Muscat

We ventured to Muscat by car from our home in neighbouring UAE, which took about four hours. For those thinking about trying it, remember to get your passport exit stamp at Hatta Fort Hotel checkpoint rather than driving to the border and realising that you need to turn back like we did!

I imagine Oman today is much like what UAE used to be decades ago. It has hints of 21st century materialism, otherwise it is largely rustic and traditional. As a result, it makes for the perfect getaway for peace, solitude and old fashioned Arabic hospitality.

We stayed at an excellent hotel called The Chedi which is one of the best resorts we have ever stayed at. Anywhere that provides an 'adult only' pool and double width sun loungers gets full marks from us. Every aspect of the hotel was thought out immaculately and it remains as a special memory, well worth splashing out a little bit. I suspect it has gone up considerably in price since we stayed as we got a very good value offer.

On our return to Dubai, we drove through the Hajar Mountains which makes for a very rugged and dry viewing experience. All in all, a fantastic weekend away.