The Musandam Peninsula is often dubbed 'Norway of the Middle East' because of the dramatic mountain cliffs that plunge into its sparkling turquoise water, creating a network of fjords. In true Six Senses style, Zighy Bay embodies the area with its curved white sandy beach and resort designed to resemble a traditional Omani fishing village, overlooked by towering honey-coloured crags.
There really is something for everyone here. The 82 luxurious villas of varying sizes all have a private infinity pool, great for couples and families alike. Out front, a private stretch of talcum-fine sand is lined with comfy loungers, and 2 gorgeous pools are ideal for sun-worshippers. Adrenaline junkies will love the choice of arrival experiences, including paragliding into the hotel while your luggage is driven down the mountain!
Health and well-being is front of mind throughout, from the variety of dining options in 3 excellent restaurants, to the sensational spa and its team of wellness consultants. Unsurprisingly the vibe is barefoot chic and guests are encouraged to really switch off whilst here. Sustainability is considered in every detail too, with the majority of produce grown on site, a ban on single-use plastics and a commitment to the local community. Truly impressive all round.
Highs
- Villas are ultra-private and each has a spacious infinity pool and outdoor area for relaxing and private dining
- Fantastic activities include microlighting, scuba diving (this is one of the best spots in the world) and Arabic cookery classes
- A world-class spa; we loved our cooling crystal lymphatic drainage facial
- Ideal for a week’s fly-and-flop; just 2 hours from Dubai airport and the drive is spectacular; book a transfer for maximum ease
- Brilliant for families: the sea is warm and the kids' clubs are free, with rock painting, shell collecting and treasure hunts
Lows
- Some may find the interiors a bit rustic
- Bigger than our usual offerings but so special we made an exception
- Very expensive, and rates don't include breakfast or taxes
- The majority of villas are not beachfront
- Boutique Resort
- 82 rooms
- Three on-site restaurants
- All ages welcome
- Open all year
- Pools
- Spa Treatments
- Beach Nearby
- Babysitting
- Creche / Kids Club
- Car not necessary
- Parking
- Pet Friendly
- Disabled Access
- Restaurants Nearby
- WiFi
- Air Conditioning
- Guest Lounge
- Terrace
- Garden
- Gym
- Concierge Service
- Tennis Court
- Bicycles Available
Rooms
Designed to resemble traditional Omani houses, the stone-walled villas are like individual compounds, with private infinity pools, terraces with dining tables, sunloungers and a shady outdoor seating spot. Inside, the design is open-plan. Local materials are celebrated with reed ceilings, flagstone floors, rough stucco walls and natural fabrics. Soft furnishings in Buddhist orange, yellow and purple inject colour. There are seating areas with a large TV and wine fridge; beds are simple but comfortable. All have a large soaking tub and rain shower in the bathroom, and most have an outdoor shower, too. Each villa has bikes for guests to use; handy to pootle around the resort.
The range of different villas spans from 'Pool' and 'Beachfront' up to 'Spa' categories (with their own treatment room). There are larger suites for families. We tried both a 'Pool' and 'Beachfront' villa, and if you can afford to splurge, book beachfront. It's a bucket-list experience to walk straight from your private infinity pool onto the beach. There are also 2 Retreats; bigger villas for groups.
Features include:
- Bathrobes
- Fan
- Hairdryer
- Minibar
- Safe box
- WiFi
Eating
Spearheaded by their own organic farm and garden, the resort’s restaurants provide a wide variety of culinary options. Sense on the Edge, their signature restaurant, is perched 300m high in the mountains overlooking the bay, and provides fine-dining set menus that match the jaw-dropping views.
Spice Market hosts breakfast each day - a bewildering array catering for the health conscious to the indulgent - as well as nightly Arabic feasts including regional mezzes and a heavenly rose ice cream.
Summer House offers broader international cuisine in a laidback setting overlooking the main pool - kale garden salad with roasted pumpkin or jumbo prawns with fennel, that sort of thing. Finally, beachfront Shua Shack embraces the local sharing culture with Bedouin-style platters cooked in the underground oven. We devoured the Omani lobster with homegrown farm vegetables.
The regular evening food events add even more variety. Beach BBQs were great fun, and we loved the Asian street food market where guests mingled while ordering pad thai and crispy duck.
Features include:
- Bar
- Coffee maker
- Restaurant
- Room service
Activities
- The warm sea, which rarely dips below 23 degrees, is fabulous for snorkelling and scuba diving; the corals of Musandam are among the best in the world. You might spot bottlenose dolphins, sea turtles, reef sharks and eagle rays, as well as a variety of colourful fish
- Thrill-seekers will relish the endless adventure opportunities, from flying a microlight or tandem paragliding from the cliffs, to biking and hiking in the Hajar mountains
- For something more sedate, try line fishing or kayaking
- The Peninsula’s dramatic coastline is largely inaccessible by car so best explored by water. We cruised on the hotel’s dhow boat, stopping in fjords en route to swim, kayak and sunbathe
- Chill out in the fabulous spa. Nine treatment rooms offer a menu of locally inspired holistic treatments and beauty therapies, using only natural products. We loved the soothing holistic massage and the cooling rose crystal lymphatic drainage facial. There are also 2 Moroccan hammams, and daily yoga and Pilates classes
- There's an outdoor beach cinema; watch movies with wireless headphones under the stars
- For a change of pace, the hotel can arrange day trips to Dibba (a pretty fishing port and a stunning mosque) or Dubai (yet more skyscrapers)
Activities on site or nearby include:
- Boat trips
- Climbing
- Cooking classes
- Hiking
- Historical sites
- Kayaking
- Mountain biking
- Paragliding
- Private guided tours
- Sailing
- Scuba diving
- Scuba diving courses
- Snorkelling
- Swimming
- Tennis
- Traditional cultures
- Well being
- Wine tasting
- Yoga
Best Time to go
October to April is high season with reliably warm but manageable temperatures and low humidity. May to September can be extremely hot and lowered rates reflect this.
Our Top Tips
Location
Six Senses Zighy Bay is located on Oman’s northern Musandam Peninsula, a scenic 120-minute journey from Dubai through desert and mountains. Be aware that this is not an easy bolt-on for trips to Muscat as the drive is at least 5 hours. Once here, the nearest city is Dibba (15km), but guests rarely venture out of the resort.
Note: visitors must send the hotel their passport details at least 3 working days prior to arrival, to obtain a border pass to cross the UAE-Oman check point. No alcohol may be brought over the border.
By Air:
Fly into Dubai International Airport (122km). From here, most guests take an airport transfer to the hotel: choose from 4WD limousine, speedboat, or paraglide here! Alternatively you can self-drive - see our car rental recommendations.
Detailed directions will be sent when you book through i-escape.
Airports:
- Dubai International Airport 120.0 km DXB
Other:
- Beach 0.1 km
- Shops 15.0 km
- Restaurant 15.0 km