DAMMAM, 22 May — If you enjoyed reading the story about the world’s endangered sea turtles on the cover of last week’s Review then perhaps you would be interested in seeing them first hand.
The largest private sector chain in Oman, Sur International Hotels, has decided to build their sixth hotel at Ras Al Jinaz near the famous turtle nesting site.
The four-star Ras’al Hadd Beach Hotel is scheduled to open early next year. It will have boarding and lodging facilities as well as tents for those who want to stay closer to the turtle beach. At Ras’al Hadd there is a hotel already offering Turtle Magic packages. It is the Sur Mercure Hotel located one kilometer from the turtle beach.
It is mostly Green Turtles that come ashore to nest at Ras’al Hadd. For those wanting to view the Hawksbill and Olive Ridley Turtles, a visit to the Dimaniyat Islands Nature Reserve is required.
The nature reserve is located north of Muscat and east of Barka. It consists of 9 main islands which were designated a nature reserve in 1996.
The islands are sandy and rocky, made of limestone. Their surrounding coral reefs are home to a large variety of fish.
Birds and turtles are the main residents of their shores.
Al Sawadi Beach Resort is located an hour’s drive from Muscat. The recreation complex, offers diving and turtle watching trips at the nearby Sawadi Islands and the Dimaniyat Islands Nature Reserve, year round.
All underwater activities are supervised, by a five-star rated professional PADI qualified diving company. Diving instruction is available from beginner through to the advanced level.
After a day’s diving, guests at the resort may relax in one of the 100 chalet-style rooms. Every room has its own terrace or balcony.
Three restaurants cater to all dining needs. The Tandoori Bahar with its famous Tandoori specialties is a favorite with guests.
For those visitors who do not dive there are many other activities to choose from. State of the art tennis and squash courts are available for an early morning match. Wind surfing, water skiing and fishing trips may be arranged.
If relaxation is the order of the day, then try the outdoor jacuzzi or sauna or perhaps just lie by the pool and let the attendant from Neptune’s Snack Bar bring an iced coffee or a banana split.
Want a change of surroundings? Then take a sight seeing tour to see Oman’s ancient villages with their impressive forts or do some shopping in Muscat.
If you’re looking for a nearby vacation location away from the maddening crowds, Oman is the destination of choice.
For more information see alsawadibeach.com/diving.htm.
