Flanked between a gently shelving bay and the lunar-like rugged mountains of Oman’s Musandam Peninsula, Six Senses Zighy Bay is a world away from mundane routine yet only two hours from Dubai International Airport.
Following the reopening of Oman to tourism, the village-inspired resort, complete with an award-winning spa, eclectic destination dining, and the family-friendly vibe is once again promising adventure-filled days and exotic Arabian nights – with a few new touches to surprise and delight.
“Delivering out-of-the-ordinary experiences is in our DNA and we’re eager to share our newest offerings with our guests,” says General Manager Andrew Spearman. “The esprit de corps within the Zighy team is second to none. From our private pool villas to our farm, restaurants, and spa, we’ve invested all our efforts in helping guests reconnect with what matters following a tumultuous year. And we’re doing so in a bespoke, Omani-inspired way that cannot be replicated anywhere else.”
Building on what is already popular with guests including the resort’s iconic paraglide arrival experience, guests will start noticing some additional rituals such as the burning of frankincense mornings and evenings, and reconnection packages designed to invoke awe high on the Sabatyn plateau.
Vibrant, Year-round and Sustainable Community
With the ethically run six-acre (2.5-hectare) Dibba farm and cheese factory to manage and 1,400 date palms to harvest, the community has remained busy throughout the past year, carrying out maintenance work, completing the finishing touches to the reserve and retreat villas, and tending 40 different crops ready to stock the restaurants and spa now the borders have been reopened.
The Shua Shack will offer a weekly dining experience of Omani Slow Cook Lamb, which is marinated in local spices before being roasted slowly for 24 hours in a shua, then served with hot mezzes, saffron rice, and the waves lapping just a few feet away.
An Otherworldly Escape for Families
To get kids off screens, outdoors and having some long-awaited fun, there are new Grow With Six Senses activities on offer at Chaica’s Club for younger children: from fizzy-ology, to upcycling wood and paper into kites at Earth Lab, Bedouin henna play, basic Arabic, and feeding the Zighy goats. At Al Feetean’s, teens can try archery, abseiling, bungee trampolining, watersports and wadi swimming, village treks, survival skills, photography lessons, and mountain biking. While the team can’t erase the restrictions and frustrations felt deeply and globally over the past year, they are committed to providing a safe space to let the brakes off and reignite imagination, curiosity, and wonder.
Three-day Sailing Odyssey
Guests can combine their stay with a voyage on a handcrafted Dhabab, which means golden in Arabic. Reminiscent of the golden age of Arabian voyages, it cruises the Musandam fjords at a leisurely 10 knots. Over three days, the Dhabab stops at quaint fishing villages and secluded bays. Time can be spent kayaking, fishing, beach combing, swimming, sunbathing, and star gazing. There are also options to take a cooking class with the chef, book a bespoke dive or bring a spa therapist.
Extra Spacey Private Reserve
With its own private beach and reflecting traditional Omani architecture, Beit Musandam is now looking its best as an Arabian palace of wonders. With four bedrooms in three different buildings and a variety of separate living and dining areas for entertaining, the reserve also features a private spa suite, yoga studio, wine cellar, separate staff quarters and infinity swimming pool. There is even a majalis (gathering space) with capacity of up to 100 people for weddings and family celebrations.
