So – Oman isn't the most thrilling of destinations in itself, but when you've got a BA companion voucher to use up and it's winter in Blighty then it does a good job of providing some pretty much guaranteed sun without having to head to the other side of the planet.
And the Chedi Hotel in Muscat is rather lovely – three stunning pools including the new 104m-long pool funnily enough, called the Long Pool) which, along with another one are for adults only, so that's another huge tick in its favour. Add in huge sofabed style sunbeds, lots of space, no-one apart from Hawksey in the water and it's not a bad call for a 5 night trip.
we just about managed a pootle out to the centre of Muscat and the bay area, which is split between ridiculous superyachts and oil tankers keeping the Omani economy more than afloat.
And finally, a waft around the souk, where we splashed out on 3 'Christmas' baubles (including one for Sophie of a woman on a camel – long story, all about her, on an angry camel in a Saharan sand storm with me, Vicki & Nicky in Tunisia a few years back!). But did also manage to get a little 'bronze-y something' from this antique-y place that actually looks as if it didn't just come off an Arabic production line.. Who knows – we like it. At least it wasn't a cutlass – Mr H was rather keen on those.
Back now for the Xmas duration – happy holidays lovely people x