Review: Valley Cliff Inn, Nizwa family villas

We don't often return to the same places to stay but Valley Cliff Inn in Nizwa is one of a handful of places for which we've made an exception, not twice but three times.

This beautiful farm stay with two large villas is a magical oasis less than 1km from the centre of Nizwa that's not only family-friendly but also dog-friendly, which is a boon for expats with pets.

If you are looking for somewhere homely to base yourselves while exploring the ancient city of Nizwa and the attractions of the surrounding Hajar Mountains then this review is for you.

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But before the good stuff, I'd like to thank you for visiting Oman Wanderlust and also encourage you to join our Facebook group Oman Unpacked. It's a community to get even more personal recommendations from visitors and expats who love Oman.

About Valley Cliff Inn

This small farm and villa complex is owned by Abdullah, a retired Oman Air Force officer who welcomes you to his home like family. He and his family live in a villa outside the complex but you're likely to meet him during your stay.

They have been renting out Valley Cliff Inn since 2022 and you'll see from its reviews, that it has become very popular.

Accommodation

There are two villas. One is a large bungalow and the other is a three-storey house, both decorated in the style of modern Omani homes. Both have large shared kitchens, fully furnished sitting areas and laundry facilities.

Bookings are taken per room. All other indoor spaces are communal unless you rent all of the rooms in a villa. Keep this in mind if you are travelling with children and want a totally private villa.

All bedrooms are doubles with lockable doors. They come with ensuite bathrooms, cotton sheets and a mix of Arabic rugs and lanterns with modern furnishings.

Most of the bedrooms have been refurbished since our first stay, so check out recent photos on booking.com but above is one of the updated bedrooms we stayed in most recently.

Pools, gardens and breakfast

Outside each villa is a swimming pool complete with sun loungers. And in the vast garden you'll find plenty of shade, places to relax, fruit trees, barbecue areas and play equipment for children.

The only downside about the pools is that they are not heated, which makes them quite refreshing all year round.

At night the gardens including the fountain at the entrance are lit up making it feel extra magical.

There are lots of birds and animals kept around the compound including pigeons and deer. You might spot frogs hopping around the gardens at night too.

There is a shared summer room with yet more seating, a book case and a sun terrace above. Climb up here for a great view of sunrise over the mountains.

A new addition during our final stay with Abdullah was that he was offering breakfast in the summer room. This was a hot and cold buffet for an additional few rials per person. Just let him know the night before if you would like breakfast.

A family-friendly place to stay in Nizwa

If you are staying as a family your children will love the gardens. And you don't need to be too concerned about letting them explore as there are fences around the swimming pools.

If you are travelling as a family group its worth contacting Abdullah before your stay to request rooms together. If there are six or more of you it is possible to rent a whole villa privately depending on availability.

What's included in your stay

Expect bottled water, toiletries, slippers, towels and toilet paper. There's free wifi throughout the villas and garden.

In the kitchens you'll find tea and coffee and all the appliances you need for cooking. However, during our stays there weren't many utensils or pans. It was better set up for people eating out and ordering in food, so bear that in mind.

Things to do nearby

You are a 10 to 15 minute walk from Nizwa Souq, the famous goat market and the historic Nizwa Fort. I'd recommend driving the short distance if you are visiting during the day as it could be a very hot walk. You can easily park in the main car park outside the souq.

We have also used Valley Cliff Inn as a base to explore further. If you want to do the same, here's some places we have loved visiting day trips from Nizwa:

• Oman Across the Ages Museum - an incredible multi-media museum telling the story of Oman's evolution over the millennia and it's vision for the future
• Al Hoota Cave - Arabia's largest show cave
• Bahla Fort - a personal favourite of mine and a UNESCO World Heritage site. It has been more sympathetically restored than Nizwa Fort
• Misfat Al Abriyeen - a mountain village clinging to the cliffs where you can explore plantations and be transported back in time to old Oman. Don't miss coffee in one of the roof top cafes.

Read more about all the things to do in and around Nizwa.

Final thoughts on Valley Cliff Inn

As I said in my introduction, Valley Cliff Inn is a mountain oasis on the edge of so many great places to explore. To us it felt like a home from home and that's what made return stays so appealing.

We even took both sets of grandparents here.

Each time we went Abdullah and his team were working hard in the gardens and making improvements to the villas. If you are looking for somewhere to stay that feels a little more personal than a hotel, then check the rates and availability for your stay.

Before you go, have a read of my latest posts

• Bedouin desert camp in Oman - an authentic Wahiba Sands experience
• Wahiba Sands in Oman - travel tips and experiences not to be missed
• Review: Valley Cliff Inn, Nizwa family villas
• What to buy in Nizwa Souq
• Places to see between Muscat and Nizwa