Six Senses Zighy Bay

Oman

The Sultanate of Oman, situated between India and Africa, is a land of mountains, sand filled deserts and lush palm groves. Known as the Kingdom of Magan throughout antiquity, Oman is located on the southernmost end of the Arabian Peninsula opening onto the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Oman, facing Iran. Since the 8th century, the Sultanate has been the seat of Ibadism, a minority branch of Islam originally from Mesopotamia which advocates tolerance towards the numerous Christians and Hindus living in the country. Oman, the legendary land of Sinbad the Sailor and Ubar, the mythical city of A Thousand and One Nights, was also home to the palace of the Queen of Sheba. Its location at the crossroads of maritime routes between Africa and Asia made it an important cosmopolitan venue, adding to the rich historical and architectural heritage primarily influenced by the Portuguese and the Persians. All throughout the country, one can admire the numerous forts and castles which, like the one in Jabrin near Nizwa, are veritable palaces. Between Mascate, the capital, and Nizwa, there are at least twenty fortresses perched atop the cliffs which blend in perfectly with the surrounding landscape. Although Mascate’s architecture is contemporary, it nevertheless respects traditional forms, the opposite of what one finds in Dubai, Oman’s closest neighbor, where towering skyscrapers and artificial islands abound.

The ultimate retreat

“Ideal” is the only word to describe the site of the Six Senses Zighy Bay. Once a guest arrives at Dubai Airport, he is placed in the competent hands of the Zighy Bay’s valet car service and taken to the hotel. The route crosses the Dubai desert before reaching the Oman border in the province of Musandam, where the arid landscape radically changes, giving way to the hidden pearl of the Sultanate of Oman, the spectacular Hajar mountains. Although the hotel is indicated at the foot of the cliffs, another 20 minutes on a winding road through the rocks are needed to reach the destination which overlooks an idyllic bay of crystalline water. There is nothing else here except the hotel and an adjacent traditional Omani village. The Zighy Bay’s structure is modelled after that of a typical village with 82 villas in crude rock, square shaped architecture and the use of wood. Ecological principles are extremely important to the hotel and are strictly adhered to, enabling the site to blend in admirably with the natural landscape. As soon as they arrive, guests find themselves far from everything in an exotic land of dreams. After a convivial check-in process, visitors discover an establishment where nature is not only king but is in fact, everywhere! The villas are in harmony with the sand, and the vegetation emits a sense of vitality. In the background, the mountains provide a powerful imposing horizon and in the foreground, the incredible sea with a year round temperature of 28 degrees Celsius, offers a view that will remain in memory of the hotel’s guests long after they have left. The Six Senses Zighy Bay is a constantly evolving experience. Nothing has been left to chance, and at the same time, nothing seems to have been prepared or arranged. The natural demeanor of the staff and the friendly nature of the furnishings create a sense of gentleness and well-being. An enchanting and luxurious atmosphere permeates the hotel. The two swimming pools, one of which is a salt water pool, ideal for youngsters offer guests extraordinary moments of relaxation. The magnificence of the hotel is only surpassed by the indescribable surroundings and the excursions and nature walks offered to take full advantage of the setting. The Hajar Mountains possess an ancestral splendor since the rock and the summits seem to bear witness to the birth of our planet. The arid landscape is rugged and at the same time emits a sense of poetry that overwhelms the stunned visitor. Facing these mountains, one feels both small and firmly anchored in a history which surpasses all understanding.

In addition to the activities taking place all year round, from January through March, the hotel proposes an excursion dedicated to observing whale sharks. These magnificent and imposing animals are very rare and hard to observe, thus offering visitors a unique and unforgettable experience.