Six Senses Zighy Bay

Surrounded by the dramatic Hajar Mountains, Six Senses Zighy Bay on the Musandam peninsula combines the traditional style of an Omani home with the luxury of private swimming pools.

The Musandam Peninsula is an Omani enclave, surrounded by UAE—so the closest airport is Dubai, rather than Muscat. The hotel is located about 120 km from the airport.

Paraglide to check-in

What makes the Six Senses Zighy Bay resort really unique is one of the methods of arrival: guests can choose to descent from the surrounding mountains by paragliding  — and it is probably the only hotel in the world that makes it possible. Of course, you can also arrive at the hotel by a luxury motorboat, or drive down from the mountains in a Hummer.

Zighy Bay

The bay offers more than half a kilometer of sandy beach. A fishing village is built on one end, whilst the hotel occupies the other. The neighborhood of the village means frequent visits by the local goats, a peculiarity that makes the place feel more authentic: after all the stone buildings of Six Senses Zighy Bay villas are built to resemble a typical Omani village.

Villas

Six Senses Zighy Bay consists of eighty-two unique guest dwellings. All villas are spacious, with rustic but chic décor, outdoor shower, and a private infinity pool. The use of local materials and local building traditions makes the hotel look as if it had been there for centuries.

The villas come with some charming details: wooden chess sets, bicycles “for him and for her” or pillows with thick-woven pillowcases. We loved the copper doorbell on a string! It’s a style that will appeal to travelers looking for an alternative to the typical, lavish Arabian luxury.

Beyond the infinity pool

Six Senses Zighy Bay offers a whole range of activities: cycling trips, fishing, diving or cultural visits to a traditional village, as well as a romantic dinner in the desert off Dubai. And for those who want to simply relax we recommend an excellent spa, signed by the Six Senses brand.

For the food, guests have Dining on the Sand, serving Arab style barbecue, or Deli, with a light meals menu. But the showpiece restaurant is Sense on the Edge. Located at the top of the mountain, it offers stunning views of the Gulf and the Arabian Sea and is a perfect place for greeting the nightfall—preferably with a glass of champagne.

in our opinion

An excellent choice for travelers attracted by the harsh beauty of the Middle East and who are looking for a beach holiday in an interesting place, away from civilization.

We recommend booking the Beach Front Pool Villa, with direct access to the sea.

*This review contains affiliate links at no extra cost to you.

What we love

• VIP treatment at the airport: customs clearance and baggage is handled by the hotel staff, while guests are welcomed with tea and snacks in a private lounge;
• Unique opportunity of arrival at the hotel by paragliding;
• The architecture and style of the villas, in authentic Omani style;
• Private infinity pool;
• Spectacular surroundings and location, completely cut off from the world and crowds of the city;
• Wide and empty beach, with white sand;
• Excellent food and service;
• Six Senses Spa!

What you should know

• In order to get to the Musandam peninsula you need to have a Dubai visa;
• The rustic style of the hotel is very charming, but not for travelers who like “traditional”, Arabian luxury;
• Isolated location of the hotel means that it will not be a good choice for those who like to be close to shops, local restaurants or nightclubs.