Undoubtedly one of our favourite regions in Oman, with its dramatic scenery and fantastic diving, the Musandam Peninsula has some wonderful accommodation options. Below are two of our favourite places to stay while on holiday to the Musandam Peninsula...
Six Senses Dhahab Dhow
Built in the style of a traditional Omani dhow, Dhahab is the Six Senses Zighy Bay's latest accommodation and experience venture. A few days spent sailing the Gulf of Oman and Straits of Hormuz on this beautiful boat forms the ultimate addition to a luxury Middle East trip.
Each of the three bedrooms on board Dhahab is designed to be both exceptionally comfortable, and traditionally styled. The décor is simple and neutral but with natural dark wood features which bring character and elegance into the rooms. The master cabin is very spacious, housing a king sized bed, sofa, and large bathroom which comes complete with a feature bathtub and twin vanities. The two other cabins are twins and are also plenty spacious and welcoming. Since Dhahab is only available for private hire it is set up to perfectly accommodate a family (with children over 12), or group travelling together.
With a nod to its name's Arabic origins (Dhahab means gold in Arabic) the dhow offers its guests gold standard service. Thanks to the very small group size and the carefully designed facilities, the hospitable staff are able to cater for every individual need. Dining on board Dhahab is an all-day experience which adapts and changes with the day. The foredeck is specially designed to very comfortably host sunny breakfasts, shaded lunches and leisurely al fresco dinners. As for the food, the on board chef has crafted a delicious menu inspired by local ingredients, which combines traditional and international influences - then there is, of course, always the catch of the day. Before and after dinner, sit on the deck's lounging chairs and watch the sunset or stars with a cocktail in hand.
Whilst on board Dhahab there a multitude of activities to keep everyone entertained. From sunbathing on the deck, jumping off to swim or snorkel, or even lazing in the lounge with a movie, kids and parents alike will be thoroughly content. Add to that the option to kayak or even scuba dive in The Gulf of Oman, and the luxurious Dhahab dhow is a real winner.
The natural landscapes Dhahab travels through are some of the most beautiful in Oman, and indeed the world for that matter. Musandam's rugged landscape and glistening water are likened to the Norwegian fjords (albeit slightly less green!), and come complete with The Hajar Mountain Range towering in the background. Then there is The Gulf Oman which, thanks to its location between the Arabian Sea and Straits of Hormuz, is world renowned for its diving quality and abundance of colourful coral and fish. Reason enough to book a stay we think?
Why We Love It
Sailing for a few days onboard Dhahab is the perfect compliment to make your stay at Zighy Bay even more exclusive.
Six Senses Zighy Bay
Zighy Bay has a dramatic setting on the Musandam Peninsula, an exclave of the Sultanate of Oman, separated from the rest of Oman by the United Arab Emirates.
The rugged Hajar Mountains lie to the rear and there is a broad sandy beach in front of the hotel. The private pool villas each have their own infinity-edged pool, direct beach access, sundeck, shaded day-bed, personal wine cellar and a 24hr personal butler.
Guests are provided with bicycles for getting around the resort. At one end of the bay is a private marina offering all kinds of watersports, including diving, kayaking, wind-surfing, water-skiing, wake-boarding and sailing. There is also good snorkelling right off the beach.
The Six Senses Spa offers a full range of relaxing treatments, two Arabian hammams, sauna, steam and ice rooms and a gym.
Dining alternatives include a modern brasserie, a seafood restaurant, poolside service around the large central swimming pool, a hill-top restaurant with stunning views over the bay, and a variety of private dining options on request. There are also two bars serving cocktails and tapas.
Why We Love It
Guests can choose to arrive by road, via a scenic ten-minute speedboat trip, or even as a companion passenger with the hotel's professional paraglider.