Oman might not be as well known as its neighbours in the UAE, but its rugged landscapes and unspoilt beaches make it a spectacular spot for a business incentive trip.
Last week we took eight agency professionals on a five-night trip to the country, to show them exactly what Oman can offer. The agencies represented included Red Blaze, Touch Associates, Penguins, YES, First Event, Gray Dawes Group, Corporate Peaks and Clearwater Events. STAR Your World partnered with Oman Air for the flights, and our partner DMC, Magic Travels, hosted the full programme.
On the way over, we enjoyed business class seats with fully flat beds, champagne and spectacular food. As soon as we landed we were greeted with a traditional Omani breakfast at a local restaurant, where we watched fresh bread being made. Following a visit to the Grand Mosque, the Opera house and the National Museum, we found our hotel for the night- the luxury 250-room Al Bustan Palace by Ritz Carlton. With its infinity pool, relaxing spa and mountain views, it was easy for us to while away an afternoon after a long flight, before we were whisked off for dinner at a local Omani house.
On the second day of our trip we enjoyed a lovely breakfast and then jumped onboard speed boats for a dolphin watching trip. Oman is known for its natural beauty and nature, and the country works hard to protect their natural habitats. After a BBQ lunch we splashed around in the sea, hurtling around on banana boats. Following a day of adrenalin and action, we enjoyed a beautiful dinner in the Muscat Hills, which had a unique ambience ideally suited to an incentive event trying to provide something new and different.
The next day we headed high into the mountains in 4×4 cars, so the bravest among our group could abseil down a waterfall at the side of the mountains into the beautiful wadis below. We all enjoyed the dune bashing through the Wahiba Sands and an overnight stay in the eco-friendly Magic Camps, a luxury experience where guests can sleep under the desert stars and be greeted by the morning sunrise. There’s also henna painting, sand boarding and camel rides, as well as live evening entertainment and fun around the campfire. Each tent comes with a private bathroom and hot water so there’s no need to miss out on creature comforts to enjoy the outdoors.
In the morning we fuelled up on omelettes before departing for another exciting day at Nizwa, which used to be the capital of Oman before Muscat. We immersed ourselves in the local history by visiting a 400-year old fort, and enjoyed a private lunch in one of its rooms. For the last night of our stay, we drove up into the mountains to the famous Anantara hotel, 2,000 metres above sea level. We spotted Diana’s point, an area that King Charles III had painted on one of their 1986 visit, while she sat and read. After a sunset drinks reception over the canyon we enjoyed dinner near Diana’s point to round off a spectacular trip.
It’s fair to say that our DMC team, who have an office in Oman, did an incredible job impressing our guests, from the grand hotels and sightseeing spots, through to the tiny details. Oman is truly a unique spot for a luxury trip, with its year-round sunshine, accessible flights and wide range of accommodation. As well as being safe, secure and welcoming, it’s a place many of your guests will never have been- making it the ideal location for an incentive.
Oman should be on your next pitch list, STAR Your World would be pleased to assist you. For more information or a new event enquiry email sales@staryourworld.com
See more of our destinations for events and inspiration.
Why Magic Travels DMC are different.
Thanks for reading. Events are made easy when working with STAR Your World and their Destination Management Companies.
