Muscat vs Barbados any experience please

[DreamingOfASilentNight]

I know they are two wildly different places.
I'm trying to choose an Easter holiday. We would like to go somewhere much more likely to be decently warm than the Canary islands at easter, probably 10-12 nights.
We need to go somewhere where the likelihood of getting food poisoning, D&v or similar is low ( chemo complication).
We are 2 adults and a 7yo. I'm looking for somewhere we can have a really relaxing time in the warm in a lovely hotel after a grueling 6 months of chemo.
We do have a child so there will have to be some things for them, this can easily be dinner then a bar with a singer or something, "family hotels" with loads of kids water slides etc are not what we are looking for, in the evening, places to take a walk etc.
This could possibly now be the last holiday we ever get to take as a family so cost isn't our priority it just has to be warm, nice, a good rest and pleasant place.

I've was considering Abu dhabi as previously been there,( Dubai just not for us) and liked it, but best friend recently moved to muscat so it's made that a contender.
Husband came up with the option of Barbados which been to when I was much younger but am not sure how the fit would be.

Any thoughts would be appreciated. Sorry it's a mess, I'm trying to convey my requirements and reasoning and asking for suggestions. ( Oh and it has to be within access if proper medical help if an emergency should occur so nowhere with suspect hospitals).

Anyone, please🙏

I much prefer Barbados to Muscat. I didn't feel comfortable in Muscat as a female in museums etc.
There is a lot for a 7 year old to do in Barbados, the weather is beautiful and there is great food. The sea (west coast) is beautiful.

Muscat is beautiful and the hotels are very high standard. I haven’t been to Barbados yet but service levels in the Caribbean islands I have visited can be a bit patchy and it sounds like you need zero niggles.

You have world class medical facilities near Muscat.

I hope you have a wonderful time, I’m sorry you have been through the mill 💐

@Chewbecca - Wow! I’m sorry to hear that. I can’t remember if I went out and about without DH when I was there, I usually do. I do remember having a very different experience in Sicily when I went out alone.

It’s always very disappointing.

These are helpful both. Do you have any hotels you particularly liked or would recommend?

https://www.familyhotelsguide.com/?ufi=-787987&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAAD-Rb7UJTTq2HX3mBbYOY5ztYSX2c

We were a couple and the Chedi is brilliant but if child specific activities are a priority then perhaps the Shangri-La is a good option? Particularly the wing described in the article above. I don’t know anyone who has been though. The Al Bustan has a great reputation and my experience of Ritz Carlton elsewhere has been fantastic.

I'm currently at the Al Bustan in Muscat, it's fabulous, great service and facilities. There's a good watersports centre on site and it's a quick shuttle to Mutrah where there are local restaurants, the souk and the market. Lots of things to do within easy reach especially if you hire a car- the driving is easy as long as you avoid rush hour. We spent a few days in the mountains at Jebel Al Akhdar (Anantara resort) then down to Wahiba sands for an overnight in the desert. Then to Raz Al Jinz to stay at the Turtle Reserve where we saw turtles laying their eggs. Back to muscat for a few days R & R. Yesterday we went snorkeling at the Daminyat islands where we swam with lots of bright fish and maybe 20 turtles feeding on the reef.
We've had no issues anywhere, everyone has been really friendly and helpful. Mind you, I stick to the local dress code and I find that helps.
Can't help with Barbados but this has been a brilliant holiday. Sad to be coming home tomorrow 😢

I think if medical care is a priority I would probably choose Muscat. Also, if you liked Abu Dhabi it's a fair bet you will enjoy it. Happy choosing and wishing you well. 💐

Muscat would be my choice, and Easter is a good time to go but bear Ramadan in mind. I don't really like the Caribbean much.

It’s currently Ramadhan in Oman and Eid will be in about 16 days.

It’s also getting hot. Just 10 days ago it was still very cool but we’ve had a sudden increase in temps and whilst it’s still nice it will be getting very hot by Easter.

Re museums. We only have a few and I’m sorry, but I would be very hard pressed to believe anyone would be made to feel uncomfortable in them. Not even if their choice of dress was lacking. That’s one thing about Omani’s, they’re class act, and are nothing but tolerant of what people wear and whilst they may comment in private afterwards they wouldn’t embarrass someone in public if they’d gone too far with their choice of clothing.

OP, please feel free to PM me if you would like more in depth information regarding hospitals and medical care for eg. What I can’t give you a reply to could be written on a postage stamp. I’d also be very happy to be of any help whatsoever if you decide to come to Muscat.

Muscat!

Barbados is beautiful and has amazing hotels - The Crane is my all time fav!

I thought Muscat was deadly dull. We were living in the UAE and went for a long weekend, and came back early.

Okaaaay.

I agree there isn't harassment or anything like that in Oman.

However, I prefer to be in mixed sex environments where women can be seen relaxed, just going about their daily business as well as men. I did not experience this in Muscat and the clear sex segregation makes me sad / uncomfortable.

Not sure why anybody thinks the medical care in Barbados is sub-par. I have a distant relative currently receiving chemo on the island and their DCs - 2 of whom are senior doctors themselves - are very happy with the treatment and care their parent is receiving.

@DreamingOfASilentNight to answer some of the specific questions you pose in your OP, the nice hotels on the West Coast of Barbados will offer evening entertainment. Failing that, there are any number of bars which have live music in the evenings (I have intimate knowledge of the music scene on the island).

You can definitely go for evening walks along the beaches - there's a boardwalk - and as all beaches in Barbados are public there are very few restrictions on where you can walk. It is perfectly safe for a mother and child to be out and about on their own, and there are no dress codes for anyone.

If you do end up going to Barbados, happy to offer recommendations for bars, restaurants, activities etc. I'll be there myself at Easter.