Luxury holidays in Al-Dakhiliyah

When to go

High up in the mountains, temperatures are less blistering than the hinterland; from June to September, while the coast sizzles, fog mists up the mountains, making it bearably humid rather than a wash out. If visiting the low-lying provinces, enjoy the most clement climate from October to April.

Getting there

• Planes

  Fly to Muscat International Airport, a one-hour drive from Nizwa. British Airways (www.ba.com) and Emirates (www.emirates.com) fly into Muscat International Airport daily.

• Automobiles

  Drive north from Muscat and you’ll see the low suburban dwellings give way to jawdropping mountain-starring scenery. If staying in the mountains, you’ll need an off-road vehicle to traverse the rocky, uneven terrain; newly asphalted roads help to negotiate the wadis and slopes, but they can often be unreliable and cliff hugging. Those unfamiliar with the region may find driving arduous, and if you're hiring a 4WD, carry extra fuel, plenty of water, and a fully charged spare mobile.