The Best Hotels and Resorts in Africa and the Middle East: The Gold List 2025

"As we approach Six Senses Zighy Bay, tarmac gives way to rock-peppered dust tracks lined with sidr trees, beneath which roaming mountain goats shelter from the harsh midday sun. We wind through the mountains until the horseshoe of Oman's Zighy Bay comes into sight below. Before the resort opened in 2008, this stretch of sand lay all but untouched, a secret kept for the local families from tiny Zighy village, tucked into the far corner of the bay, and the fishermen who sailed these waters. The resort’s 82 charmingly rustic villas, built with thick stone walls and topped with roofs made from tightly strung palm fronds, are designed to mimic the homes in a traditional Omani village. Sustainability is at the core of what Six Senses Zighy Bay is about, and the infrastructure is truly impressive—from the onsite desalination plant to the nearby farm that provides fresh produce, cheese, and milk. Don’t miss a trip on one of the resort’s three private boats to explore the surrounding coves. It’s the best way to truly understand the remoteness of Zighy Bay and take in the dramatic landscapes. Don’t be surprised if you spot a pod of dolphins (when the season is right) or, in our case, a group of friendly eagle rays. From $1,031. —Sophie Prideaux" - CNT Editors