Getting Zighy with it in the Desert: Part 1

Our honeymoon is a two month trip to Dubai. For me, it was simply me transplanting myself into Dodong’s life in the desert. But little did I know that there was a grand honeymoon in store for me. Never in my life have I dreamt of having a honeymoon this luxurious, a trip that awakens all Six Senses in a hideaway tucked in the rocky mountains of Zighy Bay, Oman…

This luxury resort was literally stumbled upon by Dodong. He saw it through a blog read by a friend. Then, on a trip to Dibba Oman, he remembered the resort name and we later found ourselves ogling at the entrance gates. Of course, we were not allowed in the gates since we did not have a reservation. As I said to Dodong: “It’s a luxury resort. DUH.”

I guess Dodong was challenged. So a week later, he inquired through the website and got an unbelievably good deal! The price was undeniably high for our standards (we’re stingy travelers – or rather stingy persons – you see), but we did get more than what we paid for.

Since I can go on and on and on and on about our Six Senses Zighy Bay experience, I’d have to turn it down a notch and organize it for your better appreciation. This will be a series of posts, so I hope you enjoy reading as much as we did enjoy the experience.

First and foremost, pls do make a reservation by visiting their website, Six Senses Zighy Bay Oman. They do not accept walk-ins as they do need to prepare for your stay. So how do you get to Six Senses Zight Bay?!?

If you’re not in the Middle East, you should get yourself here 1st. Hehehehe! But if you are in the UAE like Dubai, it’s a good 2-hour drive from Dubai to the outer gates of Six Senses Zighy Bay.

For this 2-hour drive, you just make sure you have lots of water (of course, it is hot in the desert), your luggage and, more importantly, your passport/s, your visa and/or national ID if you are a GCC resident. You will be crossing the UAE-Oman border in Dibba, Oman so you will need to present those documents.

The location of the outer gate of Six Senses Zighy Bay is quite isolated. The first time we dropped by I was so scared! I was already imagining a car breakdown and we’d die of thirst. Ok I’m neurotic like that.

When you get to the outer gate, they will ask your name and they will check if you have reservations. Once you are cleared, they will ask you to park your car at the guests parking area.

They have a dedicated roofed parking area for all guests. We made the mistake of parking at the staff parking area since it was nearer the gate.

One actually has 4 options on how to get to the main resort area. We took the 1st option, which is a complimentary 4×4 ride. Six Senses Zighy Bay is around 8KM on the other side of the mountain. Yes, I kid you not when I say on the other side of the mountain.

The 2nd option is you can insist on taking your own car BUT at your own risk. The roads to Six Senses Zighy Bay is very steep and rocky. If you have a 4×4 vehicle, then it would be good. But I say sit back, relax and enjoy instead. Hehehe!

The 3rd option is to paraglide to Six Senses Zighy Bay. Yes, you read it right. You can paraglide BUT at a cost. And paragliding is seasonal as well. Since there are no winds during the summertime (which is from June to August), paragliding was not possible when we were there. Paragliding is recommended during wintertime.

The last and most luxurious option is to take a helicopter ride to the resort. Obviously, this would entail a cost…a larger cost at that. But you do arrive in style.

So now that you know how to get there, are you excited to see what is in Six Senses Zighy Bay? I am! I am!

Love the distance,

Inday I. Nagintay