Oman and The Maldives

The Best of Both Worlds

A trip that combines both Oman and the Maldives doesn’t seem an obvious mix, but I was surprised by how well they complemented each other. A glorious dose of culture and the rugged mountain scenery of Oman turned out to be the perfect contrast to the lush paradise of the Maldives – and just a four-hour flight apart. I found consistency in the properties I stayed in, which had a similar sense of style, a relaxed ambience and notably excellent service.

“We all want to return from a holiday feeling refreshed but I found this trip to be particularly energising – I loved experiencing the craggy cliffs of Oman followed by the Maldives’ tropical beauty.”
Caroline Coetzee

CLASSIC CHEDI

I began my journey in Oman, at classic hotel The Chedi. I’ve always loved its clean lines and minimalist design, plus the longest swimming pool in the Middle East which is ideal for working off those magnificent breakfasts! It’s a very spacious and calm place which mimics Oman’s low-rise sense of serenity. Everything is laid out with symmetry in mind, from the lines of palm trees to the carefully placed bowls of rose petals in the spa.

MOUNTAIN ESCAPE

A hotel that consistently gets very good feedback from our clients is the stylish Alila Jabal Akhdar in the Hajar Mountains. Just a few hours from Muscat, Oman, it is an easy add-on to Muscat and a great chance to see more of Oman. The night skies here are simply amazing and by day it’s lovely to wander the mountain pathways, pomegranate orchards and terraced farmland – or simply soak in those incredible rugged views from your room.

INTO THE BLUE

Flying to the Maldives from Oman was surprisingly easy. It took under 4 hours to get to Male, followed by a 25-minute seaplane to Vakkaru, an island paradise located in the clear waters of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of the Baa Atoll. The Baa Atoll is the icing on the cake of the Maldives – it’s so much prettier than you could even imagine and I’m always awe-struck as the seaplane cruises above the islets of the atoll.

It is always interesting to see how a new property in the Maldives is going to differentiate itself from the next. Vakkaru is a little hidden gem. It has a mix of over-water and beach villas and suites – the latter have pools at the rear which gave them a lovely private feel. I loved the kids club, which is one of the best I have seen, although the focus is on getting out and exploring the island. The house reef is great and an amazing blue hole is easily accessible from shore. For a fairly new resort, Vakkaru has separated itself from the pack already and offers a refined and yet relaxed atmosphere and such genuine warmth that you’ll be planning to return before you have left.

The Verdict

This is the perfect trip for those looking to immerse themselves in culture followed by an exotic beach break. This could work well for couples who like to mix things up – or for a pair travelling together who have different holiday requirements. The level of luxury in our recommended hotels is set at a very high standard – you’ll be extremely well looked after in each.

Good to know

The only challenge you might have is ensuring you’ve packed adequate clothing for each part of the journey. Depending on the time of year, Oman can be chilly at night and you may need appropriate clothing for sightseeing. Once you’re in the Maldives, shoes come off and its swimwear all the way…

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