Despite several new development projects, most notably the Shangri-La's Barr Al-Jissah Resort & Spa (website: www.shangri-la.com) a 40-minute drive from the international airport, there are as yet few resorts making the most of Oman's magnificent sandy coastline. There are two resorts in Oman's southern city of Salalah and one in Khasab, in the northern Musandam Peninsular. All Oman's resorts offer luxury accommodation in beautiful locations but the downside is their relative inaccessibility to neighbouring towns.

There are currently too few hotels for the ever-increasing number of visitors to the country. This means that hotels (which are ranked from 1 to 6 stars) are often full and the prices high, especially in the capital, Muscat. Value for money in the top end accommodation is good but there is very little on offer at the lower end of the scale. In many towns there is only one hotel and wherever you plan to visit in Oman it is wise to book first. The pocket-sized Oman2Day, published monthly, has a handy accommodation listing.

Growing in popularity are the many desert camps that are springing up in places of special interest like the Sharqiya Sands or near the turtle nesting sites of Ras Al-Jinz. These usually offer accommodation in barasti (palm frond) huts with shared bathroom block and include barbequed supper, breakfast, camel rides and visits to local Bedouin settlements. They are not cheap, however, and you often need a 4-wheel drive to reach them. They do offer an excellent chance to enjoy the legendary Omani wilderness. Wild camping is possible in many places if you have a 4-wheel drive and all your own equipment.