Sometimes, all we need is a change of pace. For city dwellers and travellers from Dubai, Six Senses Zighy Bay is a best-kept secret for those who are willing to make the trip. Described as “the hidden jewel of Oman”, Six Senses Zighy Bay’s secluded location makes for an idyllic getaway, with an otherworldly setting that is sure to keep your worries at bay during your stay.
Location
Six Senses Zighy Bay is nestled in the rugged northern tip of Oman’s Musandam Peninsula, between the craggy Hajar Mountains and the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Oman, across a powdery sand beach. This part of Oman is entirely surrounded by the United Arab Emirates, so the closest airport is Dubai International Airport, which is a 120 km drive (2 hours) away.
If you’re driving from Dubai, make sure to get a NOC if it’s a rental car (check the latest law for border crossing) or arrange a 4WD transfer from the border, as the road through the mountain pass is mostly unpaved.
Alternatively, arrive at the resort in style by speedboat or paraglide down from the mountain top with a professional. The first half of the drive over the steep mountain pass may seem a bit underwhelming, but the journey truly begins from the moment you drive over the top of the mountains and catch your first glimpse of Zighy Bay and the resort as you descend towards the bay.
Rooms
Staying true to the Six Senses DNA, the resort features 82 Omani village-inspired standalone villas and suites built using local natural materials from its surroundings, like natural stone and timber. Our one-bedroom, sunrise-facing Pool Villa Beachfront is enclosed within the privacy of high cobblestone walls and comes with a private plunge pool, plumped up sun loungers, terrace with a dining area, shaded outdoor majlis (seating area), outdoor rain shower, and direct access to the beach with spectacular sea views.
Inside, a colourfully cushioned living area is adjacent to a heavenly King bed with organic cotton sheets. For wine lovers, the villa comes with a thoughtful touch: a wine fridge, which can be stocked based on your preference. The open-pan bathroom features double vanity basins, an indoor shower, a deep soaking bathtub, and a toilet.
Each villa has got everything you need to relax and recharge, be it a lazy day on the sun loungers, a dip in your own private pool, a relaxing in-room breakfast in comfort of your air-conditioned living room, or a private alfresco beach cinema experience.
Dining
With its proximity to a local fishing village and the sea, it is no surprise that Six Senses Zighy Bay offers an incredible selection of seafood at its restaurants. It’s worth noting that much of the produce is sourced from around the region, Dibba town, Zighy Village, and the resort’s own organic garden and farm.
The resort has three main restaurants to choose from: Summer House, Spice Market and Sense On The Edge. Summer House is perfect for a leisurely lunch or a romantic dinner on the terrace during the cooler months. Don’t miss out on the fresh catch of the day from the local fishermen; we thoroughly enjoyed the Dibba Bay oysters and local crayfish.
Spice Market is dedicated to Arabic flavours, matched with rustic earthy tones and a traditional mud kitchen. Indulge in Middle Eastern delights and local spices, with highlights including the hot and cold mezzes and charcoal grilled lamb chops.
Sense on the Edge, the resort’s seasonal mountaintop restaurant 293m above sea level, was closed during our stay in June. Inspired by traditional Japanese kaiseki menu, the restaurant highlights Asian flavours using fresh and seasonal local ingredients. The highly sought-after Starlight and Moonlight tables that are perched on private terraces above the restaurant offer a breathtaking backdrop for special occasions.
Facilities
Six Senses is known for its award-winning spas, and the Oman outpost is no exception. The acclaimed Six Senses Spa is located at the base of the Hajar Mountains, a serene enclave home to nine treatment rooms, two Arabic-style hamams, a relaxing lounge, steam room, sauna room, and a fully-equipped fitness centre.
The Spa offers a variety of wellness experiences, from locally-inspired treatments using indigenous ingredients, sunrise yoga, specialist therapies by in-house experts and visiting wellness consultants, to daily body and face scrub workshops.
We highly recommend the 60-minute Six Senses Signature Massage, which is fully personalised based on each individual’s needs and desired results. Using a combination of flowing, soothing, rhythmical and medium pressure movements to target specific areas of concern, the treatment aims to relieve muscle tension and bring about a calm state of being.
Verdict
Six Senses Zighy Bay is barefoot luxury at its best. But even if slowing down isn’t your thing, the resort is a natural playground for those seeking to explore the craggy coast and its marine life: from scuba diving expeditions, village treks, mountain biking, scenic hikes, to traditional dhow cruises. You’ll never be bored.
Learn more at sixsenses.com
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