Wellness travel in the Middle East is evolving beyond traditional spa holidays, and Oman is increasingly becoming part of that conversation. Travellers are looking for destinations that combine nature, slower-paced experiences, and genuine opportunities to disconnect, rather than simply offering luxury facilities. Oman’s landscapes, from mountains and desert environments to coastal destinations like Salalah, naturally support that shift. At the same time, government initiatives, sustainability projects, and growing interest in traditional healing practices are helping position the country as a serious wellness tourism destination. Here’s what industry experts and media outlets are highlighting about Oman’s growing wellness appeal.
What the Experts and Media Have to Say
A Focus on Sustainability
“The ministry has adopted an integrated package of offerings that combine recreation, wellness and sustainability, ensuring benefits to local communities while safeguarding resources.” (H E Azzan bin Qassim al Busaidi, Undersecretary for Tourism at Oman’s Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, quoted by the Muscat Daily).
Source: https://www.muscatdaily.com/2025/09/29/oman-launches-wellness-tourism-initiatives/
Oman’s wellness tourism growth is closely tied to sustainability and long-term tourism planning; an example of this was seen last year when the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism officially launched wellness tourism initiatives during World Tourism Day 2025 under the theme, “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation”. As mentioned in an article published online by Muscat Daily on 29th September 2025, the Wellness Tourism Forum highlighted Oman’s ambition to position itself as a regional and global wellness destination by combining nature, culture, and health-focused experiences. Discussions focused on developing sustainable tourism infrastructure, encouraging SMEs to supply their products to hospitality and health facilities and creating tourism packages tailored specifically for wellness travellers. The initiative also explored how mountain villages, heritage settings, and community-based tourism can become part of Oman’s broader wellness offering.
Traditional Healing Rituals
“Oman’s rich cultural heritage provides a unique aspect to its wellness offerings. Traditional treatments using local ingredients, such as frankincense and dates, are integral to the Omani approach to health and wellness. Many retreats feature spa services that utilise these natural resources for their therapeutic benefits.” (ResoHealth)
Source: https://resohealth.life/discover-the-serenity-of-oman-your-ultimate-guide-to-wellness-escapes/
Part of Oman’s growing appeal as a wellness destination lies in its connection to traditional healing practices. As highlighted by Dubai-based healthcare innovation company ResoHealth, on 24th March 2026, many wellness retreats in Oman incorporate treatments using locally sourced ingredients such as frankincense, herbs and dates. These are integrated into spa rituals with therapies ranging from calming oil treatments to body scrubs and other restorative healing experiences.
“…guests can retreat to Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara where the frankincense experience continues with the resort’s signature Frankincense Ritual. This pampering 90-minute treatment features two specialists performing four-hand synchronised massage techniques while harnessing the natural healing benefits of frankincense, both aromatically and topically”. (Journal des Palaces)
Source: https://www.journaldespalaces.com/pressrelease-55055-al-baleed-resort-salalah-by-anantara-invites-travellers-to-enjoy-kick-off-of-frankincense-season.html
Rather than separating wellness from local culture, the country’s approach often blends the two, which can be experienced at the best wellness resorts in Oman for relaxation and spa experiences. An example of this would be the Frankincense Ritual at Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara that was highlighted on the Journal des Palaces website; this signature treatment involves a four-hand synchronised massage that utilises traditional frankincense oil from Salalah, which nourishes the skin, reduces inflammation or pain and enhances relaxation.
Soothing Natural Settings
“Oman offers a quality of silence and natural stillness that very few destinations anywhere in the world can match. The wadis, the desert, the Hajar mountains, the Arabian Sea coast — these are healing environments of extraordinary elemental power.” (HealingGuide)
Source: https://www.healingguide.org/destinations/middle-east/oman/
Oman’s landscapes are increasingly being recognised as a key part of its wellness appeal. According to HealingGuide, the country offers a sense of peace and natural tranquillity that is difficult to find in many other destinations. From the wadis and deserts to the Hajar Mountains and the Arabian Sea coastline, Oman’s natural environments create settings that naturally support slower, restorative travel experiences.
This is particularly noticeable in destinations such as Salalah, where lagoon landscapes, coastal scenery, and seasonal greenery create an atmosphere well suited to wellness retreats. Unlike destinations built entirely around tourism infrastructure, Oman’s appeal often comes from how naturally its landscapes encourage relaxation and reflection.
“Geography adds another advantage: wellness and recovery tourism. During Khareef Dhofar Season 2024, Dhofar Governorate welcomed about 1.048 million visitors between late June and late September, creating a ready market for preventive check-ups, rehabilitation and medically supervised retreats that complement leisure travel… With sensible accreditation and clinical partnerships, Salalah and highland destinations such as Al Jabal Al Akhdhar can host integrated wellness and recovery centres for Oman and the wider GCC.” (Dr Yousuf bin Hamed al Balushi)
Source: https://www.omanobserver.om/article/1177327/opinion/the-health-wellness-economy-omans-new-growth-engine
Wellness-focused destinations have also been highlighted by Omani economist, Dr Yousuf bin Hamed al Balushi in an article for the Oman Observer, published online on 29th September 2025. He noted that with proper accreditation and clinical partnerships, destinations like Salalah and Al Jabal Al Akhdhar are naturally positioned to host integrated wellness and recovery centres serving both Oman and the wider GCC region. The article also pointed to Oman’s strong infrastructure, public institutions, and natural environments as key building blocks for the country’s wellness economy.
Wellness-related Projects in the Pipeline
“Plans are underway to transform the Oman Botanic Garden Reserve into a premier eco-tourism and experiential destination. This initiative includes the development of an upscale Geo-Adventure Park and a luxury Wellness Retreat Centre in Al Khoudh, Muscat Governorate… these two projects aim to enhance sustainability and promote nature-based tourism at one of Oman’s most notable environmental and conservation sites.” (Omanet)
Source: https://omanet.om/en/news/business/explore-wellness-at-oman-botanic/
Oman’s wellness tourism ambitions are also being supported by new projects focused on eco-tourism and experiential travel. As reported by Omanet on 8th May 2026, plans are underway to transform the Oman Botanic Garden Reserve in Muscat into a major eco-tourism destination featuring both a Geo-Adventure Park and a luxury Wellness Retreat Centre.
The development aims to combine sustainability, environmental education, and wellness-focused travel experiences within one integrated destination. Planned features include eco-hikes, outdoor wellness spaces, stargazing opportunities, geological exhibits, and luxury eco-lodges inspired by traditional Omani design. These initiatives reflect how Oman is positioning wellness tourism not simply around spa facilities, but around broader experiences connected to nature, education, sustainability, and outdoor exploration.
Conclusion
Oman’s rise as a wellness travel destination is being shaped by more than luxury resorts alone. Sustainability initiatives, traditional healing practices, inspiring natural landscapes, and long-term tourism investments are all contributing to a more holistic approach to wellness tourism. With destinations like Salalah and Jabal Akhdar gaining recognition alongside new wellness-focused developments, Oman is steadily building a reputation as one of the Middle East’s most distinctive places for restorative and experience-led travel.
