Exploring Oman through fitness
A German fitness coach, Anne Hörster, has redefined tourism in Oman by blending outdoor fitness, cultural immersion and sustainable practices into tailored travel programmes. Her tours offer wellness enthusiasts transformative journeys with dune workouts, wadi explorations and a connection to Oman’s authentic charm
Published: 06:12 PM,Dec 06,2024 | EDITED : 11:12 PM,Dec 06,2024
Participants perform jumping exercises
Anne Hörster, a personal trainer and coach from Düsseldorf, Germany, first visited Oman in 2012 during a family vacation. Captivated by its stunning landscapes and warm hospitality, she returned in 2016 and partnered with Mubarak al Gharbi, owner of Charm of Nature Tourism, to create unique training and travel experiences. Combining her expertise in fitness with her love for nature, Anne designed bespoke programmes that merge physical activity, cultural exploration and relaxation.
Their collaboration culminated in March 2023 with the first group tour for German travellers, which was a resounding success. Anne’s tours blend adventure and wellness, featuring hiking Oman’s rugged landscapes, exploring hidden wadis, and functional training at stunning outdoor locations.
Fitness is woven into every aspect of the itinerary. The PowerWeeks programme, which has been highly successful in Oman, offers clients a choice between a 7-day and a 14-day intensive coaching experience designed to transform their fitness and mindset. Each day includes one session focused on strength and muscle building, followed by another session dedicated to stretching and endurance training.
Alongside the workouts, clients receive a personalised diet plan to follow throughout the programme. The ultimate goals are to build muscle, promote weight loss and foster a lasting shift in eating and exercise habits, making it a comprehensive approach to achieving sustainable health and fitness.
Anne’s guests engage in triceps training by secluded wadis, trapezius exercises near mountain trails, yoga sessions at serene beaches, leg workouts on sand dunes, and lower back training by the crystal-clear waters of Wadi Tiwi. For those seeking dynamic movement, push-ups by the dramatic cliffs of Al Hajar Mountains and jumping exercises on desert terrains during sunrise create memorable and invigorating fitness experiences. “These activities are about more than exercise - they connect guests to Oman’s pristine environment in a truly unique way,” Anne explains.
Anne emphasises showcasing Oman’s lesser-known gems. Guided by locals like Talal, who introduced her to hidden treasures, Anne has incorporated authentic experiences into her itineraries. A standout feature is a boutique hotel in Wadi Tiwi, run by Asaad bin Saud al Akhzami, an ambitious Omani entrepreneur, offering guests an intimate glimpse of the nation’s hospitality.
Each tour begins in Muscat, with visits to iconic landmarks like the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque and Muttrah Souq. The journey unfolds through Oman’s mountain hikes, desert treks and tranquil beaches. Cultural highlights include exploring local markets and participating in traditional festivals, offering travellers an immersive understanding of Omani life.
Anne’s background in hotel management ensures meticulous planning. Accommodations range from luxurious resorts to charming guesthouses, balancing comfort with authenticity. Her personalised approach caters to the diverse preferences of her clients, making every trip unique.
Collaborations with Omani locals further enrich her tours. Partnerships with artisans in Nizwa and restaurateurs serving traditional cuisine enhance the guest experience while supporting community development and sustainable tourism. Anne emphasises responsible travel, from minimising waste to promoting eco-conscious practices. “Oman’s natural beauty is its greatest asset,” she says. “We must preserve it for future generations.”
Anne’s innovative tours with her mother Gerda leave guests with unforgettable memories and a newfound appreciation for slow, immersive travel.
Looking to the future, Anne envisions Oman as a hub for responsible tourism, highlighting regions like Musandam, Al Hajar Mountains and the Empty Quarter. “Oman has so much more to offer than its popular destinations,” she says. By promoting eco-conscious travel and preserving cultural heritage, Anne hopes to inspire deeper connections between travellers and the essence of Oman.
For Anne, the relationships she has built are at the heart of her work. “The people of Oman have welcomed me with open hearts,” she reflects. “Their generosity and warmth make this country truly special.”
By combining wellness, adventure and cultural discovery, Anne Hörster’s tours showcase Oman’s hidden gems, celebrating its authentic charm while offering transformative travel experiences.
Their collaboration culminated in March 2023 with the first group tour for German travellers, which was a resounding success. Anne’s tours blend adventure and wellness, featuring hiking Oman’s rugged landscapes, exploring hidden wadis, and functional training at stunning outdoor locations.
Fitness is woven into every aspect of the itinerary. The PowerWeeks programme, which has been highly successful in Oman, offers clients a choice between a 7-day and a 14-day intensive coaching experience designed to transform their fitness and mindset. Each day includes one session focused on strength and muscle building, followed by another session dedicated to stretching and endurance training.
Alongside the workouts, clients receive a personalised diet plan to follow throughout the programme. The ultimate goals are to build muscle, promote weight loss and foster a lasting shift in eating and exercise habits, making it a comprehensive approach to achieving sustainable health and fitness.
Anne’s guests engage in triceps training by secluded wadis, trapezius exercises near mountain trails, yoga sessions at serene beaches, leg workouts on sand dunes, and lower back training by the crystal-clear waters of Wadi Tiwi. For those seeking dynamic movement, push-ups by the dramatic cliffs of Al Hajar Mountains and jumping exercises on desert terrains during sunrise create memorable and invigorating fitness experiences. “These activities are about more than exercise - they connect guests to Oman’s pristine environment in a truly unique way,” Anne explains.
Anne emphasises showcasing Oman’s lesser-known gems. Guided by locals like Talal, who introduced her to hidden treasures, Anne has incorporated authentic experiences into her itineraries. A standout feature is a boutique hotel in Wadi Tiwi, run by Asaad bin Saud al Akhzami, an ambitious Omani entrepreneur, offering guests an intimate glimpse of the nation’s hospitality.
Each tour begins in Muscat, with visits to iconic landmarks like the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque and Muttrah Souq. The journey unfolds through Oman’s mountain hikes, desert treks and tranquil beaches. Cultural highlights include exploring local markets and participating in traditional festivals, offering travellers an immersive understanding of Omani life.
Anne’s background in hotel management ensures meticulous planning. Accommodations range from luxurious resorts to charming guesthouses, balancing comfort with authenticity. Her personalised approach caters to the diverse preferences of her clients, making every trip unique.
Collaborations with Omani locals further enrich her tours. Partnerships with artisans in Nizwa and restaurateurs serving traditional cuisine enhance the guest experience while supporting community development and sustainable tourism. Anne emphasises responsible travel, from minimising waste to promoting eco-conscious practices. “Oman’s natural beauty is its greatest asset,” she says. “We must preserve it for future generations.”
Anne’s innovative tours with her mother Gerda leave guests with unforgettable memories and a newfound appreciation for slow, immersive travel.
Looking to the future, Anne envisions Oman as a hub for responsible tourism, highlighting regions like Musandam, Al Hajar Mountains and the Empty Quarter. “Oman has so much more to offer than its popular destinations,” she says. By promoting eco-conscious travel and preserving cultural heritage, Anne hopes to inspire deeper connections between travellers and the essence of Oman.
For Anne, the relationships she has built are at the heart of her work. “The people of Oman have welcomed me with open hearts,” she reflects. “Their generosity and warmth make this country truly special.”
By combining wellness, adventure and cultural discovery, Anne Hörster’s tours showcase Oman’s hidden gems, celebrating its authentic charm while offering transformative travel experiences.