Oman is steeped with a deep cultural history, majestic beaches, expansive desserts ideal for dune bashing and overnight experiences, world-class scuba diving, fishing tours, including a brand-new fish market at Muttrah Corniche, and much more. It’s an ideal vacation combining beaches, mountains, desert, and sea with almost a 100% chance of sunshine. There are also many exciting infrastructure projects which have taken place including a new Convention Centre which just opened, an expansion of the existing Cruise Ship terminal over the next couple of years, and the new International Airport in Muscat which recently opened and is world class. The time to visit Oman is now.

Here is our pick of the five best hotels in Oman for your next diving holiday:

1. Kempinski Luxury Resort

Set in a modern new marina complex in Muscat called The Wave, the Kempinski Luxury Resort offers a range of facilities for couples and families alike. One of the biggest drawcards of this fantastic resort is that it is located just a five minute walk away from a 5 Star dive centre that offers dives to the nearby Daymaniyat Islands. However, when you are not out exploring Oman’s underwater world, you will also be amazed by the facilities on offer at the Kempinski. Set on six kilometres of coastline, the resort offers a wide range of restaurants and bars, serving up both local and international cuisine, a fully equipped fitness centre, a range of watersports, and even its own kid’s club. There is something for everyone at this exclusive property.

2. Six Senses Resort Zighy Bay

Although getting to the Six Senses Resort Zighy Bay requires a bit more of an adventurous spirit than Oman’s more easily reached dive destinations, the journey sure is worth the extra effort. The Zighy Bay area in the north-eastern reaches of Musandam is characterised by fjord-like scenery and dramatic mountains which rise from the sea. The Six Senses is located on a private beach in this area – allowing you to truly feel secluded in a relatively untouched area of Oman. At this resort, you can find stunning luxury villas with their own private pools and an amazing spa. The dive centre is located on the same beach making diving a pleasure and the underwater world, which is characterised by dramatic drop-offs and stunning coral formations, will not disappoint

3. Sifawy Boutique Hotel

Set just south of Muscat in the newly developed marina town of Jebel Sifah, the Sifawy Boutique Hotel is a fantastic property with an onsite dive centre. A number of great dive sites are located within easy reach of the hotel including the remote island of Ras Abu Dawud. Here there is diving for a range of levels, from shallow reefs for beginners to wreck dives for the more advanced. There is even a beautiful drop-off located right in front of the hotel. This affordable destination offers comfortable accommodation, with each room featuring its own private balcony, while a number of restaurants and sporting facilities are available on site. 

4. Millenium Resort Mussanah

The Millenium Resort is located in the Mussanah area, north of Muscat. This fantastic hotel offers incredible value for money and is the located in the best position for easily accessing the Daymaniyat Islands – offering the best diving in Oman with uncrowded dive sites, a huge amount of marine life, and regular sightings of whale sharks from September to November. The hotel features a great dive centre on site as well as a number of other activities the entire family can enjoy, from tennis to mini-golf, snorkelling, an on-the-water obstacle course, and of course a fantastic spa. You also won’t be disappointed with the dining at the Millenium Resort which features six different venues to choose from.

5. Al Baleed Salalah

The southern reaches of Oman offer a different experience to the rest of the country with green landscapes and a variety of historical sites. The Al Baleed Salalah is our recommended accommodation in this area. This 5 Star Luxury Resort is located between a private beach and freshwater lagoon and the design reflects the cultural buildings and fortresses that can be found in this region. The hotel has a variety of accommodation options to choose from as well as a wide array of dining venues and facilities available on site. Palm trees, water features and lush gardens charactrise this resort and set it apart from the other areas of Oman.