DUBAI-: Out-of-the-ordinary experiences await young travellers at Six Senses Zighy Bay, the hidden village-style resort tucked on a private white sandy beach on the Oman Peninsula. Just two hours’ drive on a fascinating scenic route from Dubai, Zighy Bay is a unique jewel in Musandam’s crown, where special adventures await.
Surrounded by the striking Al-Hajar Mountains, guests can expect an otherworldly setting for little adventure seekers, from sporting activities on land and sea, to wellness-focussed experiences which help promote a deeper understanding and connection with nature.
Here are 10 remarkable activities children can enjoy at Six Senses Zighy Bay:
- Make a splash in turquoise waters
The glistening waters of Zighy Bay bring an abundance of unforgettable experiences for slightly older children and teens. The Al Feetean’s Teen Club offers kayaking (and kayaking relays), challenging raft building, and stand-up paddle boarding, as well as tubing and body boarding for young thrill-seekers. Youngsters also have chance to get up close to the bay’s abundant wildlife and colourful hard and soft corals as they snorkel, with much to be seen just a few steps from the powdery beach.
Relax in family rooms, offering comfort for everyone
Spacious villa accommodations with multiple rooms offer ample space for the whole family to congregate, relax and sleep, each one with a private plunge pool and outdoor areas. Families of four can choose a Pool Villa with private patio or a Pool Villa Beachfront where the white sand of the bay is just steps away. Suite and duplex accommodations offer even more areas for families to spread out and relax and find their own moment of calm, with plenty of space to gather and socialise as well. The Retreat is a 12,000 square foot, three-bedroom villa right on the beachfront, and The Private Reserve offers a sprawling 32,000 square foot beachfront enclave, where up to 10 guests can stay.
‘Grow with Six Senses’ wellbeing programme
Well-being starts young at Six Senses Zighy Bay and ‘Grow with Six Senses’ incorporates the six dimensions of wellness; social, environmental, physical, spiritual, emotional, and intellectual. Activities are designed to encourage kids to reconnect with nature and gain useful life skills through play. The focus is on out-of-the-ordinary experiences and include everything from the active, such as organic gardening and cooking workshops using ingredients from the resort’s very own Organic Garden; to the relaxing, such as spa treatments, simple meditation, and singing bowl workshops, while creative experiences take a local twist with basic Arabic classes. As children journey through each activity, they receive a new stamp for their personal Six Senses passport.
Enjoy complimentary meals for little guests
Children aged five and under are welcome to stay and eat for free on their parent’s meal plan at Six Senses Zighy Bay, and those aged 6 to 11 can enjoy half price food and beverage. There are plenty of venues to delight young tastebuds at the resort, including Middle Eastern restaurant, Spice Market where popular Arabic dishes such as chicken, beef and fish kebabs are served, and contemporary international eatery, Summer House, which also offers options such as kids bento boxes, mini beef burger and chicken pops, as well as a selection of yummy deserts such as the cookie sandwich, and homemade ice creams and sorbets.
Experience gardening and cooking
Educational and fun cooking workshops help children learn more about the food we enjoy, while promoting a love and enthusiasm for fresh, homemade dishes. Harvesting ingredients from the resort’s garden adds another layer of fascination to the cooking discovery sessions in which kids will delight in making cookies, cupcakes, or pizzas.
Feed the famous Zighy Goats
Mountain goats are synonymous with Oman, and young guests will have enjoyed spotting them on their approaching journey, and perhaps stopping to let them cross the road. Kids will love getting up close to the four-legged friends in a visit to a nearby Dibba farm, where they can meet goats and chickens, and have a go at being farmers for the day.
Get creative with arts and crafts
Craft activities are given the Six Senses touch, with hands-on sessions using natural and organic resources. Youngsters will love using their imagination to create figurines out of salt dough, sand art pieces and rock paintings to take a little bit of the surrounding environment home with them. Origami sessions will challenge little hands, and the recycled paper making classes will inspire little ones to think more sustainably, even in play.
The Six Senses brand is wildly recognized for its commitment to sustainability, establishing the initial benchmarks for the hospitality industry in its obligation to the environment. At Zighy Bay, little ones can support and learn more about the cause with the resort’s own Sustainability Manager at the Earth lab and try making their own eco-soap and shampoo, not to mention candles, and gifts for loved ones. The Sustainability team will also communicate work happening off site to the little ones, for example marine conservation and community development.
Support the environment with beach clean ups and turtle talks
Hosts will guide young visitors on educational beach clean-ups in which they will learn about the importance of preserving the gift of nature, and caring for the precious marine life that calls Zighy Bay home by keeping their environment free of rubbish. The sessions will ensure little ones leave with a renewed sense of responsibility for the natural world.
Little guests can also learn about some of Zighy Bay’s best-loved and most precious residents in a special Turtle Talk where the resort’s dedicated marine biologist will share information on the turtles that live in Zighy’s waters.
Watch movies under the stars with Cinema Paradiso
Families can cosy up on the beach or at their private villa under a blanket of stars and enjoy the Six Senses Zighy Bay Cinema Paradiso experience, complete with favourite movie snacks, which will keep all the family entertained. Classic films and new releases are all on offer, with plenty for all ages to enjoy.
Simply enjoy the resort’s Natural Playground
Little ones can connect with their natural surroundings as they take part in a wealth of outdoor activities such as football matches at the resort’s Jungle Gym or an exciting ping pong match. Guests can also discover the secrets of shooting a bow and arrow in a fun archery session and learn the unique skill and technique of the game, in an entertaining and challenging way.