Didsbury-Magazine-Jun-Jul-2013

Adrenaline lovers will be
spoilt for choice with the
vast amount of activities:
from mountain biking,
wakeboarding, microlight
flying, to the ultimate -
paragliding.
dolphins and whales. The area of Zighy
Bay in Musandam is particularly renowned
for its spectacular diverse marine life,
ranging from exotic reef fish to schooling
barracuda and dive sites, with an array
of hard and soft corals splashed with
colourful sponges. Its shallow warm
waters make it perfect for novices too.
As the country is filled with beautiful
mountains, valleys, caves, deserts,
beaches, rock parks and lagoons, you will
be overloaded with hundreds of exciting
options. Mix this together with luxury
accommodation and Arabian hospitality,
and you have all the ingredients for a
perfect getaway.
Stay
The luxurious Zighy Bay is the place to stay
in the Musandam Peninsula, and exceeds
expectations in every way. This isolated
and utterly tranquil corner of Oman
seems a million miles from its bustling
neighbour, Dubai. The resort is laid out in
a series of 82 spacious rustic villas with
private plunge pools, bikes, dining area
and your own butler – it is hard to imagine
anywhere in the world so idyllic as this.
The Neom scented spa promises to
relax and rejuvenate – with programmes
ranging from detox to fitness – or for those
wanting just a spot of pampering it offers
singular massage therapies administered
by skilled specialist practitioners who
combine Eastern and Western techniques,
such as reiki and traditional Thai. The
beautiful setting, with private marina and
dramatic mountain backdrop, appeals
to honeymooners, families and groups.
www.sixsenses.com
Dine
Each evening at Zighy Bay there are
numerous dining options – ‘Sense on the
Edge’ is on top of the mountains overlooking
the bay, while down below the ‘Wine
Cellar’ hosts regular wine tastings and
wine and cheese evenings with a master
TRAVEL
sommelier. The traditional communal
Bedouin-style dining experience ‘Shua
Shack’ is held once a week on the quiet
beach, where the senses of Arabia really
come to life. A meze-style buffet starter
is served on low-cushioned seating,
followed by a 14-hour slow-cooked
lamb, which is placed in a ‘sand-pit’ and
excavated by chefs during dinner. With
local music, candles in the sand and the
sound of waves lapping the shore, this is a
pretty awesome experience.
Facts
Emirates fly regular services to Dubai from
Manchester, and Zighy Bay is a two-hour
drive over the Oman border. Rates vary,
but expect to pay £571 ($900) per pool
villa per night inclusive of breakfast; local
taxes apply. www.sixsenses.com
Dr Jill Nash is a Cheshire-based independent travel journalist and owner of guidebook
publishing company ‘Luxury Backpackers’. For more details of her bestselling guidebooks,
visit www.luxurybackpackers.com
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