Want to lie in the Open Air and Watch the Shooting Stars .

There is a wonderful diversity to the landscapes of Oman: jagged mountain peaks appear out of nowhere on the sand-filled plains and stark desert valleys transform suddenly into lush green oases. The empty quarter has saffron-coloured sands which change shape with the Gulf winds and the Arabian Sea washes up against bleached cliffs and pristine sandy beaches where rare turtles breed.

Oman's empire used to extend to Zanzibar on Africa's east coast (the birth place of Freddie Mercury). It absorbed influences from Portugal, as well as Africa, and Persia and India. Many tribes now combine to form a rich cultural mix.

Local food and drink incorporate all these influences. From slow-cooked mutton stews to fragrant fish curries and skewered chicken and prawn, cooked at many roadside pitches over hot coals. There’re also crispy flat breads, tiny sweet bananas homegrown, as well as fresh juicy mangoes and papayas and coconuts. Omanis offer Cardamom-infused coffee and dates or Halwa, a delicious dessert. Omanis are rightly very proud of their country's culture and customs.

If you think the Gulf is full of bling and building sites, prepare to be surprised. Oman is the jewel in the Middle East's crown and the Gulf's magical best. Beauty really has an address.

There's more to follow. But if this has got you interested, get in touch and I'll do the rest.