Nestled in a secluded cove between the dramatic Hajar Mountains and the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Oman, just a two-hour drive from Dubai, arriving at Six Senses Zighy Bay feels like an adventure in itself. Whether you choose the hairpin cliffside descent by car or the adrenaline rush of paragliding in over the shimmering emerald bay (not for the faint-hearted), from the moment you set eyes on this renowned resort, you know you’re in for an unforgettable stay.
In true Six Senses style, first impressions are seamless. The architecture unapologetically blends into the earthy landscape of the Musandam Peninsula, with 82 private pool villas positioned between the cliffs and coastal edge. Handcrafted from local stone and secluded from other villas by rustic recycled date palm leaf and jute fences, the villas – which are interconnected by soft sandy paths perfect for shoeless strolls and barefoot bike rides – vanish into their natural surroundings.
Inside, the chic décor provides the perfect setting to unwind, with views that stretch out either over the bay’s silvery sands or your own secluded pool garden. Every detail – from on-site bottled water to handmade lamp covers and carefully restored wooden sun beds – reflects the resort’s commitment to conservation. And should anything break, skilled on-site carpenters, tailors and electricians are ready to repair, recycle, or upcycle on demand.
Sustainable Roots
Meandering through the lush, landscaped grounds is a must, where the secluded resort’s silence is punctuated only by the soft sounds of the ocean and the chirp of birds perched on the shaded branches of pomegranate, guava, and tamarind trees. These flourishing plants – 5,000 trees and counting – are nurtured using recycled grey water, again reflecting the resort’s unwavering care for the environment.
This ethos is also showcased in the farm-to-table dining philosophy that runs throughout Six Senses Zighy Bay’s five outlets. From the hilltop restaurant Senses on the Edge that offers stunning sunset views over the cove, to authentic Bedouin dining on the beach and tapas at an open-air bar, each destination offers guests the freshest, local ingredients.
Mouth-watering dishes are created from produce grown on-site and at the nearby Dibba farm which also serves as an activity for animal lovers and food enthusiasts. Guests can book a Hay Day and meet the friendly goats – hand-milked twice a day to produce delicious cheeses served at the resort, from creamy brie to tangy labneh.
Check out the chickens, housed in a spacious, air-conditioned – naturally, 5 star, Zighy-Bay style – coops, that provide the resort’s fresh, organic eggs. While Lucky the rescued donkey, heart-warmingly limps over to nussle and be stroked. Managed by Mr Ugeyn, the farm tour offers a hands-on experience that makes leaving the resort for a few hours, more than worthwhile.
The resort’s farming efforts don’t just serve guests, however; they also reach the local community, providing 12 tonnes of compost from food waste annually, with 11 tonnes generously donated to nearby farmers. The ethos is simple – nothing is wasted, and everything has a purpose.
From sands to shoreline
Six Senses Zighy Bay’s commitment to the environment is not only about land, it also extends to the ocean. Though not typically a nesting ground, the beach welcomed 50 unexpected visitors in the form of tiny turtle hatchlings last year and with more than 70 turtles identified on the resort, the on-site marine biologist is on a mission to learn more – working closely with conservation teams in the Maldives and Seychelles, to track turtle migrations and bridge gaps across oceans.
For those guests eager to connect with turtles up close, the sunrise kayak is a must. As you paddle out on the calm, shimmering waters at dawn, the bay transforms from emerald to amber and gold. Green turtles glide gracefully by your kayak as you drift toward the rocky shoreline that separates Oman and the UAE. Navigating along the shell-clad cliffs, you’ll spot red crabs scurrying up the jagged rocks, and with crystal-clear waters below, you’ll likely spot fish darting under your kayak.
These efforts to engage with marine life reflect the resort’s broader commitment to ocean conservation, highlighted by their impressive coral restoration project. With coral frames now flourishing to more than 20cm in just one year – quite a feat given the challenges facing reefs worldwide – Six Senses Zighy Bay’s initiatives have caught the attention of researchers worldwide. The resilience of the corals in warming seas, is offering hope that a ‘super coral’ can be created.
Back on land, stepping into the resort’s Earth Lab feels like entering a creative workshop where guests can be part of the resort’s journey towards zero waste – a philosophy that has seen the resort recyle or upcycle an impressive 80 per cent of its waste. Here, glass is crushed and repurposed into beautiful ornaments – think bottles of grape into cheese platters, old towels are transformed into plant pots, and used cooking oil is turned into soap for cleaning the back-of-house. It’s a space that inspires visitors to take a piece of Six Senses Zighy Bay’s sustainable spirit back home.
A thrilling departure
But before saying goodbye, thrill-seekers must paraglide with Itzil, a seasoned Bulgarian instructor who has been soaring over these cliffs for two decades. Starting 900 metres above sea level, a short sprint, and you’re airborne, gliding effortlessly with panoramic views of the cove and rugged landscape below. The feeling of weightlessness and the rush of wind as you glide over rocks and the sparkling bay is truly unmatched. As you begin your descent, expect to spiral quickly above the resort’s saltwater pool, before landing gently on the beach.
For those looking for a more relaxed activity, the Six Senses Spa needs no introduction. With its fragrant scent of lavender, eucalyptus, and sandalwood oils, guest can be assured of rest and relaxation.
Under the leadership of Sustainability Officer Armand Thieblemont, Six Senses Zighy Bay has gone from strength to strength in its commitment to eco-friendly practices. From the impressive coral restoration efforts, to pioneering waste reduction, Armand’s vision has been instrumental in positioning the resort as a leader in sustainable luxury.
Whether you’re biking along sandy paths, kayaking on crystal-clear waters, participating in a beach cleanup, or simply sipping a conscious cocktail garnished with herbs from the organic garden, this unique resort leaves you refreshed, rejuevanted and reconnected.
Details
Getting there: The resort is a two-hour car journey from Dubai International airport. Check visa requirements in advance as you will pass through the Omani border.
Prices: Starting from AED 4,000 per night (weekdays) and AED 6,000 per night (weekends)
Six Senses Zighy Bay, Zighy Bay Rd, Dibba, Oman
For more information visit sixsense.com or call +968 26 735555
