Nestled in the northern tip of Oman on the Musandam Peninsula is the eco-luxe resort of Six Senses Zighy Bay. Fashioned after a traditional fishing village, the hotel’s prime location offers the best of both worlds in the Arabian desert: the dramatic, craggy range of the Hajar Mountains as its backdrop and the surreal coastline of the Gulf of Oman as its front-row view.
With just 82 pool villas and an ahh-inspiring Six Senses Spa, the resort’s nurturing, laid-back village vibe makes it a respite from the desert heat and the bustling city of Dubai just two hours away. A saltwater pool, a lush organic garden and nearby farm add to the serene ambiance.
Whether you’re here for a bespoke wellness retreat or the adventures that abound in the area, you’re assured that, at the end of the day, you’ll be greeted by culinary delights and stunning sunsets that will make you want to hide out in this desert oasis for a long time.
Our Inspector's Highlights
- How often can you say you arrived at a resort by paragliding 960 feet down from a cliff? Talk about making an entrance: this once-in-a-lifetime, bucket-list activity has become a signature of Six Senses Zighy Bay. You can’t come here without taking the plunge.
- Not only does the Oman hotel have an adorable, furry mascot — it has three. Humphrey, Wednesday and Camille make up a family of camels that was brought in by an Australian trainer. They often walk along the beach, where you can visit them, feed them and learn more about these magnificent creatures.
- Sustainability and social responsibility are the ethos of the Six Senses brand. Zighy Bay takes it a step further by having an onsite treatment plant that produces all the drinking water consumed by the resort.
- In addition to its array of sumptuous treatments, Six Senses Spa offers a non-invasive health screening that is accurate and helpful. This service is a highly recommended add-on to a wellness program.
- Take advantage of the Oman resort’s menu of exciting excursions. From sunset cruises on a traditional dhow boat to hiking or paragliding through the mountains, you can do it all here.
Things to Know
- For those traveling from outside the UAE, Dubai has the closest airport. If your itinerary includes other destinations, make this luxury hotel your last stop to linger in its relaxing offerings.
- To make the most of Six Senses Zighy Bay’s outdoor adventures, book your trip between November and April, when the weather is slightly cooler. November is the region’s busiest month so, if you have plans during that time, reserve your room as soon as you can.
- Reserve activities in advance, especially paragliding, if you want it timed for your arrival. The experience is dependent on weather and can only be done one person at a time.
- The gorgeous mountains surrounding the resort make for some spectacular landscape shots, but aerial photographers be warned: drones are not allowed in the region.
The Rooms
- Each villa is an Omani enclave with its own pool, sun loungers, day bed, shaded dining area and a quaint little outdoor shack — all enclosed within high cobblestone walls for complete privacy.
- The indoor area is cool and airy, with lofty reed ceilings, rough stucco walls and the trademark rustic-chic design of Six Senses resorts.
- Sleep is serious business here, where handmade Naturalmat mattresses with unbleached Beaumont & Brown organic cotton sheets and a wide array of ergonomic pillows are just the beginning. The property maintains a dedicated sleep program, where you’ll receive a consultation with a wellness expert and a special kit that includes a sleep tracker, bamboo-fiber PJs and other rest-inducing aids.
The Restaurants
- All of Six Senses Zighy Bay’s culinary offerings are overseen by executive chef and TV personality James Knight-Pacheco. The toque’s impressive resume includes stints under renowned chefs like Gordon Ramsay and Raymond Blanc and hosting his own BBC cooking show, Out of the Frying Pan.
- Culinary options are interesting and diverse — from Arabic cuisine and modern fusion to a unique Bedouin meal. But book ahead for a meal at the resort’s mountaintop restaurant, Sense On The Edge, as its spectacular sunset dinners are quite popular.
- Dine, family-style, with your toes in the sand at Shua Shack. This authentic Bedouin experience takes place in an open-air, lantern-lit tent, where you’ll be served local fare like baba ghanoush (roasted eggplant dip), deep-fried Akawi cheese and classic roasted lamb.
- Restaurant Spice Market takes you on a culinary journey through the Middle East. Orderà la carte or opt for one of the four tasting menus: Safari, Spice Market, Souq or Vegetarian. Whatever you decide, save room for a scoop of rose, honey-saffron or one of the other locally inspired ice creams or sorbets.
Amenities
Bar
Beach
Gym
Outdoor pool
Restaurants
Spa
Getting There
Zighy Bay, Musandam Peninsula PO Box 212 Zighy Bay, 800 Oman
TEL968-2673-5888
TEL968-2673-5555
Stories
