Travel to the Middle East is still a relatively new experience to many Westerners.
Usually if you ask a friend for a recommendation in the area, the answer is almost always Dubai with its luxury hotels, beaches and host of attractions.
And it's a solid option, right? A melting pot city of wealthy locals and expats with 7-star hotels and a man-made palm tree in the sea.
Elsewhere, Qatar is doing its best to put its name on the map with the 2022 World Cup, while Bahrain hosted an F1 Grand Prix.
But there's a sleeping giant full to the belly with culture, class and scenery; Oman.
Located on the south east peninsula of the middle east, this country shares similarities with its neighbours but can offer so much more.
Yes it has deserts and a beautiful coast, but its undeniably best feature is its sprawling and undulating landscape. Limestone mountains weathered over time by the sea and rain take the form of beautiful jagged scenery.
Jaw-dropping bays with private beaches, mountain ranges and city backdrops are all par for the course in Oman, as weaving roads cut through rock to guide you to your destination of choice.
For those looking for a dose of history and culture, Muscat is where you'll want to head.
The national museum stands proudly, and will take you on an educational journey, but you only need look outside to see it for yourself. Opposite the Sultan's new Al Alam Palace in the old town, the museum has 14 permanent galleries to explore, not to mention the building itself is quite something.
Next to the palace stands the Old Fort, with turrets that lead up the mountains like something out of Lord of the Rings - and plenty of old fortresses and towers dotted around the country. It's a very relaxed feel, that brings modern architecture with rustic streets. Some tourists were taking pictures and others were on a walk about the city - and the call to prayer can also be heard ringing through the streets to really remind you of where you are.
Staying in the capital, Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is a famous feature and a must-visit. Visible from the motorway, this architectural giant is the largest mosque in Oman. Its hand-made prayer carpet weighs an astonishing 21-tonne and took four years to complete.
A short, 15-minute drive away is the Royal Opera House; a proud building for the Omani locals, and one that only opened in 2011, the venue has hosted the likes of Andrea Bocelli and Renee Fleming.
Traditional souqs come with their usual labyrinth layouts as nearby fresh 5-star hotels offer a taste of something finer for those who seek it. Muscat's souq in particular is a mind-bending maze of shops and endless gifts. Whether you're after jewel-encrusted camels, cashmere garments or jewellery of any kind you'll find it here. And don't miss out on trying Karak Tea - essentially a builder's tea with spices such as black pepper, cardamon and cinnamon. Many of the food stands should sell it.
The Gulf of Oman shares waters with the Indian Ocean and you'd be hard pressed to find luxury hotels that offer you sun and sea better than those on Muscat's coast. But if your hotel doesn't have those as an option, Qurum Beach is the place to head for locals, expats and tourists.
The Jumeriah Muscat Bay has its own private beach and bay as well as two swimming pools and a spa for ultimate chill time. The hotel rooms are enormous with en-suite bathrooms of proportionally decent size. Modern technology is wired into the walls, with electronic controls for the temperature, lights and room service.
Speaking of service, the staff are exceptional. The hotel is immaculate, towels by the pools and beaches are ready waiting for you and regular snacks and drinks are offered while you soak up the rays. Alcohol can be consumed at the hotel at one of its many bars or restaurants. And, yes, there is a poolside bar.
And a short boat ride from that very coast will take you to the Damaniyat Islands. Travellers will be unlucky not to spot dolphins on the way and swim with turtles as you snorkel above kaleidoscopic coral.
Away from the coast gives visitors the chance to hike, or drive, up some of that famous Oman mountain scenery - and at a slightly cooler temperature. Jabal Akhdar, known locally as The Green Mountain, could be one such destination, with flagged trails offering jaw-dropping views.
And whether you're in the mountains for lunch, a couple of nights or your entire holiday, make sure to dine at Anantara's Bella Vista. Breathe in that mountain air as you're treated to a stunning cliff top view with lunch.
It would be remiss to talk so positively about Oman and not mention the people. A short culture lesson taught me that it's in their nature to be welcoming and to help. It wouldn't be a surprise for an Omani to wake up, head downstairs and find a stranger in their kitchen making a tea.
In the UK you'd probably scream and call the police. But in Oman it's normal. Perhaps your dad invited them round because their car broke down, maybe your wife saw someone upset on the street and offered a shoulder to cry on.
Muscat may be a diverse city with no one religion enforced by law, but it does have laws around alcohol and LGBT rights.
Same-sex activity and the expression of trans people, for example, are criminalised. You can find more information in the Foreign Office's Oman travel advice here.
Oman is running the #HalfTimeForOman competition on social media, where two holidays are given away at half-time of every World Cup match. The 256 holidaymakers will enjoy a seven-night stay in Oman.
