Let's get real. Duqm is not the most scenic of destinations in Oman, but it is an excellent place to break up a journey between Muscat and Salalah. This is exactly what we did when we booked into the Crowne Plaza Duqm, which is an oasis of luxury for road-weary travellers.
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About Duqm
Duqm was once a small fishing village. But when oil was discovered in the 1950s it took on a much more industrial feel with vast refineries and a busy port.
Its location, 550km from Muscat, means that few holiday-makers venture here unless they are road-tripping between the capital and the southern Dhofar region.
Once you’ve passed the bottom of Wahiba Sands, the interior road is long and characterless. There are a few small towns and essential fuel stops, but very few landmarks worth visiting for the average tourist.
Around Duqm itself there are a few dozen small villages hugging crossroads and coastal fishing spots.
The beach-front Crowne Plaza is almost out of place, in a remote area with no restaurants or attractions within walking distance. It's not a place to use as a base for exploring but more somewhere to stop and relax.
Staying at the Crowne Plaza Duqm
I've got a confession. I unintentionally smashed the budget on this hotel stay. We’re a family of four and wanted a room or combination of rooms to accommodate us all.
When I went on the hotel’s website it looked like the only room left to accommodate our family was an Executive Suite. It turns out that I could have booked two connecting rooms for half the price, but that option wasn't obvious. So we ended up with a higher bill than necessary.
Did we regret it?
As soon as we stepped inside the hotel lobby and were greeted warmly by the Crowne Plaza team we knew this treat was worth it.
The airy five star decor that you'd expect of the Crowne Plaza brand is accented with Arabic patterns, lanterns and textiles so you know you are in Oman. But there's also Arabian Oryx skulls, turtle shells and images of fishermen to remind you this is very much a hotel in an area with heritage.
Our two bedroom Executive Suite at the Crowne Plaza
So what does booking an Executive Suite get you?
When we approached the reception desk we were confidently told we’d reserved ‘the best room in the hotel’. It wasn’t an exaggeration.
The double front door of the executive suite opened onto a large hallway with work desk. Off this were two spacious en-suite bedrooms and a spacious sitting room that led onto a large roof terrace with sea view.
From here we could see the sun rise in the East and set over cliffs to the West.
The twin room had generous single beds and the master bedroom had a super king. The master bathroom also had the wow factor of twin showers, a deep tub and twin sinks.
Our kids demolished the plates of cakes and fruit that had been left for us to enjoy, while we ordered ice cold beers to savour on the terrace before dinner.
Dining at the Crowne Plaza
We ate dinner and breakfast at the Souq buffet restaurant where everything was fresh and beautifully presented. The hotel seemed quiet but there was still a full range of food to choose from and chefs ready to cook dishes to order.
There was plenty of seating indoors and out.
On the day we left we had time for an al carte lunch. Our daughters couldn’t finish the pizza they ordered, so we asked for it to be boxed up for our journey. It came back to us in a takeaway bag including a box of fries and sauces.
Tip: we are IHG members (it's free to join) and booked direct for the best rate on a half board stay. You can cross-check in-house offers and the prices with booking.com ro find the best deal for your stay.
Hotel facilities
We stayed for one night, mid-road trip from Salalah back to Muscat, so didn't have too much time to relax and use the hotel facilities apart from the outdoor swimming pool.
However there is a gym, children's play area and access to the public beach.
Wonderful staff
I have to give a special mention to the kind and attentive staff at the Crowne Plaza in Duqm.
In the restaurant they couldn't do enough for our children and clearly enjoyed entertaining younger guests. At the pool, the life guard spotted us playing a haphazard game of catch with a pair of swimming goggles and inflated a volley ball for us to use instead.
As we prepared to leave we were offered cold water for our journey. The staff left a lasting impression and added to happy memories of our all too short stay.
Things to do in Duqm
We didn't have long to relax in before continuing north to cross Wahiba Sands desert. If you have more time, here's some things in a close to Duqm to tempt you away from the pool:
Duqm Rock Garden
This industrial city has very few attractions, but it's main one has pedigree. Duqm Rock Garden is a collection of sandstone and limestone rocks that illustrate Oman's fascinating geo-history.
Millions of years ago Oman was under the sea. The gradual shifting of the Arabian Plate to the north east revealed layers of sea bed that soared to create the highs of the Hajar Mountains and the vast plains of the Empty Quarter desert.
Today Duqm is one of the places in Oman where you see sedimentary rocks that have been weathered by the elements to form dramatic shapes. The rock garden extends over 6km² and a visitor centre is planned to help tourists navigate this natural attraction and preserve it for the future.
It's best to go early or late in the day as, at the time of writing, there is no shade to protect you from the sun.
Ras Madrakah
This peninsula an hour and 20 minutes south of Duqm is famous for its dramatic cliffs and sweeping beaches. There is a small town and public beach to the south of the headland. I'd advise stopping here to enjoy the sea views.
We camped on the north side of the headland during our road trip south a week earlier and the beach was far less scenic. It's full of fishing boats and debris. We used our 4x4 to drive along the shore and back towards the headland for a better spot to pitch our tent (pictured above).
Khaluf Sugar Dunes
The pearly white sands of the Sugar Dunes are a natural wonder of this stretch of coastline. If you are travelling along Route 32 they are a worthwhile detour to enjoy the views and the romantic Humrat Cave.
Khaluf is nearly two hours north of Duqm, so save yourselves travel time and visit on the way to the city.
Final thoughts on Crowne Plaza Duqm
This international hotel is worthy of a big city, but in its remote location serves as a very attractive stop over for anyone undertaking the road trip from north to southern Oman.
Expect a wonderful welcome, delicious food and luxurious rooms that are worth a stay of more than one night if you can spare the time.
Check prices here.
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