Enjoy the beautiful mountainous landscape and ocean view in Oman’s port capital. This city brims with historical landmarks: Portuguese forts, the Sultan Quaboos Grand Mosque and a busy souk. A stroll along the Corniche as the sun loses its intensity is one of the true pleasures of a visit here, as is a day spent on its wide sandy beaches.

The island archipelago of the Maldives spills out across the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. It’s no surprise that so many wish to visit, staying in luxurious overwater bungalows where glass floors afford living room views of exotic marine life, the perfect place to escape from the stresses of modern urban living.