Oman getaway: Sidr eco-cabin, close desert, mountains, forts and village

You'll love our 15-acre, organic date and fruit farm in interior Oman. Lizq Oasis is both a unique ‘back to nature’ destination, and an ideal base from which to explore ancient villages and forts, wadis, Bronze Age towers of Shir Jaylah, market towns of Sinaw, Ibra, Nizwa, Adam and the neighbouring Wahiba sands. Choose from 4 air-conditioned, self-catering 1-bedroom cabins or book two or more cabins if travelling with friends or adult family group. Each cabin is listed and available separately on Homeaway as follows:
Neem Eco-cabin: Twin ensuite with field view
Sidr Eco-cabin: Twin ensuite with field view
Luban Eco-cabin: Twin ensuite with mountain view
Bedaam Eco-cabin: King ensuite with field view

The cabins are designed to resemble traditional date palm shelters of the neighbouring Bedouin but with maximum comfort in mind. They are furnished with top-quality beds with sprung mattresses, hotel-grade cotton linen and towels. The modern bathroom suite with rainshower is stocked with eco-friendly products. Your private kitchenette is equipped with fridge/freezer, granite counter-top, kettle, coffee plunger, supplies and all utensils and crockery. A wardrobe provides hanging and shelf storage for longer stays.

Outdoor space for guests comprises:-
• A small private terrace with table and chairs;
• a central purpose-built, roofed, BBQ kitchen and landscaped dining area;
• Barasti-enclosed game room with table tennis table;
• Large air-conditioned traditional ‘majlis’ reception for reading, relaxation and board games
• Running/cycling perimeter track

We cannot promise you silence; you will awaken to birdsong and bees humming in the trees, and sleep to the sound of a rustling breeze and background chatter of crickets. We can promise however a beautiful natural setting, fresh air and wide-open spaces in which to relax, wind-down and switch off (literally and metaphorically). Guests are free to explore the Oasis keeping to the main paths and pick fruit, herbs and vegetables when in season. Play table tennis in our outdoor games room or sit and read a book or play a board game in the comfort of our large reception majlis/common room.

After a day exploring the nearby towns and villages of the historic Ash Sharqiyyah region, the camel enclosures outside the gate, or nearby Wadi Daqeeq, cool off with a relaxing swim in our infinity swimming pool of fresh water drawn from an artesian well (set timings). Depending on whether other cabins are booked you may be sharing these spaces with us and upto 6 other travellers.

Please note as this is a desert farm you may encounter all manner of small creatures and bugs. We cannot rule out the occasional scorpion or grass snake. For this reason we advise keeping to paths and cleared ground and consider the Oasis unsuitable for children.

While the Oasis is in a secluded location, it is only a 5 minute drive from the nearest village, 15 minutes from 2 large supermarkets in Samad Al Shan, 20 minutes from the new Muscat-Sur six-lane highway and less than 90 minutes from Muscat International Airport. The market towns of Sinaw (30 minutes), Ibra (45 minutes) and Nizwa/Izki/Manah/Adam (60 minutes) are an easy day trip away.

The Oasis has phone reception and 4G signal. We are still a little too remote for wifi but are working on it! Let us know if you would like a local sim card to use for the duration of your visit.

We will usually be on hand at the farm and contactable by phone. If for any reason, we are not immediately available, there will always be someone on hand at the property to assist you. We are happy to give you recommendations during your stay should you so wish but otherwise will leave you to enjoy the peace and tranquility.

Getting Around
You will need a vehicle to reach the Oasis. Public transport in Oman is close to non-existent and private taxis expensive. Although a daily bus service has started from the capital Muscat to Mahout running down Route 27 which passes the turn to Lizq village a few kilometres away, we would recommend hiring a car in Muscat for travelling around the interior. A 4WD gives flexibility for off-road and desert driving. We are happy to provide recommendations and help you to plan your days out from the farm.

Regrettably, we cannot accommodate extra guests. Depending on our schedule, we may be able to cater for a later check-in time than the one listed. Let us know when booking if you think you might need this. Contact us if you wish to book more than six months ahead.

Other things to note
Oman’s climate is categorised as subtropical dry, hot desert with low annual rainfall and very high summer (June to September) temperatures. However, the terrain is diverse and the climate as varied as the geography. Lizq Oasis has its own micro-climate created by the mountains that encircle it at a distance. While it can be hotter than Muscat we tend to have more frequent – always welcome – cloudbursts in the summer months.

As a rule of thumb, the best time to visit is from October to April when temperatures range from a very pleasant 22°C (70°F) to around 35°C (95°F) during the day. As usual in a desert climate, the difference between day and night temperatures can be marked. Be prepared to don a sweater for sitting outdoors at night.

By the end of April and through May temperatures reach around 40°C (100°F) before ratcheting up to 45°C (113°F) in July/August. While sightseeing is not recommended in the summer months, the summer nights are balmy after the scorching days and perfect for star-gazing.
At any time of year, it is critical to wear a hat, sunscreen and, most of all, keep hydrated. Make sure you carry sufficient water supplies when travelling around.

Mosquitoes are a fact of life in the cooler months. We advise keeping the screen door and window screens closed at all times. Planting around the huts is mainly lemon grass and basil to repel mosquitoes and minimise watering. We provide a natural mosquito repellent upon request.

House rules

No shoes in the cabin
Quiet time after 10.00pm
No additional guests in the cabin
Oman is a tolerant but conservative society; please dress modestly in and around the Oasis

Check in 1-6pm
Check out 11.00am
Advance booking 6 months
Minimum stay – 2 nights

Contact me for further information or queries.