Why everyone should add Six Senses Zighy Bay to their travel bucket list…
To say that my stay at Six Senses resort and spa Zighy Bay was unforgettable and magical would be an understatement. The resort is an easy 2 hour drive from Dubai with a quick crossing of the border from the UAE into Oman. It is an oasis nestled amongst the dry rugged mountains on the northern Musandam Peninsula in the Sultanate of Oman. From the drive to the resort until the moment I departed this was a truly unique and special experience, it's too difficult to choose only a few things to share and highlight.
The resort and villas replicate traditional Omani village style which blends with the natural landscape of the steep, jagged, rocky mountains sheltering one side of the resort and the breathtaking turquoise ocean and white sand beach on the other. Staying at the resort is as much a holiday as a culinary experience like no other, the chefs are incredibly passionate about their food and serve only the finest cuisine so you’ll be sure to enjoy your meals whichever dining venue you choose within the resort.
I can tell you about the sumptuous Bedouin dining experience at Shua Shack on the beach serving lamb prepared for hours in the underground oven, the wonderful diving I experienced a short speedboat ride away from the resort, my leap of faith paragliding onto the beach, blissful spa experiences, the moon and starlit cinema set up on the sand, or the bright blue plankton waves crashing softly onto the shoreline at night. What stood out for me the most however was the incredible staff. They are extremely friendly and take the time to speak with and remember each of their guests which allowed me to get to know a little bit about several of the staff. Below is a different take on Six Senses Zighy Bay straight from the mouths of the exemplary staff that I had the pleasure to speak with!
Ayra the Sales and Marketing Co ordinator originally from the Philippines shared with me that her favourite thing about SS Zighy Bay is the environment, especially the beautiful private, white sand beach. She is very proud of Six Senses Zighy Bay’s sustainability practices. Ayra also loves that the boutique sells locally made pottery and handcrafted items with all proceeds going to the local village (also featured throughout the resort and in the villas).
Leslie, the Food and Beverage staffmember from the Philippines enjoys serving delicious cocktails and socialising with the guests, she particularly enjoys serving the complimentary gelato to guests in freshly made waffle cones, her favourite flavour is coffee! Which I can also highly recommend!
Manoj from Sri Lanka – my GEM (Guest Experience Maker) enjoys meeting and assisting all kinds of people of different nationalities from around the world and different cultures. He prides himself on providing the highest level of service and feels great satisfaction from happy guests.
Hassan from Syria - head chef - is an absolute delight with a passion for food and interacting with the guests. He loves to teach the Arabic cooking class and share the Arabic cuisine experience with the guests. He is proud that the resort has its own organic garden and is self sustainable as much as possible, all food is fresh including the fish caught by local fisherman.
Andreas from Norway – Executive Assistant Manager – recommends an experience at ‘Sense on the Edge’ Six Senses Zighy Bay’s fine dining restaurant. Perched high on the cliff edge of the mountain overlooking the resort and ocean. Whether it be for a cocktail during sunset or for an unforgettable dinner Andreas insists that this is a must, and I agree!
Anil from India – the dedicated yoga instructor, adapted my yoga practice to suit my level. Seeing his students improve, feel rejuvenated and enjoy his practice makes Anil feel a great sense of achievement.
Itsu from Bulgaria - is thrilled by the excited reactions and awe of guests as he paraglides them into the resort. Why not arrive at the resort James Bond style?! The concierge will collect your bags and deliver them to your room while you paraglide into the resort from the mountain top!
Offering 82 stunning private villas ranging from one bedroom villas up to the huge private residence each with its own private pool, this beautiful resort offers everything you would expect from a 5 star luxury resort and much more. What sets it apart from other luxury 5 star resorts is the staff which feels more like a family. Six Senses leaves you yearning to return before you have even left!
Six Senses currently have 10 Resort and Spas over the world, in China, Maldives, Portugal Seychelles, Thailand, Turkey, Vietnam and of course Oman, with Fiji opening late 2017. Each destination was specially chosen for it’s uniqueness with an emphasis on wellness and sustainability. Oman was my first Six Senses Resort experience however I’m sure it won’t be my last.
Visit my facebook page to see more images: www.facebook.com/kellyayersMTA
Contact me on kayers@mtatravel.com.au to plan your Six Senses escape.