As the autumn closes in and days become shorter and colder, the temptation to take a trip to warmer climes can become irresistible.
The Caribbean and South East Asia can make great destinations to escape the autumnal gloom and to reenergise before the long Northern Hemisphere winter.
Yet there is a tropical paradise much closer to home, where average temperatures in November reach 32C.
Oman is just over an eight-hour flight from London and boasts a desert island, where few tourists are still yet to venture.
Masirah is an island off the east coast of mainland Oman in the Arabian Sea, and is the largest one in the country.
With its rocky interior of palm oases and gorgeous rim of sandy beaches, it is the typical desert island.
Travellers can reach Masirah by taking a one-and-a-half-hour ferry trip from Shannah Port on the coast, south of Wahiba Sands.
The island is home to a fascinating array of wildlife, that includes flamingos and herons which patrol the coast by day, and armies of ghost crabs that march ashore at night.
Four species of turtles nest on Masirah, with the island the number one in the world for Loggerheads.
Its coastal waters are also home to a school of non-migrating humpback whales, adding to the exotic ambience.
The island’s tiny town, Hilf, has a few shops and a handful of cafes and restaurants.
There are some reasonable hotels and guest houses, while it is also possible to camp on the beach.
Oman’s Government is considering launching flights from Muscat to the island, as well as developing infrastructure.
This undoubtedly will lead to steady growth in tourist numbers in years to come.
Currently, Masira Island Resort is one of the major tourist facilities on the island and has received rave reviews on Tripadvisor.
Mohsin A wrote: “Just back from a two-night stay at Masirah Island resort. You cannot get better than this in Masirah. I stayed in chalet.
“It had two bedrooms, two bathrooms and a kitchen with tea kettle, microwave, hot plate and refrigerator.
“Very nice view of the sea from both the bedrooms. Very quite beach with white sand and an abandoned dhow (omani wooden boat).”
This post was originally published on here
