Cradled by the rugged mountainous terrain of Oman’s northern Musandam Peninsula, there are 3 ways to enter the Six Sense Zighy Bay Resort: (1) zig-zag down the exhilaratingly steep mountain-side road (2) speed boat in alongside the dramatic coastline (3) or paraglide off the side of the mountain and sail down to the beachfront resort. Eat your heart out James Bond – or anyone that craves both luxury and adventure. Zighy Bay is without a doubt one of the coolest, most stunning luxury resorts on the planet.
An hour and a half outside of Dubai, desert turns to mountain as you enter the Sultanate of Oman. Remote and almost lunar-like, the rocky Musandam terrain is widely uninhabited except for a few fishing villages and bedouin goat herders. The mountains collide into the brilliant turquoise waters of the Gulf of Oman, creating a spectacular coastline and an amazing setting for a word-class resort. In barefoot-luxury stye, Zighy Bay is laid out like a traditional Omani village. Sprawled out across the beach front, sandy pathways run through the maze of stone-built private villas. Each villa has it’s own private plunge pool, sun-loungers, dining veranda and outdoor shower. Bicycles docked out front allow you to zip to breakfast or head straight to the beach.
Two gorgeous pools can be found on the resort, both have spectacular settings and sit feet from the beach. Shielded by the mountains, the entire beachfront is private, save for a small fishing village at the opposite end. The calm and crystal blue water sets an ideal stage for a myriad of fun water activities, from paddle-boarding to hobie cat sailing. A wide range of beach activities are also available, including badminton, bocce ball, and archery. For the most thrilling, one-in-a-lifetime experience, take a microlight flight. The ultralight aircraft soars high above the mountains like a hang glider, allowing you to soak in the beautiful landscape below. Afterward, you many need a nice cool Almaza beer from Lebanon and trip to the resort’s indulgent spa – complete with Middle Eastern hammam.
Everything about Zighy Bay is unforgettable, but the sunset dinner at Sense on the Edge is particularly memorable. Set high on a mountain’s edge, the restaurant looks out to the mountain ranges on either side, the ocean in the distance, and the resort below. The breath-taking panoramic view is unmatched and unworldly. With contemporary Arabian design, teal seat cushions pop agains the craggy rocks and purple-hewed sunset.
Another fabulous meal can be found each morning at Spice Market, the resort’s arabic restaurant. The breakfast spread feels like Christmas morning each day, with fresh and delicious treats at each turn.
Words cannot do Zighy Bay justice. Truly unique and unquestionably stunning, you’re overwhelmed with wonderment from the moment you arrive to long past your departure. Safe and easy to get to from Dubai, this luxury resort should be on every traveler’s bucket list.
