Six Senses Zighy Bay

Arranged around two beautiful pools and hugging a mile-long beach, the hotel offers a truly traditional yet luxe Omani experience. The property is designed like an ancient village, with dozens of small mud-and-stone structures featuring high ceilings and big windows, plus dark-wood doors and shutters, decorative arches, and lots of twig accents on walls, lamps, and furniture. Along with a beautiful traditional design come top-notch services, gourmet dining, and luxe accommodation options, all catering to couples and families looking for a serene retreat. The property is relaxing and peaceful, with no loud music or bustling group activities, and a hushed yet friendly atmosphere that feels exclusive and serene. The Six Senses is an excellent option for those wanting to sit by the pool, enjoy the privacy of their villa, or hit the beach for a lazy day -- but there are also tons of outdoor activities for guests seeking some action, from paragliding to diving to whale-watching cruises and 4x4 day trips.

This is a rather remote part of Oman, and access is easier from Dubai than from Muscat, so those flying into the Omani capital may prefer to stay closer to the city. Few properties can compare to the Six Senses Zighy Bay in Oman, but travelers seeking a top luxury hotel with a more convenient location may want to consider Alila Jabal Akhdar, a gorgeous mountain retreat with beautiful outdoor areas and luxe interiors. The Chedi Muscat – a GHM hotel is a great alternative for those shopping around for luxury properties by the beach, complete with a stunning infinity pool, an upscale spa, and great dining. Entry-level rooms, however, are a tad underwhelming for the price.  

The Six Senses Zighy Bay is located between the mountains and the sea in the Musandam Peninsula, a vast territory set overlooking the Strait of Hormuz and separated from the rest of Oman by the United Arab Emirates. There is little more than mountains and sea around here, and most guests choose this location exactly for that reason -- it’s a stellar setting to get away from it all. The Hajar Mountains located right behind the hotel offer plenty of outdoor activities, but shopping and dining outside of the hotel require long drives. There is a small airstrip for private jets a 45-minute drive from the resort, but the nearest major airport is in Dubai, about two hours away.

The hotel offers 82 stand-alone villas, all built in the traditional Omani style, with mud-and-stone exteriors, exposed stone floors, and lots of wood finishes. Interiors are beautiful and sophisticated, with gorgeous rustic-chic design that combines dark-wood furniture with ornamental blind arches on whitewashed walls, and high wooden ceilings. Starting at 2,660 square feet, villas come in different sizes -- ranging from one- to four-bedroom units -- but all feature spacious living areas and big stone patios with private infinity pools and outdoor lounges with plush seating and dining tables. Some units also open directly onto the beach. 

King-size beds are topped with unbleached cotton sheets and ergonomic pillows, while robes and slippers can be found in big closets. In-room amenities are good for the price and include espresso machines, French presses, and electric kettles, along with flat-screen TVs, iPod docks, sound systems, free Wi-Fi, and DVD players. Loaner movies are available at the on-site library. Bathrooms are huge and beautiful, featuring round sinks over sturdy wooden vanities, wooden lamps hanging from ropes, deep soaking tubs, and separate showers. Most units also feature outdoor showers. 

Set amid nature, the resort is a great spot for outdoorsy guests. Paragliding, whale-watching, sunset cruises, 4x4 day trips, diving, hiking, and mountain biking are all available on-site or around the hotel, and the property offers a private 90-foot boat with three cabins and a chef for private cruises. The two pools are beautiful and serene, and both offer kiddy sections and drink and food services. The main one is tucked away in the property and offers mountain views, while the second, wadi-style pool is set next to the beach and features saltwater and rope hammocks as well as padded loungers.

The spa here is top-notch, complete with private and couples’ treatment rooms, a long list of great massages and personal wellness programs, and two hammams. The gym is equipped with an array of cardio and strength-training machines and offers personal training services. Private yoga classes are available for a fee. Children are also catered to with kids’ and teens’ clubs and babysitting services. 

Dining at the Six Senses is excellent and varied. The hotel offers three main restaurants, the most popular of which is Sense on the Edge, located on the top of the mountain and offering a wonderful international menu with panoramic views. Spice Market serves up regional cuisine for breakfast and dinner, while Summer House and Shua Shack offer lighter meals closer to the beach.