Rest: Spa getaway

Six Senses Hideaway Zighy Bay had its soft opening in January so while it is taking guests, the official launch is yet to take place. Located in Musandam, the resort, as its name suggests, is a peaceful haven by the beach and makes for a perfect short-break destination. Emirates Business spent the weekend there and found old-world charm mixed with modern conveniences. Contact: 009 682 673 5888 or visit www.sixsenses.com for more information.


WOW FACTOR

Wow is probably the most appropriate word for Zighy Bay. Built to look like an old Omani village, guests can stay in old style stone villas that house up to six people. Mine was built onto the beach, meaning I could walk down the back yard, open the gate and have the sea metres in front of me. Each villa also comes with its own pool and outdoor terrace, meaning guests do not have to leave during their whole stay.



FACILITIES

As well as your own villa pool, there is also a main guest pool and a communal beach in the middle of the resort. There are three restaurants – including one built at the top of the mountain – a library with DVDs and internet, a shop, a gym and the Six Senses' signature spa. The in-room dining also meant I didn't have to leave the villa at all if I wanted a private break and it offers the same menu as the restaurants which is a bonus.

The spa offers the usual range of treatments, with a double room for couples. My holistic massage used long hand strokes to gently relax my tired limbs and knead out any knots. The rooms were all large and airy with meditation-style music playing in the background. All treatments are rounded off with ginger tea in the relaxation room, while the spa also has steam rooms and saunas that are free for use to all guests, whether they have a treatment or not.



FAMILY FRIENDLY

While there are a few two-storey villas suitable for families, Zighy Bay will hold greater appeal for couples who want a quiet romantic and relaxing break away from the city; it's a popular retreat for honeymooners. There are no specific child activities and with so many stone steps to navigate, it is not somewhere little ones can clamber around safely.



WORTH A RETURN?

Most definitely – I would love to make Zighy Bay a regular in my diary. The resort is ideal and located just two hours from Dubai, making it quick and easy to get to. There are currently three ways to get there; by car, boat or paraglide. Pick the car option and you will leave your own motor at Dibba Port before being transported to the hotel by 4x4. For a slightly more exhilarating arrival, you can be driven to the top of the mountain before paragliding into the resort. Zighy Bay is still not finished; there is some landscaping to do and the souk area where Omanis will sell local wares is not open yet. But once it is finished it will become one of the best holiday destinations in the region.