Wanted: Sidetrip within a holiday recommendation

OK - I'll be first. You need to decide what you want. I'm never going to tell you to go to a beach instead of seeing Petra or the pyramids. No matter how beautiful the beach - it is just a beach.

Now - March is good time for beaches and there are some beautiful beaches in and near Muscat (and you can either drive there - with extra insurance) or take relatively inexpensive public transportation.

I liked Al Sawadi Beach Resort very much (an hour north of Muscat) - but it is a resort for all the good and bad that entails - it is not a cultural experience - the beach is great however and the food quite good. The places right on the beach in Muscat are often expensive - but some folks here have recommended the Oman Dive Center. It is much closer to Muscat - but not in the center of town.

S - thank you so much! I am open to hear all recommendations and realize that at the end of the day that I'll have to decide exactly what type of side-trip I want to take. I'm personally leaning toward taking a beach vacation, although being from the US, half of me wants to take advantage of being in the proximity of seeing the pyramids and Petra (both on my lists of things to do before I ... well, you know). In the meantime I will mark down your suggestions which are very much appreciated. Thank you!

I'll be back in Abu Dhabi in November (probably) and I was thinking of going back to Al Sawadi. I've stayed at Sohar Beach resort (did NOT like it) and one night at the Al Bustan (I"m not sure if it has reopened after a LONG closure). The very expensive Al Bustan was a bit too ritzy for me (separate from the price - the personality as well). What I was looking for was a relaxing and pretty beach but without a lot of pretentiousness (but with a few resort amenities such as a beach restaurant/bar etc) and Al Sawadi met them for me. Note that it is not first tier and perhaps could do with a bit of` updating - but not to the extent it bothered me - just trying to be fair.

If you're only in AD for 1.5 weeks I would have thought it is a little ambitious to do such big side trips. If you want to spend a few days at a nice beach where you can do some snorkelling and/or diving you could try Sandy Beach in Fujairah (09 244 5555). It's part of the UAE and only about 3 hours' drive from AD. The accommodation is not the swankiest, or the cheapest, but it is a lovely setting.
Or head into glorious Oman as suggested by Suzanne.

Petra and the pyrmids are a must see and you can add a beach in either Jordan or Egypt.If you go to Egypt see the pyrmids and the museum along with anything else you want to see then head to the red sea[El gouna,Hurgada, Sharm or Dahab]you can take a night bus or fly down to the red sea.

If you are heading or to Petra why not go over to the dead sea or head to a beach around there.

You can fly Air Arabia from Sharjah to Jordan and maybe to Sharm.

I had stayed at the Beach Resort in Al Sawadi as well and liked it a lot.
Isn´t Al Ain at the border to Oman?
If I am right, you can even drive to Al Sawadi and cover some interesting and pretty things by the road.
Apart from Offroad and Muscat itself, driving should not be the problem.

Hmmm unlike others I would recommend not to go to the UAE at all, rather go directly to Istanbul. If you like historical places with pleasant weather you will adore Istanbul as I do. No AD or Dubai can overwhelm this city full of phenomenons starting from Blue Mosque and Haqia Sophia through Dolma Bahce and Donkey Islands where you can find places for swimming as well. However for swimming in Istanbul you have to come in July. Otherwise you can make a night trip with a bus which is very cheap to South Turkey to Mersin, Alanya or Antalya, see Pamukkale and other sight seeings and swim in amazing Mediterranean Sea.
And as I am living in the UAE I know what i am talking about ;)

Thanks Vicky - I have to agree with you. With the replies that I'm receiving, I am realizing that I can indeed find my beach vacation within close proximity to Abu Dhabi. I think I'll save the pyramids and Petra for different visit, and ditto for Istanbul (ideally I'd really want to spend at least a week in Turkey). Thanks a lot for the help - you helped me confirm my decision! Please let me know what you recommend in Oman. I believe we are going to pick up a car in Abu Dhabi, drive to Dubai, spend a night there, then move on to Al Ain for a day and then move onto the border toward Muscat. If anyone has suggestions along the route, I'd really love to hear them!

Best,
J

Nirtak - did you do this drive? I believe we are going to start in Abu Dhabi and drive to Muscat, with stops in Dubai, Al Ain, and perhaps Al Sawadi. If you have done this trip, or are familiar with the route, please let me know if this makes sense and is feasible/advisable. I'm completely open to suggestions and am very grateful for the help!

Thanks!