Disconnect to reconnect



Mariam Nihal

Saudi Gazette

Bordering the Omani territory, Musandam sits on hidden treasure called Six Senses Zighy Bay. The luxury promise allows the peninsula to give life to contrasting beauty of rich Arab cultural dynamics. Roughly a two-hour drive from Dubai, once you get past the borders, the real journey begins.



It leads you to Zighy Bay and lands you in eternity. As you wind down the road to a row of villas streamlining the shore, you grasp for a breath of reality. And then it plays your six senses. Overwhelmed, you are greeted with the aroma of Bukhoor at the doors of the resort, which will soon become home.



Built of stone and woods, the beachfront pool villa opens to a majestic bohemian scene with high ceilings. Orange and white cushioned living area brightens up the somber feel surrounding your bedroom and bathrooms. But the real treasure lays outdoors. With high cobblestone walls around the pool, a shaded dining and majlis area, a recreational room designed for intimate gatherings, and sunbeds lounging around, you can count your steps to the ocean awaiting your arrival.



You know this is when you need to keep your phones away, Wifi on standby and just disconnect. Now reconnect with yourself. The categories of villas range from number of bedrooms, oceanfront and other luxuries like having your own indoor spas and gyms — which are a part of the retreat and private reserve. The private reserve, that is a hotel on its own, has four bedrooms, the largest in the Middle East and spoils you rotten with a private spa suite, a fitness center, a massive majlis area and even a traditional copper bathtub from an Omani palace — in the master bedroom.



The rest of your residential palace hosts living and dining room areas, both in and outdoors with a magnificent backdrop. But that’s not it. You have your own yoga studio, a private cellar and security office, room for your nanny and a fully equipped kitchen, in case the kids want to stay in and want home food. Of course you can have a chef come in and cook for your exclusive evening.



But what it really is, apart from the 17-meter infinity swimming pool with a live-in complementary butler, is really the resplendent view. No matter where you are in this enclave, you look out the window and are promised to be stunned every single time. Majestic views are parked outside your holiday home. There really isn’t much life could give you, but a piece of heaven on earth that is around 32,292 sq. feet (3,000 sq. meter).



Zighy Bay’s new detox program introduces a lifestyle change you are looking for. The universe’s energy does not lie. And there is no better time than now. Zighy Bay’s authenticity is developed through a journey designed for your six senses. The detoxifying process the helps get rid of toxins, labor duties, political drama and the excess emotional baggage. The program takes care of your well being on both physical and mental levels.



You meet a therapist who analyses your lifestyle, well being and designs your journey ahead including your meal plans for the rest of your stay. They plan your meals, adding healthy detoxifying shakes, soups and a variety of options to keep you going. But you have to be prepared to take the plunge, it can definitely change your well being if you are prepared for it. With a minimum of three says up to a week, you will be given the best detox massage everyday for 90 minutes, with herbal steam for 30 minutes and a detox scrub and cocoon experience for 90 minutes.



You also have access to other spa treatments including hammam and facials, with local elements and get personal training for an hour at the gym. Your personal trainer will define your work out according to your body type and strength. They are kind enough to give you a long lasting plan with exercises and food plans so you can follow the regime and maintain the right body weight.



Their yoga classes infuse the concept of meditation and well being for all their guests. “The more we understand our bodies, the more we realize our own responsibilities to providing the right fuel, exercise and care. The treatments chosen fit the underlying purpose of the programs; however, it is perhaps the way guests will feel afterwards or during the programs that best describes their benefits. More relaxed, more peaceful, the mind is quieter; guests will be able to be more present in the moment, taking time to appreciate their surroundings, those around them and themselves,” said Mark Sands, Regional Director at Six Senses Spas Thailand and Vietnam.



You can indulge in luxurious spa treatments with some of the finest therapists in the Middle East and enjoy ancient holistic treatments, sauna, steam, ice caves, massages and the fully equipped fitness center. Six Senses is known for its commitment to sustainability and nurturing its relationship with the local community. It lives the philosophy of providing top-notch services, pleasure that lives in harmony with nature.



What they have done in Oman is naturally commendable. Six Senses Zighy Bay helps share the responsibility to offset the carbon footprint. In a bid to conserve energy, Six Senses Zighy Bay manages its own reverse osmosis plant and crystal water refinery to produce water without the footprint. This grows a sufficient organic garden. They have ten different dates growing around the property with fruits and other vegetables in the organic garden.



But their commitment to the local community includes refurbishing homes in local villages, buying fish and vegetables from them; regular activities to support the local Dibba Girl’s School, Sharjah Charity International and Sukarina Bin Al Husain School. The Six Senses retreat does not promote smoking or using animals for activities. So go without expectations of smoking shisha, watching falcon shows and riding camels.



But while you are there, learn to live life on the edge. Observe marine life up close while snorkeling, beautiful cruises that wash away the city noise, paragliding, mountain hiking, mountain biking, or kayaking, there’s never a dull moment at the resort.



Al Feetean Club gives teenagers a chance to participate in archery, adventure hikes, jungle gym, rock climbing, trekking, wadi swimming, raft building, canyoning, beach sports, snorkeling, capoeira, survival skills, campfire, mountain biking, photography, and team building. You can believe that venturing out into the wild can be monotonous, but not here. They even set up a theater under the stars by the ocean waves for you.



So get ready to fall in love again. Go ahead and watch the sun blaze on the waves of the ocean.