I’ve found the perfect answer to arriving refreshed and energized when traveling to Europe. Stop for three nights and loose yourself at the “top shelf”, Six Sense Resort in Zighy Bay, Oman- only 90 minutes from Dubai.

Emirates A380, is the way to go and if your pockets are large enough treat yourself to business class and enjoy the novelty of the bar down the back. No need to hang around the loos, stretching your legs, when you can stand at the bar with a glass of champagne.The canapes are divine, seating comfortable and lovely way to kill an hour or two chatting to other passengers.

On arrival in Dubai, you will be whisked through customs and immigration painlessly by a member of the Six Sense team and in less than 90 minutes overlooking Zighy Bay, on the northern Musandam peninsula. The beginning of three days of rejuvenation and replenishment of the soul.

The Musandam peninsula is a wild and wonderful extension, jutting into the Strait of Hormuz.  It is an exclave of Oman, separated from the rest of the country by the  United Arab Emirates, hence its close proximity to Dubai.

The ruggedness and height of the mountains on this peninsula creates isolation and Zighy Bay is no exception. We felt like “The King of the Castle” as we were flagged though the gates to commence our five kilometre decent. Our driver dropped down a couple of gears to negotiate the sharp corners of this vertical, gravel road. I was nervous but the only other alternative was to para-glide in. Oh, if I only had balls!

This tranquil and remote corner of Oman feels a million miles from lights and commercialism of Dubai.  The date palms, fig trees, and a luscious and extensive vegetable garden are a stark contrast to the barren vertical limestone mountains behind the resort. Goats cling to these vertical faces, foraging for anything organic.

Our luxurious beach villa had its own infinity pool and generous living spaces. Made from date tree fongs and local stone it is very much in keeping with the Six Sense philosophy of conservation and preservation and -SLOW LIFE-sustainable-local-organic-wholesome learning-Inspiring-fun experience.

This philosophy radiates this haven, giving it a big soul. Not often have I felt so at peace and relaxed.

No details are overlooked in their endless endeavours to encourage holistic wellness. With a pillow menu of 14 to choose from, I settled for the buckwheat pillow. It promised to provide firm support to the head and neck, open the airways and reduce snoring, bringing peace and harmony to our villa!

Breakfast was my favourite meal of the day and that’s not to say the others meals weren’t outstanding. The Arabic savoury unleavened bread, cooked over a hot round dome, spread with soft cheeses and accompanied with humus, tomatoes onion salsa, beans, humus and tabouli salad was sensational.

Six dining locations, ensure a different vista accompanies every meal. “Sense on the Edge”, the fine dining restaurant high up the access road, hangs of a rock ledge, creating  a romantic setting for the Arabic degustation meal.

Like many luxury retreats you can do as much or as little as you like from a four- wheel drive into the Dubai desert to a great range of spa treatments. We chose to do very little and just enjoyed the privacy of our luxury villa, (when we were not eating). With sand between our toes and the sound of the ocean wooing us into unconsciousness  – I can promise you will arrive in Europe in great shape.