Mystical Oman
1’001 nights in Oman
In the east of the Arabian Peninsula lies the Sultanate of Oman, a land of mystical beauty and unspoilt nature – an insider tip for adventurous explorers. Breathtaking desert landscapes, paradisiacal wadis and sheltered bays with dream beaches make Oman a fascinating holiday destination. You can explore the country on your own with a hire car. From September to May, Edelweiss flies directly from Zurich to Muscat, and from the end of February to May there are also triangular flights to Salalah.
Muscat
Muscat, the capital of Oman, was once one of the most important cities of the ancient Orient and a central trading centre for goods from Arabia, India and Europe. Today, the Mutrah Souk is a reminder of the historical market bustle and invites you to immerse yourself in the traditional customs and life of the locals. The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world, impresses with its majestic architecture and magnificent chandelier. The mosque is open to non-Muslims until 11 a.m. (except on Fridays).
Spectacular wadis
The wadis in Oman, which translate from Arabic as «valleys» or «gorges» offer breathtaking natural experiences. The impressive formations range from large gorges to small crevices, many of which carry water all year round. The Wadi Shab is particularly worth seeing with its rugged cliffs and turquoise blue pools – a paradise for hikers and swimming enthusiasts.
Salalah
A trip to Salalah in the southernmost part of Oman is an absolute must. With its kilometers of fine sandy beaches and warm bathing temperatures all year round, Salalah has earned the nickname «Caribbean of the Orient». In addition to the picturesque coastline, the majestic mountains of Jebel Samhan with their thousands of years old baobabs (baobab trees) are also worth a visit. The best incense in the world grows in this region and can be bought in the lively souks.
Omani cuisine
Omani cuisine delights with a variety of flavors and traditional dishes. One highlight is the national dish shuwa, in which marinated meat is cooked for hours in underground clay ovens. Mishkak, spicy marinated meat kebabs, are also popular and are often sold at street stalls. At the end of a meal, dates and qahwah, an aromatic coffee with cardamom, are traditionally served. Restaurants such as Ramssa Omani and Bait Al Luban in Muscat offer an exquisite selection of traditional dishes.
Overnight stay
The new St. Regis Al Mouj Muscat Resort is located in the exclusive harbour district of Muscat and offers luxurious beachside living, an adjacent award-winning golf course and an ideal starting point to the country’s cultural highlights. Another hideaway is the Jumeirah Muscat Bay in a picturesque bay. For relaxation at an altitude of 2,000 meters, we recommend the Alila Jabal Akhdar with its infinity pool and breathtaking view of the canyon. In the south, the Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara offers an unspoilt private beach. A special highlight is the Six Senses Zighy Bay, which can be reached by speedboat, 4×4 or even paragliding.
Dream destination Maldives
Island paradise Maldives
The Maldives, an independent state in the Indian Ocean, lies 750 kilometers southwest of India. The archipelago comprises 1’200 islands, of which only 200 are inhabited. Many of them are threatened by rising sea levels, which makes a visit to this tropical paradise all the more urgent. Pristine white sandy beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters and coral reefs make the Maldives a popular holiday destination. The best time to visit is from November to April, when temperatures are between 24 and 31 degrees. Edelweiss flies three times a week from Zurich to Malé from October.
Diving and snorkeling
Known for its crystal-clear waters and colorful coral reefs, the Maldives is a paradise for snorkeling and diving aficionados. The diverse marine life includes colorful fish, reef and whale sharks, turtles and manta rays, and the stunning coral reefs and clear waters provide ideal conditions for exploring the underwater world. Whether snorkeling along the reefs or diving in deeper waters, the Maldives guarantees unforgettable experiences.
Water sports
The Maldives offer a variety of water sports activities for sports enthusiasts. From exciting jet skiing and relaxed kayaking in the calm lagoons to adventurous parasailing, where you can admire the islands from a bird’s eye view. Stand-up paddleboarding is also popular, allowing you to observe the marvelous underwater world directly beneath you. The possibilities are almost endless and guarantee fun and adventure in a breathtaking environment.
Sailing tours
The Maldives are a paradise for catamaran and sailing trips. The countless atolls and crystal-clear waters invite you to spend relaxing hours on the water and exciting voyages of discovery to remote islands, hidden lagoons and secluded beaches. This type of adventure offers the opportunity to discover the natural beauty of the Maldives from a unique perspective and to experience the islands far away from tourism.
Maldivian cuisine
Maldivian cuisine is characterized by its proximity to the Indian Ocean, which is why fish plays a central role in many dishes. Typical dishes include garudhiya, a fish soup, and kulhi riha, a delicious fish curry. Mas huni, a dish of smoked tuna, grated coconut, lemon and chili, served with roshi, a flatbread, is often eaten for breakfast. Kulhi Boakibaa, the Maldivian fish cake, is also a delicacy. The fresh ingredients and variety of spices make Maldivian cuisine unique.
Island hideaways
The Maldives offers a wide range of luxurious accommodation. Ayada Maldives has exclusive water and beach villas surrounded by a pristine reef, ideal for snorkeling and diving. The Four Seasons Resort Kuda Huraa impresses with its fantastic location and first-class service, including customized surfing excursions. The Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas are located in the Baa Atoll, a UNESCO biosphere reserve, and have an underwater restaurant and their own observatory. The Dusit Thani Maldives combines Thai hospitality with Maldivian natural beauty and offers exclusive suites.
The versatile Bali
Bali – Island of the Gods
Bali, the «Island of the Gods», lies in the heart of Indonesia and is characterized by its diverse landscape with lush rice fields, imposing volcanoes and picturesque beaches. Known for its cultural and spiritual traditions, the island is a paradise for nature lovers, culture vultures and adventurers. The best time to visit is from April to October, when the weather is dry and warm. Swiss flies daily from Zurich to Singapore, from where Bali can be reached in 2.5 hours.
Rice terraces
Rice cultivation has a long tradition in Bali, which is why the landscape is dominated by imposing rice terraces. The Balinese also refer to them as the stairways to heaven of the gods, and they have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2012. One of the most beautiful of these is the Tegallalang rice terrace, just 20 minutes by car from Ubud. Numerous paths wind between coconut palms through the deep green fields and invite you to explore Bali’s heritage.
Surfing paradise
As a popular surfing destination, Bali is favored by many surfers from May to October. During these months, the swell is relatively strong and constant, with mostly sunny weather and a pleasant 27 degrees, which benefits all levels. The Padang Padang beach and the white Dreamland beach, which is known worldwide for its killer waves, are particularly popular with experienced surfers. The beach in the hip town of Canggu is ideal for first-time surfers. Surf schools, shops and bars are lined up here in a relaxed atmosphere.
Monkey Forest Ubud
The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary awaits travelers in the middle of Ubud. A nature reserve and temple complex in one, the sanctuary is home to over 1’260 long-tailed macaques, which are considered sacred by the Balinese and symbolize both protection and mischief. Their playful nature, social dynamics and clever behavior can be experienced up close as you walk through the park. In between, sacred temples and ornate statues invite you to explore the country’s cultural and spiritual history.
Culinary highlights
Bali offers a rich culinary variety that includes both traditional Balinese and international dishes. The classics include satay, chicken kebabs with peanut sauce, and nasi goreng, fried rice with meat, vegetables and fried egg. We recommend the Fu House in Seminyak with modern Thai cuisine and delicious cocktails. In Ubud, Arriba and Chupacabras opened this summer, combining Latin American and Indonesian flavors in an impressive setting. Cookery courses also offer the opportunity to experience the local cuisine at first hand.
Exclusive hotels
The Amankila Resort is located on the east coast of Bali on a green mountainside at the foot of the sacred Agung volcano. The suites built on stilts and the three-storey infinity pool offer breathtaking views. The Amandari in Ubud is designed like a traditional village and offers yoga, a gym, tennis court and a 28-metre-long pool. The Aman Villas at Nusa Dua are located on Bali’s southernmost peninsula, next to the famous Bali National Golf Club, surrounded by white sandy beaches and fragrant frangipani trees. We also recommend the relaxed Belmond Jimbaran Puri Island on one of Bali’s most beautiful beaches, the secluded Mandarin Oriental and the exclusive Bulgari Resort in Uluwatu.
