Just two hours from Dubai lies a whole different world. Welcome to the Six Senses Zighy Bay in Oman!

I am probably one of the biggest fans of Six Senses. The hotel brand is unique and nothing compares to it. And the Six Senses Zighy Bay in Oman fits in seamlessly. In this hotel review, you’ll find out what makes the resort so unique and whether the Six Senses Zighy Bay is the right choice for you.

My Hotel Review of Six Senses Zighy Bay, Oman

The Location

Where exactly is the Six Senses Zighy Bay located?

The Six Senses Zighy Bay is located south of Oman, on the Musandam Peninsula, an exclave of the country. It is surrounded by the United Arab Emirates and the Gulf of Oman. The region is characterized by rocky mountain deserts where hundreds – if not thousands of goats live and small settlements. The coast line offers some exceptional views thanks to the surrounding mountains.

What’s the best way to reach the Six Senses Zighy Bay?

The easiest way to get to the resort is by car from Dubai. The transfer across the border by private SUV is organized by the resort and was completely hassle-free. It is only important to have your passport with you – Six Senses will take care of all the other formalities.

The drive from Dubai takes just over two hours and is mostly on a well-maintained road. Only the last part of the route leads through a rocky desert, up into the mountains, and ends in a quiet bay surrounded by impressive mountains: Zighy Bay! The location of the Six Senses is unique and incredibly quiet. Only a few locals also live in the bay, otherwise we are only surrounded by a unique landscape.

And now comes a real highlight of the resort: brave visitors can cover the last stretch from the mountain top to the beach at Six Senses Zighy Bay through the air on a paraglider! I opted for the thrill-packed route, together with an experienced paragliding pilot. The views over the landscape and the incredible blue water are beautiful and the feeling of gliding peacefully through the air is indescribable. This was definitely the most memorable hotel check-in I have ever experienced!

The concept of the Six Senses Zighy Bay

A stay at Six Senses Zighy Bay feels like immersing yourself in another world. Both the secluded location and the design of the resort make it seem almost fairytale-like. As usual for all Six Senses resorts, the focus here is on sustainability, wellness and the connection to nature. Care is also taken to incorporate the local culture into the resort. This includes, for example, Arabic dishes, the traditional design of the buildings and close cooperation with the locals.

Sustainability at Six Senses Zighy Bay

There is a recycling station on the resort grounds that recycles, composts or transforms almost all waste into something new. The drinking water for the resort is treated in the resort’s own water treatment plant. There is also a garden where all kinds of herbs, vegetables and fruit are grown. In addition, there are date palms all over the resort, which produce a huge amount of fruit that is harvested and processed at the resort.

The villas at Six Senses Zighy Bay

At Six Senses Zighy Bay there are only villas and all of them have a private pool. We ourselves stayed in a Pool Villa Suite Beachfront. Like all villas, it combines a rustic ambience with comfy luxury. Our private outdoor area offers plenty of space with a large pool and direct views and access to the beach and sea. Another special feature is the traditional majlis – a popular place in the Arab world to sit together, chat and drink tea.

In the villa, you first enter the living room with its own bathroom. This can be converted into a bedroom if more than two people are staying in the villa.

Behind it is the master bedroom with an open bathroom with a bathtub. My favorite thing to do in the morning was to use the outdoor shower, which can be reached from the bedroom. Of course, it is completely secluded for absolute privacy.

Beach & Pool

As the Six Senses Zighy Bay is located in a secluded bay, the resort’s beach is absolutely quiet. There is often not a soul to be seen and you feel like you are on a desert island. The water in the Gulf of Oman is pleasantly warm, the waves are very gentle and the soft sandy beach slopes gently into the water. Ideal for swimming and snorkeling.

Although all villas have at least one small swimming pool, the resort also has two additional large swimming pools. The main pool is surrounded by pretty Arabian cabanas, which provide pleasant shade in the midday heat.

There is an additional pool near the beach, which is filled with salt water that is supposed to be good for the skin. Although the salt pool is very nice for photos, we hardly used it as we preferred to swim in the sea. However, it is a good alternative for inexperienced swimmers.

Six Senses Spa

Six Senses Spas are known worldwide and are subject to strict standards. Not only traditional massages are offered here, but also a wide range of holistic wellness treatments that harmonize body, mind and soul.  In the wellness area, there are separate wellness facilities for men and women, which can also be used without a booked treatment: a steam bath, a sauna and even an ice cave. Of course, a hotel in the Arabian region should not miss out on a traditional hammam. The Six Senses Zighy Bay even has two of these special baths, which can be booked with a relaxing wellness treatment. I also think it’s great that you can book multi-day wellness programs with different focuses, which include massages, treatments, consultations, meditations, yoga and much more. I will definitely try this out on my next visit!

Restaurants at the Six Senses Zighy Bay

Spice Market

The food at Six Senses Zighy Bay was excellent without exception. This began in the morning at breakfast in the resort’s main restaurant, the Spice Market, where an extensive breakfast buffet is offered that leaves nothing to be desired. With live cooking stations and an additional menu from which you can order à la carte. The majority of the selection consists of traditional dishes made from local produce as well as Feel Good Wellness Food for a healthy start to the day. 

The Spice Market is also open for dinner and offers an à la carte menu. Once a week, there is a traditional Omani evening where a very special menu is served: A spicy lamb dish that is covered in hot sand for several hours and thus slow-cooked in a very special way. The result is incredibly tender and juicy and is served with saffron rice as well as various dips, side dishes and bread.

Summer House 

The second restaurant at Six Senses Zighy Bay is the Summer House, which is open for lunch and dinner. The menu features Arabic and international dishes, using local produce as much as possible, often from the hotel’s own garden. On warm summer evenings, you can sit on the cozy terrace overlooking the resort and then enjoy a cocktail in the next door Zighy Bar.

Shua Shack

Outside the hot summer months, another restaurant, the Shua Shack, is open directly on the beach. Here you can enjoy Omani delicacies with your feet in the sand or simply a cool drink at sunset. Unfortunately, the restaurant was closed during our stay in June due to the heat, so we were unable to try it out for ourselves. However, we hope that we will be able to do so again.

Special Dinner 

Whether a private dinner in the wine cellar or a picnic in the mountains, there are of course also numerous offers for dinners on special occasions, one of which we were able to try out for ourselves on a day trip… more on that in a moment

Experiences at Six Senses Zighy Bay

A stay at Six Senses Zighy Bay would not be complete without exploring the unique surroundings and fascinating landscape of the Musandam Peninsula. These activities are not to be missed during your stay at Six Senses Zighy Bay:

Jeep Tour with Sunset Picnic

Our jeep tour from the resort through the spectacular landscape was absolutely fantastic! After the midday heat in the afternoon, we started our excursion. The road leads through a breathtaking rocky gorge, where we were able to admire numerous goats and incredible views. During various stops, our guide told us interesting facts about the culture and history of the region. As an absolute highlight, we went to one of the highest points in the mountains, from where we had an incredible view of the sunset. We enjoyed a delicious picnic and non-alcoholic champagne (alcohol is not allowed in Oman outside the resort) while the setting sun colored the landscape in the most beautiful shades of orange and red – a truly magical moment!

Paragliding

As mentioned at the beginning of the article, you can ‘float’ to check-in with a paraglider when you arrive at the resort. However, if you prefer to experience this breathtaking activity on another day, this is also possible! However, you should definitely not miss out on paragliding – it’s an incredible experience!

Dhahab Boat Tour

I will never forget our private day trip in a traditional boat, called a dhahab, along the coast of the Musandam peninsula. I felt like an explorer discovering unknown regions. Gliding slowly on the blue water, surrounded by the beautiful mountain panorama and hearing nothing but the waves in the sea is an incredible feeling. We stopped at a small bay to swim, snorkel and kayak – and had the bay all to ourselves! And the best thing about it: the tour is even offered overnight! The wooden boat offers plenty of space, with luxurious sleeping cabins (even with a bathtub!), a living room and, of course, a kitchen where a chef prepares the private dinner. I can only imagine how incredible the starry sky on the sea must look at night!

When is the best time of year to visit Six Senses Zighy Bay?

In terms of climate, the weather in Musandam is similar to Dubai. Winters are mild, spring and fall are pleasantly warm, while it can get very hot in summer. I therefore recommend choosing a travel period between mid-October and mid-May. We ourselves stayed at Six Senses Zighy Bay in June and the heat often made it very difficult for us, even sunbathing on the beach was almost impossible. Of course, hotel prices are significantly cheaper in the low season, but you will enjoy your stay more outside the summer.

Résumé of my Six Senses Zighy Bay Review

Despite the hot summer weather in June, our stay at Six Senses Zighy Bay was unforgettable thanks to the unique design, incredible service, great food and memorable activities. We definitely want to come back in the spring or fall to see more of Oman and enjoy the Six Senses Zighy Bay in milder temperatures.

Although the Six Senses resorts are always special and unique, the Six Senses Zighy Bay goes one better. I felt like I was in an Arabian fairytale and was able to completely forget about everyday life for a few days. The resort is therefore perfect for anyone who wants to really switch off. A stay here is certainly also a great contrast after a trip to Dubai. Here you can enjoy complete tranquillity, wellness, nature and delicious food after the hustle and bustle of the city.

It certainly wasn’t the last time we stayed at Six Senses Zighy Bay and I fell even more in love with this special hotel brand, which manages to combine luxury and sustainability like no other.

We had a sponsored stay at Six Senses Zighy Bay, which does not affect my opinion or review of the resort.

A brand new addition to the Six Senses portfolio and a new eco-luxury hotspot in the Maldives: welcome to Six Senses Kanuhura! In this hotel review, I’ll tell you what sets this resort apart from other islands in the Maldives and whether it’s the right choice for you!

My review of Six Senses Kanuhura Maldives

Location & accessibility

Six Senses Kanuhura is located in Lhaviyani Atoll, north of the capital Male, and is therefore a short seaplane flight from Male International Airport. After landing your international flight, you will be greeted directly by the Six Senses team and escorted to the lounge while the staff arrange your transfer flight to the resort. Although the seaplane flight is slightly more expensive than a boat transfer, the view over the atolls is unique.

The concept behind Six Senses Kanuhura

Six Senses Kanuhura only opened at the end of 2023. A former resort was taken over and completely renovated. Some of the restaurants, villas and other facilities were newly built, while many others were renovated in the familiar Six Senses eco-luxury style. For this reason, the outdoor areas of the new Beach Retreat Villas in particular still need to gain some vegetation before they reach their full charm. Fortunately, in a climate like the Maldives, this happens very quickly.

Six Senses is our favourite hotel brand because the connection to nature and our environment flows through every vein of the concept. At the same time, the resorts are very luxurious, designed for wellness and incorporate local traditions and special features. It is an ‘all-inclusive package’ that guests can also experience at Six Senses Kanuhura. Starting with the barefoot concept and a personal welcome for each guest, to your own butler, the so-called GEM, and unique cuisine and wellness treatments.

The villas at Six Senses Kanuhura

We tested various room categories during our stay, and these were our favourites:

Beach Retreat with Pool

The newest villas are the so-called Beach Retreats on the beach with their own pool. They can be booked for couples as well as small families, as they comprise two separate buildings.

Each Beach Retreat is unique and slightly different in layout, but they all have the same features: the first villa has a large living room with bathroom and an open-plan kitchen, where a large selection of snacks, fruit, coffee, tea and other refreshments, and a bottle of sparkling wine awaited us. A staircase leads up to a small TV lounge, which can be converted into an additional bedroom.

The second villa mainly comprises the cosy bedroom and the open-plan bathroom with a bathtub, rain shower and access to the outdoor shower.

Outdoor showers are usually my favourite. However, at our beach retreat, the newly planted vegetation still needed to grow a little before we could enjoy complete privacy. Thanks to the weather in the Maldives, this happens very quickly.

The private outdoor area is not only incredibly large, but also flows seamlessly into the quiet beach in front of the villa. It overlooks the blue lagoon and a private island belonging to Six Senses Kanuhura (more on that in a moment) and is usually deserted.

There is also a covered terrace, sun loungers and a large pool. However, we mostly spent our time swimming in the warm waters of the lagoon.

For large families and friends travelling together, there are beach retreats with up to three separate bedrooms and plenty of space!

Water villa with pool

Of course, we also tested one of the popular water villas and were surprised at how much space they offer. All water villas have their own pool and a spacious terrace. However, I found the terraces to be relatively close to the neighbours. Therefore, the water villa furthest to the left was my favourite, as it overlooks only the water and the island from the pool.

Inside, there is of course a comfortable bed with a view of the ocean, as well as a lounge area, a small work area and a walk-in wardrobe. My favourite feature is the spacious and bright bathroom with its own completely secluded outdoor area, which not only has an outdoor shower but also a hammock suspended above the blue water. The perfect place for a morning shower.

→ Click here to book your stay at Six Senses Kanuhura

Wellness & Spa at Six Senses Kanuhura

Wellness naturally plays a major role in the Six Senses concept. Six Senses Kanuhura offers not only ‘classic’ massages and treatments, but also special treatments with various holistic or scientific influences. These include singing bowl healing, guided meditations, biohacking for rapid recovery of the body, and much more. If we had had more time, I would definitely have tried one of their wellness programmes, which last several days and include the right treatments, massages, therapies, meals, etc. to achieve a specific goal such as detox, fitness, better sleep or something else. As you can see, everyone can tailor their wellness experience to their own needs

These are the features of the large spa facility:

Eight cosy treatment rooms – one of which is a couples’ suite

a water treatment area – separate for ladies and gentlemen – with a hot and cold swimming pool

a spacious yoga and meditation studio for guided sessions

a well-equipped gym

a nail salon

the Alchemy Bar for DIY workshops

an extensive shop with various wellness gadgets and accessories

Pools

In addition to the best pool in the world – the Indian Ocean – there are two additional pools on the island of Six Senses Kanuhura. The second of the two absolutely blew us away!

Sip & Sand Pool

First, there is a ‘simple’ but very beautiful pool on the beach, which is perfect for lounging and is particularly suitable for families with children. It is surrounded by palm trees and tropical plants, which makes it very cosy. It is located directly next to the Sip & Sand bar and snack restaurant.

Sunset Point

But the second pool is the absolute highlight and has been completely rebuilt. The circular infinity pool at Sunset Point is located at a lofty height and is an architectural masterpiece! As the name suggests, it is the ideal place to enjoy the sunset and sip a cocktail from the bar. The water turns into a mirror and reflects the different colours of the sky. But even during the day, it is an incredibly impressive spot to look out over the endless blue lagoon.

The private islands of Six Senses Kanuhura

Six Senses Kanuhura consists of not just one, but three private islands. The resort is located on the largest island, while the others can be visited during the day.

A small water taxi transports guests from the jetty on the main island to Drift. A tropical island with a beach that is perfect for sunbathing and snorkelling, as well as the cute Drift barbecue restaurant. Here you can sit under palm trees with your feet in the sand, listen to the gentle sound of the waves, enjoy a fresh meal and feel like a luxurious Robinson Crusoe! Lunch at Drift is an absolute must during a stay at Six Senses Kanuhura!

In addition, there is another small island behind the Drift that can be booked for a private picnic. A setup is erected under a protective canopy of leaves, and you have the entire island to yourself – for as long as you like. You can’t get more privacy than that! Accordingly, the picnic excursion is a bit pricey at USD 500, while a visit to Drift Island is free of charge.

Sustainability

Sustainability is one of the core values of the Six Senses concept – and not just since it became ‘trendy’, but since the brand was founded. That’s why the idea of sustainability runs through every fibre of Six Senses Kanuhura. Starting with a ‘no plastic’ policy, it extends to its own garden, a recycling station, the Earth Lab, where something new is created from waste, a turtle conservation programme and much more.

Breakfast & Restaurants

Six Senses Kanuhura offers a wide range of culinary options, so we had the chance to try a new restaurant at every meal during our stay! Here are my highlights:

Scoops

Scoops is undoubtedly in first place. We already know and love this café from other Six Senses hotels, because it offers free ice cream all day long! Homemade and as much as you want! How awesome is that?

Bottega

I don’t think it’s an exaggeration to say that this was the best Italian food we’ve ever had in the Maldives. We were particularly impressed by the homemade pasta and ravioli. The pizza was only okay, but everything else was top notch!

The Market

The Market is the main restaurant at Six Senses Kanuhura! Not only is breakfast served here, but dinner is also available. Once a week, The Market even transforms into an Asian food market in the evening!

As in every Six Senses resort, breakfast at The Market is incredibly good! I am always delighted. It consists of a large buffet and many à la carte options, including lots of healthy food choices, but also some ‘sinful treats’. There is something for everyone here!

The Point

Directly below the legendary infinity pool, The Sunset Point, is the Spanish restaurant The Point. (The name givers were particularly creative here ) As the restaurant is run by a genuine Spanish chef, the tapas are authentic and just as delicious as in Barcelona. Whether croquetas de jamon, pimientos de padron or crema catalana – here you will find all the classic tapas as well as special variations!

The Drift

As mentioned above, The Drift is a small restaurant on a private island off the coast of Six Senses Kanuhura. It is only open for lunch and offers a delicious menu of freshly grilled dishes. With just a few tables set up on the sand right by the water, it has a rustic, romantic atmosphere and serves incredibly delicious food!

Other restaurants at Six Senses Kanuhura:

Sip & Sand – A snack restaurant and bar by the main pool, perfect for a light lunch or a cocktail in the sun.
The Sunset Point Bar – The Sunset Point infinity pool also has a great bar for sundowner drinks. Every evening, a DJ plays music here at sunset and there is a great atmosphere!
Private Beach Dinner – Private dinners on the beach can be organised for special occasions. With candles in the sand, a private chef and a glowing starry sky. Pure romance!

Summary of our stay at Six Senses Kanuhura

As Six Senses fans, we were incredibly excited to try out the new Six Senses Kanuhura, and it exceeded all our expectations! We were absolutely thrilled with the service, the food, the huge range of wellness options and the size of the island. It is the ideal luxury resort for couples, and thanks to the great kids’ club and various villa categories with multiple bedrooms, Six Senses Kanuhura is also perfect for families!

I have already been asked whether the new Six Senses Kanuhura is better than Six Senses Laamu in the Maldives, which opened in 2011. And the answer is no. But it is different. While Six Senses Laamu is a small island with a rustic luxury ambience, Six Senses Kanuhura is more modern and a larger island with numerous activities. For me, both resorts have their own special charm and are an ideal choice for a luxury resort in the Maldives.

→ Click here to book your stay at Six Senses Kanuhura

We had a sponsored stay at Six Senses Kanuhura, which does not influence my opinion and rating of the resort.

Luxury meets sustainability! The hotel group Six Senses, stands for the harmony of humans with nature and appeal to all senses of the guests to provide a unique experience.

The Six Senses Laamu in the Maldives absolutely lives up to this concept. In this hotel review you will find all the details about our stay at the Six Senses Laamu.

My Hotel Review of the Six Senses Laamu

Location & Transfer

Six Senses Laamu is located in one of the quietest areas in Maldives, the Laamu Atoll in the south of the country. It is the only resort in the entire atoll, where otherwise only local islands are located. Around the island live numerous dolphins, there are lonely sandbanks, lots of turtles and great snorkeling spots.

Due to the rather remote location, we took a domestic flight from the international airport in Male to a local island in the Laamu Atoll. The Six Senses staff on site took care of the check in process and we were able to relax in the airport lounge until departure.

Arrived at the tiny airport Kadhdhoo we took a speedboat to the resort. On the way, the first dolphins can often be spotted.

The Six Senses Laamu has a “No Shoes. No News.” Concept, which is why we packed our shoes on the boat in a cloth bag and were barefoot throughout our stay at the resort. It’s a nice feeling of freedom to feel the warm sand under your feet.

The villas at the Six Senses Laamu

Water Villas

Most of the villas at the Six Senses Laamu are located above the water. The water villas all have the same design, but are available with or without a pool.

All villas are designed in a Robinson Crusoe style: they are made of natural materials, which is primarily wood. Inside there is a large main room with a bed, desk and sofa. There is also a separate toilet in a small room and the sinks with mirrors are located just behind the bed. Next to the bed, a door leads to the unique outdoor bathroom, which for me is the highlight of the villa. Here you will find a glass bathtub through which you can see the blue water below you, a rain shower over the lagoon, direct access to the sea and a staircase leading to a small terrace on the roof of the villa.

The water villas with pool have a door at the shower, through which you can directly access the sun terrace. Here you will find the pool, sun loungers, a dining area, a roofed lounge area and direct access to the sea. The simple water villas, have an overwater hammock in compensation to the pool.

Currently, there is no water villa at Six Senses Laamu, which has multiple bedrooms. Therefore, it is particularly suitable for couples or small families with up to a maximum of two children (the seating area next to the desk can be converted into a bed).

water villas with pool

interior of all water villas

terrace of the water villas without pool

Beach Villas

For larger families or friends traveling together, the beach villas are ideal. However, they are also suitable for couples, as they are available in different sizes and designs at the Six Senses Laamu.

All beach villas have their own pool, while the interior of the one bedroom villas is similar to the water villas.

However, there are also beach villas with two or three bedrooms. The largest villa at Six Senses Laamu is the ‘Three Bedroom Ocean Beach Ville with Pool’ which is more like a complex with a main building and adjoining smaller villas where the other bedrooms and bathrooms are located. In the main building there is a large living room, as well as a roof terrace overlooking the ocean. From the pool a path leads to the beach with sunbeds.

The concept of the Six Senses Laamu Maldives

As already mentioned, sustainability plays a major role at Six Senses Laamu. And these are not just nice words, but in this resort the harmony with nature is integrated in every idea. But wellness and the deep relaxation of the guests are also central to the concept. The goal is to throw off any stress and immerse yourself in a relaxed world.

Earth Lab & Garden

In the heart of the island is a large garden where vegetables, fruits and herbs are grown, which are used for the restaurants and in the spa! There is even a Mushroom Hut to be found: a cool wooden hut which has the ideal climate for edible mushrooms. You can’t get homegrown mushrooms fresher anywhere in the Maldives!

In the heart of the island, but well hidden from the green jungle, is the Earth Lab located, in which everything on the island is either newly created or recycled. Here, for example, furniture and decorative items are created from glass waste, new items is created from broken interior elements and fresh eggs come from the chicken farm. The Earth Lab also provides drinking water for all guests at the resort, which is filled into glass bottles. All water here is purified, made drinkable, mineralized and checked daily.

Even any textiles in the resort, such as pillowcases or the uniforms of the employees come from the island, because the Six Senses has its own tailor shop.

During your stay, be sure to ask for a tour of the Earth Lab for an interesting and inspiring behind-the-scenes look. In addition, courses are also offered at the Earth Lab, where you can f.e. learn how to make your own soap and much more!

Pool & Beach

As it is typical for the Maldives, the island is surrounded by a fine sandy beach, where there are many quiet and idyllic spots to swim or snorkel.

There is also a main pool at the resort. It is located on the beach, right next to the SipSip bar. Here you can survive the midday heat with cool cocktails and a delicious lunch menu. Unfortunately, the ravages of time have already gnawed at some of the furniture in the pool and bar area. One or the other table could use a new coat of varnish, as the protective layer is already peeling off the wood due to rain, salt and sun.

water sport & snorkeling

Snorkeling and diving enthusiasts will be thrilled! The Six Senses Laamu is located in the middle of a thriving ecosystem. Already the house reef is impressive. Numerous colorful fish species and sea turtles are at home here. This is partly due to the fact that the Six Senses Laamu is one of the few resorts in the Maldives that does not remove its sea grass meadows for “aesthetic reasons”, but even protects them! The underwater fields are an important habitat for young fish, sharks and serve as the most important food source for turtles. The sea grass is in no way disturbing, but rather offers a great new experience for snorkeling. The marine biologists on the island offer free guided snorkeling tours several times a week: Alternating between the house reef and the seagrass beds.

Divers don’t miss out either! The Ocean Center “Deep Blue Divers” offers a variety of dives to different spots. Marine biologists are always present. They educate the guests about the marine life and teach them about the harmonious interaction between humans and animals.

We decided to do a Manta Speciality course during our stay as the Six Senses Laamu as it is close to several Manta Points. It was incredibly interesting to learn more about the gentle giants and to marvel at them while diving and even identify them using a database.

Kids Club

Although we only travel as a couple ourselves, we check out the Kids Club at every resort we visit, as it usually plays a central role in the vacation experience for families. Compared to other kids clubs, the one at Six Senses Laamu is not particularly large, but well equipped with indoor and outdoor areas where kids can get creative. But here’s the special part: Childcare at Six Senses isn’t all about keeping the kids busy with toys, but there is a daily varying schedule of age-appropriate activities that take place on the island. So the little ones are active and creative and learn more about nature and sustainability through play.

Spa & Wellness

Six Senses Spas are wold famous – for a good reason! They not only combine traditional methods with modern technology and medicine but als offer “different” therapies and treatments which I’ve never seen anywhere else before.

The Spa Area is located in the lush and jungly heart of the island while the treatment rooms are open and located in rooms which remind me of huge nests. It is a very cozy and most of all relaxing atmosphere to enjoy a massage. But the wellness area also includes a alchemy bar, where you learn how to create your own sustainable beauty products, yoga pavilion with yoga curses, a well equipped gym and much more! You can fully immerse into wellness throughout you whole stay!

Breakfast & Restaurants

Longitude

The main restaurant at Six Senses is Longitude, where breakfast is served every morning. Normally we are not big breakfast fans, but at Six Senses Laamu we never missed it on any day! The selection is huge and top notch. Starting with a buffet with numerous homemade dishes, cereals, fruits, juices, etc…. In addition, it is possible to order from a versatile menu, on which both sweet, classic, healthy, vegan and hearty variants can be found! Here everyone is guaranteed to find his “wow dish”! In addition, there are daily new daily specials! 10/10 points for the breakfast at Six Senses Laamu!

Once a week, a themed dinner takes place at Longitude. The theme always changes and there are numerous live cooking stations and a buffet. During our stay at Six Senses Laamu, the motto was “Asian Street Market” and we were absolutely thrilled to try many of our favorite Asian dishes!

Chill Bar

As the name suggests, the Chill Bar is the perfect place for a drink and a meal in a relaxed atmosphere from midday to evening. Since the bar is located above the water, you can also relax in hammocks over the lagoon.

Sip Sip Bar

As mentioned earlier, the SipSip Bar is located at the resort’s main pool. It is a great choice for lunch with an international á la carte menu and great cocktails. In the late afternoon there is a daily happy hour with 2 for 1 drinks, which is very popular with all guests (us included )! In the evening the bar closes, but several times a week there is an open air cinema on the beach in front of the bar.

Ice & Chocolate Studio

My favorite place in the Six Senses Resort was probably the ice cream bar, which offers free homemade ice cream daily from noon to night! There are more than 40 varieties to test

Right next door is the chocolate studio, where homemade chocolates are made and courses are offered for guests.

Speciality Restaurants

At Six Senses Laamu, indulgence is written large and the food is guaranteed never to be boring or monotonous. One reason for this are the two specialty restaurants with different themes:

Leaf

The Leaf is located in a tree house in the garden of the resort. It is entered via a hanging bridge, while guests sit directly at the open kitchen and can watch the preparation of the dishes live. The menu is small, but changes daily, depending on the season and the available ingredients. These are either from the hotel’s own garden or locally sourced. Overall, the Six Senses tries to import as little as possible and if it must be, then primarily from neighboring islands or from within the Maldives.

Zen

Zen celebrates Japanese cuisine in a traditional style. As a guest, you sit relaxed in the high restaurant above the water and enjoy great food. Especially recommended are the tasting menus with different courses, which are available as classic and vegetarian options.

Résumé of our stay at the Six Senses Laamu

Six Senses resorts are among our absolute favorites, because they surprise us again and again and inspire us with their sustainability and individuality. Not only the wellness offer is first class, but also the food options: The selection is huge and first-class.

All in all, we enjoyed an incomparable and relaxing stay at Six Senses Laamu, which is simply incomparable to any other place! The resort is the perfect choice for couples and families who are looking for a very special experience and love to enjoy casual luxury and feel connected to nature at the same time.

→ Click here to book your stay at the Six Senses Laamu

Six Senses Laamu is part of my Hotel Collection with A Small World. Book your stay through the Collection and you’ll receive unique benefits like free breakfast, an upgrade to your booked room, up to $100 hotel credit and more! Plus, you’ll find the best available rate for each hotel. Signing up for my Hotel Collection is completely free – and best of all, you can use it for any of your future hotel bookings and ALWAYS enjoy the free benefits!

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We had a sponsored stay at Six Senses Laamu, which does not influence my opinion and rating of the hotel.

Portugal is becoming more and more popular as a travel destination. This is not only because of the beautiful coastline and historic towns but also because of its wine regions. In the picturesque Douro Valley there is a romantic resort of the Six Senses chain, which we visited in late summer and immediately fell in love with the region. In this post I will introduce you to the Six Senses Douro Valley Hotel, give you my honest review and share with you all the details about the resort and what our overall experience was like.

The Six Senses Douro Valley Review

LOCATION

The Six Senses Douro Valley Resort is beautifully situated in the middle of the vineyards on the banks of the Douro River, which the Douro Valley in Portugal owes its name to. Although the wine region is only 1.5 hours from the city of Porto, it has its own microclimate, which is why the Douro Valley is warmer and drier than the coast. Sunny weather can be enjoyed until late autumn and summer usually begins in the spring months.

Due to the very quiet location, the Six Senses Douro Valley can ideally be reached with a private shuttle transfer from Porto, which the resort organizes for its guests. A rental car also offers a suitable solution, especially if you are planning a longer trip through Portugal.

The concept of the Six Senses Douro Valley Resort

Not only the location of the resort but also the architecture of the Six Senses Douro Valley Resort enchants its guests. The main building is an impressive, newly restored 19th-century villa. During the restoration, the original design was retained and the building expanded. The modern extension is almost identical to the style of the main building, with the buildings flowing into one another. When walking through the grounds of the resort, you feel transported back to a bygone era.

The Six Senses Douro Valley isn’t your typical stuffy luxury hotel. All Resorts of the Six Senses Resorts Brand are characterized by the focus on the well-being of the guests and offer a special experience with all senses. Sustainability and good food with local products is an important factor, which can be found in all houses.

We were already enamored after our first stay in a Six Senses Resort – 2019 in Vietnam – and are therefore big fans of the concept.

The outdoor premises

The Six Senses Douro Valley is located in the middle of a spacious area, which consists of a private forest, a garden, an orchard and vines. For this reason, many of the ingredients for the restaurants, especially fruit and herbs, are homegrown. The Resort even offers a Six Senses wine and olive oil.

Even a waterfall, hidden retreats like cabanas, and gorgeous views can be found while strolling through the resort.

Main Pool

The heart of the large outdoor area of the Six Senses Douro Valley Resort is the spacious pool overlooking the surrounding vineyards. On sunny days the pool is the ideal place to relax while resting on the comfortable sun loungers. The pool bar offers both drinks and lunch snacks that can be enjoyed directly on the lounger. A highlight is the little ice cream stand, where you can order homemade ice cream all afternoon free of charge. This little treat is typical of all Six Senses resorts around the world and one of the many “little highlights” that make a stay at Six Senses so special.

Six Senses Spa

As a wellness resort, the spa area of the Six Senses Douro Valley is particularly spacious and extends over several floors. The highlight is without question the large indoor pool with several basins and a 60-minute water circuit. You switch from a warm pool to an ice pool and then into the large pool with several massage jets. Afterwards you turn a few tracks with underwater meditation music. This was an entirely new experience and I have never seen anything similar in any other resort.

Furthermore, the Spa hosts several saunas, including an infrared chamber and a glass-enclosed sauna with a view of the forest.

Sports fans also get their money’s worth in the well-equipped gym. In addition, there is an outdoor sports area on the edge of the forest. Here you can work out on a plateau overlooking the river or take part in yoga classes.

On our last day we treated ourselves to a massage and I absolutely loved it! First of all, I really liked the treatment rooms with large windows. But especially the massage was unique and one of the most relaxing I have ever experienced! The Six Senses therapist found and treated my tense areas precisely. In my opinion a must-do when visiting the Six Senses Douro Valley. 

Thanks to the spacious spa, the Six Senses Douro Valley is a wonderful relaxation hotel all year round and always worth a visit – in summer as well as in the colder seasons.

Rooms and Suites

Poolvilla

We spent our nights in one of the only two pool villas in the Six Senses Douro Valley Resort. It is located in a separate building with a private garden with terrace and pool. The villa consists of two floors with a large living room and a fully equipped kitchen on the lower floor. A staircase leads up to the bedroom and the bathroom with bath. The villa is the ideal choice for couples who want to enjoy special peace and privacy. The second pool villa even has two bedrooms and is therefore ideal for families or friends.

The Valley Building

The latest expansion of the Six Senses Douro Valley only opened in July 2022. The Valley building features both rooms and suites, all of which have access to a shared garden and gazebo, as well as a heated pool and whirlpool. All rooms are designed for two guests, but here’s the special thing: The building’s suites & rooms can be connected offering a great experience for families and larger groups.

Courtyard Suite

The final room category of the Six Senses Douro Valley Resort that we where able to glimpse in was also the one that I liked best. The Courtyard Suite is located in the resort’s main building – a former 19th-century mansion. What is special about the suite is not only the glass-enclosed bathroom with a view of the vineyards and the free-standing bathtub in the living room, but also the large balcony in the courtyard of the building with a view of the resort grounds.

Breakfast & Restaurants

In the Six Senses Resorts, everything revolves around the senses, and therefore also around taste. In the resort, the culinary focus is on the taste of Portugal – especially of course the Douro Valley. Almost all ingredients come from local suppliers or even from the resort’s own cultivation.

The „Vale de Abraão“ Restaurant

A seasonally changing dinner menu is offered in the resort’s main restaurant. In the open kitchen, you can look directly over the shoulders of the chefs as they prepare your meal. The restaurant itself is very cozy with a large fireplace and is furnished the style and matching of the villa.

Breakfast is also served here. It consists of a small buffet with lots of fresh fruit, local freshly baked pastries and more. In addition you can order from an extensive à la carte menu. The day can start relaxed by enjoying your breakfast on the terrace of the inner courtyard.

Summer garden

In the summer months there is another restaurant in the garden of the Six Senses Douro Valley. It is a BBQ concept that is completely outdoors – including the open kitchen. The menu features a “sharing menu” with local dishes, all of which are served as part of a four course menu. All courses are accompanied by matching wines and a port wine for dessert. It is an unforgettable experience with exceptional great food!

Bars

In addition to the Quinta Bar, which serves drinks, snacks and small dishes throughout the day in the main building, a real highlight of the Six Senses Resort is the Wine Library. Due to its unique location in the Douro Valley, wine plays a major role in the resort and the Wine Library is fully dedicated to this theme. Every evening you can take part in a tasting of local wines. A wine sommelier will find the right drop for everyone, selecting from several hundred bottles. And at the automatic wine bar you can order a delicious wine with your room card at the push of a button.

Activities in the Six Senses Douro Valley

The special nature of the Douro Valley offers a lot of opportunities to experience the region outside of the resort.

For all guests, the Six Senses offers free bicycles or e-bikes, which make exploring the hilly landscape particularly enjoyable. Guided tours through the region or to the neighboring small town are being offered with optional tastings in the surrounding port wineries. Some wineries are even within walking distance, eliminating the need to hop on a bike after enjoying a few glasses.

Among the best activities for sports fans is a kayak tour on the Douro River. From the water you see the landscape and vineyards from a completely different perspective. This activity should be on everyone’s must-do list while visiting the Douro Valley.

In addition to the activities outside the resort, there is also plenty on offer within the walls of the Six Senses Douro Valley: starting with tile drawing courses (typical for the region), do-it-yourself projects in the Earth Lab, yoga classes and much more. Everyone is guaranteed to find something fun to do among the selection!

→ Click here to book your stay at the Six Senses Douro Valley

The Six Senses Resorts are part of my hotel collection with A Small World. Which means that booking with us gets you extraordinary benefits like free breakfast, an upgrade, 100 USD stay credit and more! Additionally you will find the best available rate for each hotel. The sign up to my hotel collection is completely free and the best about it: You can use it for any other hotel booking in the future to ALWAYS enjoy the free benefits!

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Résumé

A stay at Six Senses Douro Valley is not just an overnight stay in a hotel, but rather an unforgettable experience for all the senses. The valley is the ideal place to switch off and enjoy, to escape from everyday life and recharge your inner battery. Especially for couples, friends and families with older children, the Six Senses Douro Valley is the perfect place. Ideally, a stay can be combined with two days in Porto in order to combine sightseeing in the port city with subsequent relaxation.

→ Find more reviews about my favorite hotels around the world here!

We had a sponsored stay at the Six Senses Douro Valley, which does not influence my opinion and review about the resort.