With lockdowns and freezing temperatures across the world bringing tourists to our sun-drenched shores, COVID-19-related anxiety amongst the locals is at an all-time high. Wanting to escape the frenzy of our own city and be amidst nature has never felt so inviting. Imagine our utter joy when Six Senses Zighy Bay in Oman announced that they would be reopening.
THE POOL VILLA
Set between the martianesque Hajar Mountains and emerald waters in Musandam, Zighy Bay is a sanctuary in an authentic Omani atmosphere. The resort is built upon the idea of sustainability and takes great pride in its commitment to environmental and social responsibility. Zighy Bay recycles 85 per cent of its waste, produces its own drinking water through desalination, grows its own vegetables, and buys local produce as much as possible. The resort’s diving hosts are trained to remove ghost nets left by fishermen and rescue sea creatures that have been caught in them. The resort’s socially responsible initiatives include providing financial aid for women’s associations and medical aid for local villagers, and sponsorship for local sports club of Dibba. Making it all the more attractive to stay in.
Easily reachable from Dubai by a 2-hour drive, guests travelling from the UAE will have to provide a negative PCR test at the border. It is tempting to take the paraglide arrival offered by the resort which lands you right into the bay but for the more risk averse the speedboat option may be the preferred way in. The indelible impact of the pandemic is visible across the resort, with reduced contact arrival, temperature checks, frequently sanitised key cards issued by hosts in face masks, and strategically placed hand sanitising stations across the resort.
THE POOL VILLA IS THE PERFECT PLACE TO RECHARGE IN TIME FOR THE NEW YEAR
The rustic stone villas are dotted around a sandy path with date palms and fruit trees (and sometimes a wandering goat) lining the way. Behind the traditional Omani-style architecture lie spacious rooms which boast enormous baths and private plunge pools. The stucco walls, date palm stick ceilings, and flagstone floors are a constant reminder of your authentic surroundings.
New private dining experiences as a result of the pandemic are on offer but most exciting is the option to try the ever-popular Sense on the Edge mountaintop restaurant, which overlooks the crystal clear waters of the Gulf of Oman. All seats are appropriately spaced to avoid crowding. With the majority of produce grown on-site or in the nearby farm, the food is always fresh, authentic, and delicious.
SENSE ON THE EDGE RESTAURANT
With constant sanitisation in place and spa facilities accessible via prior appointment only, the idea of a massage to truly escape and relax feels more possible than it has all year. However, I would be equally happy lazing the day away in a hammock, dipping in and out of the saltwater pool and gorging myself on the complimentary homemade ice-cream.
- Due to COVID-19 restrictions, currently only UAE and GCC citizens are being allowed to stay at the resort. Please check for updates before booking. Find Six Senses Zighy Bay Resort in Dibba, Musandam. Book your Pool Villa with a private sand garden for Dhs5,400 BOOK HERE
Photos: Supplied
