Six Senses Zighy Bay Hotel

Musandam Peninsula, PO Box 212, Dibba-Musandam 800, Oman

Zighy Bay epitomises the concept of a luxe hideaway. You’ll find it kissing the Gulf of Oman, shielded by a fort of mountains in the country’s remote Musandam Peninsula. A two-hour drive from Dubai sees you exchange skyscrapers for wadis and mountain roads that tumble down to the date palm-laden resort below. Arrival is a James Bond-style affair as guests have the option to descend Zighy Mountain via tandem paraglide. It’s an unforgettable experience as you undulate between the craggy ridges and take in spectacular vistas before landing beside the saltwater pool. Sandy laneways, flanked only by a flourish of greenery and the odd goat, give way to dreamy walled villa enclaves. Inside, cool stonework, white linens and high ceilings provide welcome respite from the desert heat. There’s also 1.6km of beach along the bay with incredible opportunities for reef diving and whale shark-watching at this time of year. Food is top-drawer across the board but restaurant Sense on the Edge is standout.
BG. Pool villas from £519. 00 968 2673 5555