lasting little more than 150 years. The Omanis retook their city in 1650. 

Oman now welcomes modern-day nomads but the lands retain their aura. To add to the mystique, Sultan Said bin Taimur kept the wider world out of Oman until 1970.

Four decades since its doors were opened, Sultan Qaboos has ensured its hospitality to the world’s travellers and yet the mystery created by its ever-shifting sands endures. While Oman boasts modern infrastructure it is a destination that feels exclusive and far removed from mass tourism. 

Oman impresses at every turn; it’s a secret that must be shared. So here are the seven experiences that will make any visitor feel like royalty.

1. Pearlescent white cities

Muscat, Sur and Sohar are cities of gleaming marble, polished domes and white low-rise buildings. There are elegant promenades perfect for a stroll as well as manicured gardens set against the soundtrack of the call to prayer. The pace of these cities harks back centuries and it makes for a restorative visit.

2. Turquoise coast

Think Oman, think sweeping sand vistas. But the stereotype of rock and rubble is swiftly demolished upon reaching Oman’s coastline. From the Strait of Hormuz to the Arabian Sea, one can understand why Sinbad the Sailor was inspired to discover the Seven Seas here.

With a healthy marine ecosystem rich in plankton, the water is home to turtles, dolphins, whales and game fish such as giant trevally, marlin and barracuda. Made for diving, the coast has islands, coral reefs and sunken wrecks.

3. Emerald vistas

Take shelter from warm summer temperatures by exploring the verdant slopes of Jabel Shams (Sun Mountain) and Jabel Akhdar (Green Mountain). Discover the ancient beekeepers’ honey-making secrets, take a dip in a cool wadi and sample some of the world’s best dates and pomegranates.

Or visit Salalah to see the arid landscape magically transformed to lime green valleys with waterfalls and many visiting birds such as flamingos during the annual monsoon.

4. Golden sands

Many secrets are buried in the vast golden sands of Oman, such as the Atlantis of the Sands – The Lost City of Ubar rediscovered by NASA technology in the 1990s.

Follow in the footsteps of past kings, caravan route traders and famous explorers such as Wilfred Thesinger and Marco Polo to uncover the true beauty of the whispering sands.

5. Castles & forts

Oman has a history reaching back 5000 years, mixing a kaleidoscope of myths and legends, tribes and civilisations. Forts dot the coastline and the many hills of the interior, most featuring stories of bravery and ingenuity with trap doors, vats of hot date syrup and secret tunnels.

Jabrin Castle, a mystical place, is located near Nizwa as is the imposing UNESCO World Heritage listed Bahla Fort.

6. Heavenly scents

Oman will leave you intoxicated with its magnificent scents of rose, frankincense and myrrh – a trademark of the region and once valued higher than gold. Add to the mix the heady smells from the spice souks of cardamom, saffron and coffee and your senses will be in overdrive.

7. A feast fit for a king or queen

Make like gluttonous royalty with the gastronomic delights of this ancient crossroad kingdom. Borrowing flavours from the Persian, Indian, African and Arabic cultures, eating decadently is the norm in Oman.

Try fresh Omani lobster, rose-scented sweet delights such as Halwa and Um Ali, lavish mezze plates, spicy curries and refreshing teas. 

Etihad Airways offers return economy class travel between Abu Dhabi and Muscat from $355.40 and return business class travel between Abu Dhabi and Muscat from $905.40