No one wants to miss out on all the fun of bringing in the New Year with style? Shangri-La Muscat has the perfect line-up of activities to do just that. The celebrations begin with an extravagant feast on New Year’s Eve at Al-Tanoor restaurant at Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah, which includes Chef’s specials. For beach lovers, Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Muscat’s famous White Party on the beach will come calling. What can be better than enjoying the view of the rugged mountains as you indulge your senses on the last day of 2022?
1) Yoga, spa and a feast
The first day of the new year calls for a lavish spread of buffet breakfast. This is taken care of by the chefs of the Al Tanoor restaurant at Shangri-La Muscat. A new day also calls for pampering for the mind, body, and soul too. Those who want to tune in to the inner child in them can opt for the newly-launched aerial yoga at Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah, Muscat. Guided by certified yoga teacher Alexa, it includes practice poses with nylon-tricot hammocks. Aerial yoga can encapsulate various health benefits, such as relieving back pain and strengthening core muscles. There are signature spa treatments to choose from, both at Chi, The Spa at Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Muscat, and Luban Spa at Shangri-La Al Husn Muscat.
2) Cruise
After two days of celebrations and food-coma-inducing meals, it’s time for a cruise in the azure waters of the Gulf of Oman on a luxurious yacht to enjoy the coastal sunset. The breathtaking twilight view of the cliff, Al Bustan, Muttrah, forts, and beaches will be etched in the memory. The resort also arranges for Dolphin watching trips from Barr Al Jissah Marina.
3) Snorkelling or scuba diving
January is the coolest month of the year in Oman, thus, making water-based activities the perfect choice. Whether one opts for snorkelling or scuba diving (there are intro dives, beginner, and advanced courses, and kid’s diving sessions to choose from), it’s the best way to witness the colourful underwater world. For adrenaline seekers, there are both non-motorized and motorized water sports such as wakeboarding, kayaking, doughnut rides, paddling boarding, and windsurfing. Tempted enough?
Not a water baby? No problem. January is also a great time to experience the Bedouin lifestyle and the Arabian desert. So, day 3 can be all about sandboarding, camel rides, camping in the desert, and stargazing.
4) Omani Experience
The best way to wrap up the new year trip is to experience Omani culture, art, and architecture as well as explore modern Muscat. The day can begin with a visit to the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque made from 300,000 tons of Indian sandstone. One of the largest mosques in the world, it houses a handmade prayer carpet comprising 1,700 million knots and weighing 21 tons! The next stop can be the Muttrah Souq to feel the nerve of a traditional Arab market. Shop for souvenirs such as traditional textiles, hardware, jewellery, and even antiques. For history buffs, a visit to the Qasr Al Alam Royal Palace, and adjoining Al Mirani and Al Jalali twin forts is a great idea. The day can conclude with a delicious meal and Omani dessert at restaurants near the Royal Opera House complex. If planned ahead, one can catch the Opera Hits gala concert on January 6, 2023, at the Royal Opera House.
Oman as a destination brings in the freshness that Indian travellers are looking for, having explored most of the GCC nations. Muscat enjoys short flights from India and has a simplified and faster visa process. Moreover, Oman also offers a short-term 10-day tourist visa for Indian citizens holding a valid visa to the US, Canada, Australia, the UK, Japan, and the Schengen States.
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