Oh man Oman!
Holy smoke is the smell of Oman; sweet, spicy frankincense. The arid desert is punctuated by swathes of white buildings decorated with blue tiles. Date palms, thorny bushes and goats provide splashes of colour between the chambray blue sky and the denim blue sea. The light is blinding. Men wear full length white dish dashas and scarves or round, brimless, embroidered hats on their dark- haired heads. Women are nowhere to be seen.
The first hotel is called Sifawy Boutique Hotel and it’s a solid one hour drive from the airport through the jagged mountains. I am so happy to step into the egg white marble foyer. Cool towels, pomegranate juice and the promise of sleep, shower and swim. My happiness levels rise.
I am staying in a poolside suite that is modern, elegant and completely refreshing. Vast mosaic-tiled shower, marimekko-worthy prints, stunning photography on the walls. Not a poor choice in sight. The design snob in me is satisfied and the tea snob is especially happy to discover Earl Grey.
I swim in the giant round pool under an Arabian sun and I feel like I have travelled a long way for a reason. It’s going to be a very special week.
Love this post, Em, thanks for taking us along for the ride! Your writing really sparkles, can feel your excitement. Can’t wait to hear more…
It sounds perfectly wonderful. Not so sure about no women though!
Great blog post Em. I can visualise the environment well. Thanks for the insight…