Oman – Part III – Sifawi Boutique Hotel

When thoroughly modern and hard-working ladies wish to take a break from the humdrum of paid employment, decisions must be made and consensus reached as to where said break shall be taken. No easy feat for many, but for some, its a simple and quick choice: Oman.

International flights land in the sovereign state’s fair capital, Muscat on the regular and from here a sweet 45 minute boat trip or jolly taxi ride will deposit travellers to their destination: for us four girls this was Sifawi Boutique Hotel, in the mountains-meets-the-sea landscape of dreams, Jebel Sifah….

Jebel Sifah Oman: NIKON D3000 f/8; Exposure 1/640sec; ISO-100

Jebel Sifah Oman: NIKON D3000 f/8; Exposure 1/640sec; ISO-100

The development of Sifah is bordered by the Hajjar Mountains and the Gulf of Oman, with a Marina built between the breathtaking two. Boat rides on one side, camels on the other, and an oceanful of fresh fish were you inclined to a seafood lunch accompanied by your “grape beverage”(!).

Sifawi Boutique Hotel Oman: NIKON D3000 f/3.5; Exposure 1/1250sec; ISO-100

Sifawi Boutique Hotel Oman: NIKON D3000 f/3.5; Exposure 1/1250sec; ISO-100

Situated along the marina boulevard at Jebel Sifah, the Sifawi Boutique Hotel lies in the heart of this picturesque marina town. Perpetual blue skies framed my vision each morning when I woke, stretched and sauntered out for a looksee. What did I get? Pristine clear waters, the odd luxury yacht and warm breezes setting my mood gauge to “feeling wonderful” all day long. But I was not alone in feeling secure, at home and comfortable at Sifawi, for my travel companions moaned at not wishing to leave as well…

His Magesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said of Oman: NIKON D3000 f/3.5; Exposure 1/60sec; ISO-100

His Magesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said of Oman: NIKON D3000 f/3.5; Exposure 1/60sec; ISO-100

The Omani people are world renowned for their unassuming hospitality and good graces, fine example was apportioned to us during our stay. They are ruled by the Sultan of Oman Qaboos Bin Said who exercises ultimate authority. Oil is a natural resource which has afforded Oman wealth, prosperity and the division of such national fortune throughout all sectors of society, to all people, makes for a proud and confident people.

Oman’s reserves of petroleum total about 5.5 billion barrels, 24th largest in the world. It was with the commerical decision to export of oil in 1967 and since Sultan Qaboos’ accession to the throne in 1970, that many more oil fields have been found and developed. The nation thus thrived. To think, prior to 1970, Oman was closed off from the rest of the world: no electricity, no roads, no infrastructure, no modern trade…

Al Sabla Restaurant Al Safawi Hotel NIKON D3000 f/5 Exposure 1/15sec; ISO-200

Al Sabla Restaurant Al Safawi Hotel NIKON D3000 f/5 Exposure 1/15sec; ISO-200

Fast forward to 2012: four girls from Dubai, treating themselves to boutique luxury Omani-styles, food and beverages included! May the good work of Sultan Qaboos continue and may the proud Sultanate of Oman extend its congenial hand to the weary traveller again and again.

About Alice

I run, I jump, I sing, I dance. Whether climbing trees, walls or stairs I do it at a clip. When out, my date is always Trusty Nikon (who never lets me down in the attire stakes; so smart in his black, with a pop of red!). Where does it lead, this love affair of mine? Well, its lead me to Dubai, via the matrimonial aisle, thanks to a gorgeous husband who whisked me from Coogee beach, Sydney into the Arabian Peninsula - to my new home, Dubai. I am a freelance writer and photographer and my wish is to snap away, to scribe and to share it all with you. Enjoy.
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