Oman sits on the south-east corner of the Arabian Peninsula and boasts sweeping coastlines along the Persian Gulf, Arabian Sea and Gulf of Oman. It is the oldest independent state in the Arab world. It is not a nation that is vying to boast the biggest and best of anything, instead it enjoys a rich heritage and a strong identity that is evident in its traditional charms and Bedouin values. To look into the ancient soul of Arabia, book a resort in Oman and bask in its wondrous natural beauty from the endless wind swept deserts to the sweeping pristine beaches.
Two hours from Oman’s capital, Muscat, lies the ancient town of Nizwa. It sits at the base of the Hajar Mountains, of which spectacular panoramic views can be enjoyed from the Alila Jabal Akhdar. The conservative town has now grown to be the second most popular tourist destination in the country. It acts as a natural gateway to historic sites like Jabrin.
Jabrin Castle is thought to be the finest and most picturesque in Oman. It was built in 1671 as a summer residence for Sultan Bila’rab bin Sultan al-Yaarubi. It is a three-storey rectangular structure that supports two towers one of the south side and one on the north side. Complete with stone walls that are thirteen feet thick and imposing Moghul-style arches, the castle bears close resemblance to a fort. The buildings were carefully restored in 1983. The walls carry delicate Islamic inscriptions set into the plaster, rosettes adorn the decorative pine ceilings. The Sun and Moon Room lights up with astrological designs that outshine most other attractions in Oman. A final mesmerizing sight awaits at the top of a final flight of stairs, where a view across the desert is painted over with a glossy shimmering mirage.
