Paul’s Review of Six Senses Zighy Bay, Oman

What is Zighy Bay and who’s it for?

Imagine all your Arabian dreams come true and that’s Zighy Bay, a luxury eco-friendly wellness retreat in Oman, amidst an arid yet heavenly mountainscape that dramatically falls into a turquoise blue sea. It’s a slice of secluded bliss that will have you soothed under a story tale sun.

As a solo traveller, I found Zighy Bay perfect for my needs. I met some friendly people and also managed to enjoy my own private holiday. It’s also an ideal place for couples and families alike; especially as all 82 villas & suites feature a private swimming pool.

Getting There

Greeted by a driver at Dubai airport, who was ready with a bottle of water to cool me down, it was an easy 2-hour transfer to the resort. The ride through the dusty middle eastern landscape certainly filled me with a sense of awe. On arrival some clients choose to paraglide into the resort, I decided to do this on my last day instead which was one of the best experiences ever! Zighy Bay is a wellness retreat with a difference; adventure! At reception I was given a cooling date smoothie, a tour of the (extensive) resort and my own bicycle to get around with ease. It was like I’d fallen asleep and woken up in a different universe. Zighy Bay is truly a whole new standard of wellness and luxury.

The Hotel & Accommodation

The entire resort is modern, clean and blends authentic Arabian architecture with modern creature comforts. As I walked around on my first day, I couldn’t help feeling like a minor celebrity. The resort itself spans over a large patch of land yet there’s a sense of being on a secluded beautiful beach nearly all the time.

Accommodation wise, expect high standards. Not only does each villa and suite have its own private pool, but also its own private butler! It was great to have this service – especially after a long flight! For me though, I only utilised the personal delivery of a few smoothies and breakfast (both of which were insatiable).

The Spa

With a variety of locally inspired spa treatments and indulgent massages. I had two treatments whilst staying at Zighy Bay; a full body massage and a dead sea salt scrub, both were fantastic and the therapists were really good. The scrub was somewhat more delicate leaving me with super soft skin. After the treatments finished, I was treated to herbal teas and a quick tour by my therapist who said I simply had to see the rooftop terrace. Following him up the stairs, we gradually came to one of the most stunning views I’ve ever seen. “Here is the rooftop yoga terrace,” he said. It was a piece of zen amidst a dusty, mountainous landscape dotted with palm trees and butlers carrying cocktails from one spot to the next. I felt truly grateful to be here; but top tip; skip the rooftop terrace at midday - no one needs that much sun!

The Hammam is bliss and as soon as you step in, there’s a beautiful aroma of incense that soothes you into a peaceful, calming atmosphere. Starting with warm herbal steam and exfoliation, the experience will leave your skin supple and enhanced.

The Fitness

I love keeping fit, especially on holiday. There’s something about applying yourself to new goals, with new fitness professionals that just makes everything that bit more exciting when you’re in a beautiful destination. Needless to say, I wasn’t disappointed by this expectation at Zighy Bay. In fact, it far excelled my expectations.

Firstly, when I arrived, I was given a wellness screening by a very knowledgeable gentleman called Anil. In his particularly calm but direct tone, he provided me with a report about everything from my BMI to my PH, mineral and nitric oxide levels. This was great as he then encouraged me to take the report home and implement all the changes it recommended. If this wasn’t comprehensive enough, my next appointment was with the Fusionetics team.

Fusionetics is a system of fitness science that extensively assesses your entire body using detailed computer software along with impeccable knowledge of a trained fitness practitioner. The point of the system is to identify how you move whilst doing exercise and notice in what way this can cause un-needed stresses on the body. Thus, your provided with the ‘correct’ way of doing things in order to free your fitness practice and recover from any long term injuries or niggles. It sounds simple, but I was genuinely in awe of the whole Fusionetics approach; it’s a real must for anyone looking to take their bodily health to the next level!

My favourite thing though has to be the outdoor gym area. If Aladdin ever worked out – this is where he did it! Imagine a muscle beach setting on Arabian soil surrounded by an awe inspiring landscape. I made the most of the cooler mornings and used the space every day during my stay. Equally, there’s a comprehensive activity programme (here) that has yoga classes, boot camp sessions and circuit training available. My sunset Hatha Yoga class was just divine, and a perfect way to watch the sun go down before retiring to my suite revitalised.

Food / Restaurants

When it comes to food, Zighy Bay has an authentic, local approach to the menu with a range of options available. The menus are always changing with the seasons and chef’s experimentation, but one night I chose to eat at the ‘Sense on the Edge’ (the mountainside restaurant with stunning views) and indulged in an Artichoke starter, Wagyu Striploin, and for dessert Mille Feuille - everything was mouth-watering! The chefs are seasoned professionals, especially selected for their knowledge and background in healthy retreat and fine dining cuisine across the world, so you’ll be in good hands with whatever you choose.

I should also mention that I’m a bit of a smoothie addict and the menu here was one of the most exciting I’ve seen! It blends a typical detox approach with a flavoursome Arabic flare of ingredients like mint, fennel or date. Each day I had one of the wellness smoothie options and would recommend trying the ‘Unbeatable Sleep’ smoothie (fennel, beetroot, lemon balm, lime and ginger). Or if you’re looking for something indulgent, try a glass of ‘Bodylicious’ (young coconut, pecan, vanilla and raw cacao nibs).

The Wellness Programmes

Zighy Bay offers a great range of programmes that emphasise either fitness, yoga, wellness or adventure.

Weight-management

Sense of De-Stress 

Sense of Functional Fitness 

Yogic Detox 

Discover Yoga 

The Staff

Throughout my stay I experienced truly exquisite service. The resort employs a plethora of people (some 300) and, as I’ve mentioned, you even get your own butler. There’s a real sense of everyone doing their best to make your stay wonderful, and it’s certainly a place I’d recommend to anyone looking for a serene combination of adventure and wellness.

The Scenery & Surroundings

As soon as the transfer vehicle from the airport got onto the highway, the vastness of the Arabian Peninsula hit me. Two hours simply flew by as I was glued to the window admiring the sandy, dusty, lunar landscape. It’s an atmosphere that stayed with me through my entire stay at Zighy Bay.

The hotel itself is set in a secluded bay encased by mountains, a spectacle that creates an almost amphitheatric atmosphere. Yet there’s also a great sense of calm that pervades the resort and a tranquillity that only gets disturbed by the odd goat bell quaintly ringing in the distance.

The view of the beautiful beach at Zighy Bay

Highlights

The point of a wellness retreat isn’t to increase the ego, but when you’re paragliding in to a luxury resort set amidst sandy mountains and turquoise waters, it’s hard to not feel like James Bond (see my video). Indeed, the paragliding experience at Zighy Bay was truly one of the best experiences I’ve ever had and would recommend to anyone. I’d also recommend trying the paddle boarding too as the ocean is so calm.

Equally, if heights aren’t your thing, I had a great time swimming in the ocean and walking along the beautiful beach. It’s a truly tranquil experience that’s great for anyone who needs a bit of TLC to their otherwise busy lifestyle.

My Summary & Verdict

Zighy Bay is one of the best places I’ve ever been - it just ticks so many boxes. On top of that, everything they do, they do well, really well! I was left with the feeling that I could have stayed a whole month there, going on different excursions and indulging in various spa therapies, not to mention the sunshine. Fitness wise, it’s a genuine pinnacle of knowledge and I imagine it’d be a great place for couples who have differing interests and want to peruse various practices throughout the day and then relax together outside of that.

How to Book

To request a quote or for more information visit our Zighy Bay page.

Talk to one of our Travel Specialists on 0203 397 8891 or contact us here to discuss tailor-making your perfect wellness holiday.