Nowhere can the words ‘wellness’ and ‘rejuvenation’ resonate better than on a palm-fringed stretch of sandy beach that looks out to the Gulf of Oman. And that is the setting of this writer’s latest jaunt at a Six Senses Spa.
It is well known that the Six Senses chain is somewhat of an urban legend when it comes to its spas. With the spas well received in all of its unique locations, the property at Zighy Bay on Oman’s Musandam Peninsula is no exception. Comprising 9 treatment rooms, a juice bar and 2 ornate hammams, it boasts a design inspired by a traditional Omani village. The walls – whitewashed an austere snow – are complemented by lofty archways, Arabian lamps and an understated stone floor. Restraint is key; furnished in earthy hues, Six Senses Spa Zighy Bay is the restorative vision of Spartan luxury typical to Oman.
Seeing the extensive array of wellness treatments and programs on offer, saying I’m spoilt for choice would be a gargantuan understatement – while I have been leaning heavily toward facials, the category alone boasts 10+ options. After some deliberation, and guided by my able therapist Asha – who has over 10 years of stress-busting under her belt, the last 2 here at Zighy Bay itself – I confirm the Vitamin C and Papaya Enzyme Peel Facial. The 60-minute treatment has been found to target age spots, pigmentation, fine lines and uneven skin. And I have as much fondness for those as the next person. Which is, not a smidge.
Asha brings out what is known as a Tibetan singing bowl and is reportedly very essential to relaxation. While there hasn’t been any evidence of the bowl singing (not that I know of!), I cannot deny that when played on with a specific shape and size of wooden stick – by circling the wood along the outside – the bowl does indeed produce a deep, almost hypnotic hum. Relaxation is almost instant. To induce further calm, Asha rubs Jasmine oil on her palms, asking me to take deep breaths of it in. By now, we’re 10 minutes into the treatment and a carrot butter cleanser is applied to my skin, followed by a mask made of rose petals.
Another 10 minutes pass as the mask is cleansed with an herbal toner. Then the papaya peel mask is applied to exfoliate the skin. As my therapist informs me that this’ll have to remain on for 10 minutes for all the antioxidants to appropriately seep in, I can begin to feel the years fall away from my face. Once the mask is removed Asha begins working on the pressure points on my forehead and cheeks with rosehip oil. Rosehip oil too has been known to possess anti aging properties, and also helps the skin recover from UV damage, which I – coming from the sunny, tropical, oftentimes bustling metropolis that is Mumbai – am not entirely unfamiliar with.
As if my face hasn’t undergone enough pampering already, it is basted in a jasmine-honey emulsion said to have deep-moisturizing properties that help rehydrate. And to give finishing touches my face is gently slathered with double rose cream moisturizer. I realize I have been slipping into a daze when the refreshing scent of concentrated jasmine hits my nostrils for the second time this evening. The oil and singing bowl rituals are repeated. It’s an odd feeling though, being impossibly relaxed yet unusually eager to see the results. And there they are – I have walked out with a glow like I never saw.
Treatment – 60 minute facial (Vitamin C and Papaya Enzyme Peel Facial)
Price – $155
Products – Organic Pharmacy London
Where: Six Senses Zighy Bay
Musandam Peninsula, PO Box 212,
Dibba-Musandam 800, Oman
Phone: +968 26 735555