After a two-hour drive from Dubai airport, I finally reach the border to Oman. The vast, flat desert, with camels dotting the landscape, slowly gives way to the dramatic mountains of Oman. A few quick customs checks, and I’m officially in the Sultanate of Oman. (Visas are free for travelers coming from the UAE, including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or Doha.) From here, the road begins to climb through the mountains. About 25 minutes later, I stop at a viewpoint and spot the luxurious Six Senses Zighy Bay nestled along a stunning blue bay in the distance. At this point, I’m offered the chance to paraglide down to the resort, but being more of a comfort-seeker, I opt for the more relaxing route—a car ride with my private chauffeur. Even though it's only a half-hour drive from the Dubai border, it feels like a world away from the hustle and bustle of city life. I’m eagerly looking forward to my three-night stay here.
The hotel operates with a strong commitment to sustainability, without compromising on luxury or comfort. Built in the style of a traditional Omani village, it seamlessly blends into the surroundings with natural materials like clay, wood, and bamboo. Sand paths wind their way between the villas, lined with clay pots and date trees, creating a serene atmosphere. On-site, you’ll find a shop selling handmade products crafted by Omani widows, and a portion of the hotel’s profits supports a local children’s project. As a gesture of gratitude for using the land, new housing has been provided for the local community. The hotel strives for self-sufficiency, with organic gardens supplying fresh fruit and vegetables. Drinking water is purified on-site, and solar panels generate energy. To minimize waste, paper is used in place of plastic, and guests are kindly asked to take their plastic bottles with them, as there is no recycling facility available.
The service here is truly exceptional—far beyond anything I've experienced. The staff is incredibly friendly and hospitable, making you feel more like a welcomed guest than a customer. Each villa comes with its own private butler, and the villa is meticulously cleaned twice a day, with everything prepared for the evening. Honestly, the level of service here deserves a six-star rating! The little touches make the stay even more special, like the espresso machine with a milk frother and the kettle for tea. You'll find Italian coffee and Sri Lankan tea, with fresh milk waiting in the fridge. Many items at the breakfast buffet are homemade, such as the stewed apple and lavender jam, Goji berry juice, and the Arabic scrambled eggs (my personal favorite). Other highlights include a wine fridge, weekly open-air cinema screenings on the beach under the stars, yoga on a platform overlooking the sea, and a large saltwater pool with three times the salt concentration of the ocean, which is incredibly beneficial for your skin.
The resort features a Six Senses spa, which reflects the same attention to detail found throughout the property. Upon entering, I immediately recognize the signature Six Senses scent, setting the tone for a truly immersive experience. The spa is designed with care: massages begin with warm towels placed on your feet and back, and end in respectful silence. What stands out most is the expertise of the masseurs, who come from all over the world and are masters in their craft. In addition to the spa, the resort offers a weekly activity schedule, which includes everything from yoga and high tea to a tour of the organic garden and kayaking. Wellness guests can enjoy activities like yoga and Pilates at the wellness center, free of charge. It's important to note that, as this is an Arabic country, men and women have separate access to the Finnish sauna and steam room. A brand-new hammam is also under construction and is expected to open by January 2014. A top tip: book a personal training session with Daniel, who is passionate about helping you get fit and feel your best!
It’s hard to find much to criticize here as every detail has been thoughtfully considered. If I had to mention one thing, it would be the price—it's still not an inexpensive destination. However, you truly get what you pay for, and then some, especially with the exceptional six-star service. One area that could be improved is the frequency of yoga classes, which are currently offered three mornings and two evenings a week. That said, the management is aware of this and is working on increasing the availability. During the summer, the heat makes outdoor yoga on the platform nearly impossible, but there are plans to add morning walks to the activity schedule during the winter months.