How this inn in Wadi Tiwi is bringing Oman's heritage to life

Observer

09-07-2025

In the rugged, wind-carved landscape of Wadi Tiwi, a quiet revolution has taken root—one that blends the timeless beauty of Oman's natural world with a deeply personal vision. At the centre of this transformation is Asaad Al-Akhzami, a man driven not just by entrepreneurial ambition, but by a profound connection to the land and its stories. His journey from a corporate titan steeped in global hospitality to a custodian of local heritage reveals a compelling tale of reinvention, rooted in passion, purpose, and a desire to redefine what it truly means to welcome others.
How this inn in Wadi Tiwi is bringing Oman's heritage to life
Asaad, for many years, thrived in the high-stakes world of a leading international hotel chain, serving as its youngest general manager. He learned the intricacies of offering guest comfort, orchestrating luxury, and managing operations on a grand scale.
It was during a rare trip to Wadi Tiwi that everything shifted. The quiet beauty of this secluded valley, with its verdant plantations, ancient falaj water channels, and dramatic mountain backdrops, captivated him in a way no hotel lobby ever had. He found himself wandering through the old, abandoned orchards, struck by their silent resilience and the stories embedded in the soil. The wadi, with its intricate water systems and humble farms, seemed to pulse with history and life—waiting to be rediscovered.
How this inn in Wadi Tiwi is bringing Oman's heritage to life
Asaad recognised that Wadi Tiwi was more than just a picturesque escape; it embodied the essence of Oman's identity—its history, its connection to nature, its stories that span generations. He saw in the overlooked farm the potential to breathe new life into the old roots, to create something authentic that honour the land. This wasn't about building another luxury retreat with imported décor and cookie-cutter finishes. No, his ambition was far richer: to craft a space where the landscape itself—its soil, water, and traditional crafts—would be the core experience.
How this inn in Wadi Tiwi is bringing Oman's heritage to life
Leaving behind the corporate world, Asaad embarked on a journey that was as much about personal rediscovery as it was about community transformation. He purchased the small, neglected farm that once supplied Wadi Tiwi with fruits and vegetables, envisioning it not merely as a business, but as a testament to the spirit of Oman. His goal was to preserve and showcase the ingenuity of traditional building methods—local Omani stone, sidr wood, handcrafted touches—imparting a sense of place that fierce modernity often erodes.
How this inn in Wadi Tiwi is bringing Oman's heritage to life
The challenges were numerous. Infrastructure was minimal, utilities had to be introduced from scratch, and restoring the old farmhouses and gardens required patience and dedication. Asaad didn't seek fast results; instead, he wanted to nurture a genuine sense of place. Every stone laid, every timber chosen, was deliberate—designed to reflect the valley's character and to foster harmony between tradition and modern comfort.
It took sometime but when it finally came together, the Nomad Inn in Tiwi was born.
How this inn in Wadi Tiwi is bringing Oman's heritage to life
Perhaps the most mesmerising element of Asaad's vision was the embrace of Wadi Tiwi's ancient falaj watercourse. Rather than conceal it behind walls, he made it the heart of the inn's design. Guests wake up to the gentle sound of water flowing past their rooms. They walk beside it during the day, sipping coffee in its shade, or drift to sleep listening to its soft murmur at night. Here, the water is not just a utilitarian feature, but a symbol—a reminder of Oman's enduring ingenuity and resilience.
How this inn in Wadi Tiwi is bringing Oman's heritage to life
The guest experience is crafted carefully to foster connection. Rooms are inspired by traditional mud-built houses, yet equipped with the comforts travellers seek today. Bespoke names and stories are tied to each private retreat, inviting guests to step into the narrative of the valley. The inn also offers traditional breakfast options prepared by local women from Tiwi village, alongside herbal teas by the falaj, guided walks to ancient caves, and workshops demonstrating age-old crafts like date palm weaving.
Buoyed by the success of the first project, Asaad is expanding his vision. A second lodge is already taking shape at Hillar Al Hisn, with plans for multiple new units. This expansion isn't just about increasing capacity; it's about deepening the connection between visitors, the land, and the community.
Asaad's aim is to create a network of spaces that celebrate the enduring spirit of Oman's heritage—spaces that invite guests to explore, learn, and heal their sense of place. With each new lodge, the core principles remain unchanged: authentic storytelling, sustainable practices, and a heartfelt respect for the environment and its people.
Asaad sees his project as a mirror to Oman itself—a country proud of its ancient traditions but also capable of innovative stewardship. His work in Wadi Tiwi reflects a desire to show the world that true luxury isn't defined solely by opulence, but by meaningful engagement with people and place. Guests come seeking more than just a scenic backdrop; they seek stories, connection, and a chance to become part of something larger than themselves.