An Omani Utopia at Six Senses Zighy Bay

The Musandam Peninsula, a part of Oman which juts into the Persian Gulf, is surrounded by rugged mountains and was long deemed too inaccessible for tourism. Today it harbors the spectacular retreat of Six Senses Zighy Bay, and that inaccessibility is all part of the fun of getting there.

Dubai Airport is only two hours away, but the drive can only be done in a four-wheel-drive vehicle zipping through the mountains. Another option is to take a chartered speedboat, cruising past the dramatic fjords that give this area the nickname "the Norway of the Middle East." For the most dramatic arrival, forgo land and sea by paragliding above the landscape and landing right at the hotel entrance.

Set within a secluded inlet flanked by a private sand beach amid towering limestone mountains, Zighy Bay is a utopian vision of a traditional Omani village. A collection of 82 private pool villas of natural stone and timber are set along a network of palm-shaded walkways and bicycle-friendly tracks. All of this overlooks lush organic gardens and a mile-long stretch of pristine beach.

The resort boasts its own reverse osmosis plant and water refinery and implements a host of sustainable strategies to reduce and offset the impact of the resort, both environmentally and socially. All its organic waste is recycled for use in the farm and organic gardens, and even plastic cup lids have been replaced with compostable corn-starch alternatives. A dedicated "Earth Lab" produces cold processed soaps and all products and ingredients that the resort cannot produce on its own, including seafood, are sourced from nearby communities.

The calm waters of the Gulf, the majestic fjords, the slow pace of life, and the stars in the night sky all work together to create a sense of timelessness. Take it slow and trek through the village of Sabatyn, stretching along a mountainside. Or visit the ancient villages and farms in the mountains of Dibba. For a dose of adrenaline, give your legs a workout on a mountain bike adventure, or take to the skies in one of the world’s most maneuverable aircraft, seated next to the pilot and directly behind the controls.

On the water, you can opt for a tailor-made cruise aboard a traditional dhow ship accompanied by a chef and butler. Anchor in a quiet bay for a gourmet lunch, enjoy the rich marine wildlife on a snorkel or kayak trip, or simply doze off to the gentle sea breeze.

A stay at Musandam can be both relaxing and adventurous, and it’s entirely up to you how you divide your time between the two.
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