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….
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”(!).
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…
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…
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.
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