By Veronica Carpio, Editor at The Wellness Collective 

Nestled between Oman’s rugged mountains and the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Oman, Six Senses Zighy Bay has long been synonymous with mindful luxury.

In this exclusive interview, Diletta Guarino, General Manager Six Senses Zighy Bay, shares how the resort’s holistic philosophy transcends spa treatments to touch every aspect of the guest experience. From the interactive Alchemy Bar and personalised Ayurvedic consultations to movement sessions on the terrace and farm-to-table dining, Zighy Bay offers a truly immersive wellness journey.

Diletta discusses how the resort seamlessly blends ancient Omani healing traditions with modern wellness innovations, creating an environment where guests can slow down, reconnect with nature, and cultivate lasting balance, both on and beyond their stay.

Six Senses is known for its holistic approach to wellness—nurturing mind, body, and soul. How does this philosophy come to life in the daily guest experience at Zighy Bay?

At Six Senses Zighy Bay wellness is not confined to the spa, it’s woven into every element of the guest experience. Set between rugged mountains and the sea, the resort’s very setting inspires stillness and reconnection.

Our newly transformed spa leads guests on a personalised journey of wellbeing, with expert-led therapies, a resident Ayurvedic doctor, and tailored wellness programmes designed to nurture physical, emotional, and mental harmony.

At the Alchemy Bar, guests can blend their own scrubs and oils using herbs from the organic garden, transforming treatments into sensory rituals. Movement is equally integral, with aerial yoga, breathwork, and fascia release classes held in our new wellness pavilion overlooking the bay.

Even the dining experience embraces this holistic philosophy. Every dish is thoughtfully created—nutritionally balanced, sustainably sourced, and designed to nourish the body while honouring the planet.

From mindful spa rituals to barefoot walks along sandy paths, each moment at Zighy Bay is an invitation to slow down, reconnect with nature, and rediscover a deeper sense of self.

In an era where wellness is often commercialised, how does Six Senses Zighy Bay stay true to authentic, transformative wellbeing rather than just relaxation or luxury?

While wellness is often packaged as a luxury product, at Six Senses Zighy Bay we approach it as a meaningful and ongoing journey, one rooted in authenticity, self-awareness, and connection. We don’t view wellbeing as something that can be bought or achieved quickly, it’s something we guide guests to cultivate with intention.

We prioritise experiences that foster long-term transformation, not just temporary relaxation. Whether it’s a morning breathwork session in the mountains, a personalised Ayurvedic consultation, or a creative ritual at our Alchemy Bar, every element is designed to support deep, lasting change.

Wellness is never a one-size-fits-all solution. Our programmes are highly individualised, crafted in collaboration with our wellness experts to reflect the unique needs and goals of each guest. The process is participatory, guests are not passive recipients of treatments but are encouraged to be fully engaged in their healing journey.

We also create space for stillness, disconnection from digital distractions, and reconnection with nature’s rhythms. The natural environment here plays a vital role in the wellness experience, it grounds everything we do in something real and timeless.

While our offerings are supported by world-class facilities, the luxury we provide is the luxury of presence, silence, nourishment, and clarity. These are the elements that truly transform, not the latest trends or flashy features. Ultimately, our mission is to help guests leave not only feeling better, but living better with tools, insights, and awareness that extend far beyond their stay.

Your wellness concept beautifully merges traditional healing with modern therapies. Could you share how local Omani practices or regional healing traditions are woven into your spa and wellness rituals?

At the resort, we believe that true wellness is deeply connected to place. That’s why we honour local Omani traditions and regional healing practices throughout our spa and wellness experiences, ensuring each guest’s journey is both culturally meaningful and rooted in nature.

Our treatments often feature ingredients that have been used for centuries in Oman’s natural healing heritage. Locally sourced frankincense, rosewater, sidr honey, and black seed oil are incorporated into oils, scrubs, and balms crafted in-house. These ingredients don’t just nourish the skin, they carry the wisdom of generations and connect guests to the land itself.

The Alchemy Bar is where these traditions come to life in an interactive way. Guests are invited to pick herbs directly from our organic spa garden and blend them into customised wellness products. It’s a hands-on, sensory ritual that celebrates the healing properties of natural ingredients and the therapeutic power of creation.

We also draw inspiration from the region’s rich bathing culture. Our take on the traditional hammam offers a restorative experience rooted in ritual purification and cleansing, adapted to our serene spa setting for a more personal and mindful practice.

Our setting, materials, and architectural design are all influenced by the local vernacular, creating an atmosphere that feels authentic and grounded. Whether it’s the scent of frankincense in the air or the use of natural stone and wood, the guest is constantly connected to the cultural and natural identity of Oman.

These elements come together to create a wellness journey that feels not only luxurious, but deeply meaningful.

Six Senses has embraced advanced wellness technologies, from sleep tracking to biohacking tools. How do you balance these innovations with your focus on mindfulness and natural connection? 

At Six Senses Zighy Bay, we see technology as a tool, not a solution. Our wellness philosophy is grounded in mindfulness, presence, and nature. Any technological advancement we embrace must serve and enhance that connection, never replace it.

We offer a selection of cutting-edge tools from sleep tracking and biohacking techniques to fascia release therapies in partnership with Human Garage. However, these innovations are always paired with deeply human practices such as breathwork, yoga, nutrition, and intentional rest. It’s about enhancing awareness, not chasing perfection.

For example, guests may begin their wellness journey with a sleep assessment or movement analysis, but the real transformation happens in how we interpret and respond to that data. Our practitioners guide guests through sustainable changes, whether improving sleep, aligning posture, or recalibrating energy levels, always with a holistic perspective.

These technologies are embedded in spaces designed for calm and contemplation. Our wellness pavilion, spa garden, and open-air relaxation zones ensure guests remain connected to the natural world as they explore even the most modern treatments.

The balance lies in how we integrate. We never overwhelm the guest with gadgets or metrics. Instead, we invite them to become more attuned to their own rhythms and needs, supported, not dictated, by technology.

In the end, our goal is to help guests re-centre themselves, to come away with practical tools and deeper awareness, feeling both grounded and empowered in their own wellbeing.

 At Six Senses, sustainability isn’t just environmental—it’s emotional and social as well. How do you integrate sustainable living into the wellness journey for guests?

Sustainability and wellness are inseparable at Zighy Bay. We believe that living well means living in harmony, not just with oneself, but with the planet and our communities.

In the spa, we focus on clean, locally sourced ingredients. Guests are encouraged to participate in creating their own treatments at the Alchemy Bar, learning about the therapeutic value of regional herbs and plants. It’s a ritual that connects self-care to the natural world in a tangible, meaningful way.

Our wellness cuisine is another expression of sustainable living. Most ingredients are sourced from our Dibba farm or neighbouring suppliers, ensuring freshness, seasonality, and a reduced environmental footprint. Guests learn that food can be both healing and planet-friendly.

Throughout the resort, we’ve designed spaces to minimise environmental impact and maximise wellbeing. Open-air architecture, natural materials, and passive cooling create a gentle rhythm that encourages presence and ease.

But sustainability isn’t only environmental, it’s emotional and social too. Our experiences are designed to foster emotional resilience, gratitude, and simplicity. We also support the local community through wellness education and job creation, reinforcing a sense of shared wellbeing.

From zero-waste practices to nature-based rituals, everything at Zighy Bay is crafted to remind guests that a sustainable life is not only possible, it’s nourishing, rewarding, and beautifully aligned with true wellness.

 Zighy Bay has long been a leader in eco-luxury. Can you tell us more about how sustainability initiatives—such as waste reduction, organic food sourcing, or energy management—directly support guests’ wellbeing?

At Six Senses Zighy Bay, sustainability is not just a responsibility, it’s a core part of our guest experience and directly enhances wellbeing. Our passive design strategies, such as natural ventilation, daylighting, and the use of thermal mass, create comfortable indoor environments that reduce reliance on artificial cooling and lighting, resulting in cleaner air and a more natural connection to the surrounding environment.

We use locally sourced and eco-friendly materials throughout the resort, which not only reduces our carbon footprint but also provides guests with a more authentic and grounded sense of place. Our commitment to energy efficiency, like using LED lighting and high-performance building envelopes, ensures a quiet, serene atmosphere that supports rest and relaxation.

Our sustainable landscaping with native plants means guests are surrounded by the natural beauty of the region while conserving water. Ultimately, each initiative whether visible or behind the scenes has been thoughtfully designed to reduce environmental impact while nurturing a holistic sense of wellbeing for our guests.

Are there any upcoming wellness programs, retreats, or collaborations you’re particularly excited about for the coming season? 

We’re continually evolving our wellness offerings to meet the diverse and changing needs of our guests. This coming season, we’re particularly excited about our personalised wellness programmes, which are available in three-, five-, seven-night, or longer formats, depending on how much time guests can commit to their well-being.

What makes these programmes truly special is their highly individualised nature. We begin with a comprehensive Wellness Screening, a non-invasive 60-minute session that analyses key physiological biomarkers. This allows our wellness experts to create a bespoke programme that blends high-tech diagnostics with ancient healing traditions, holistic spa treatments, and curated wellness activities.

Another highlight is our Nutrition Consultation, which follows the guiding principles of Eat with Six Senses. We focus on natural, local, and sustainable ingredients,food made from scratch that emphasises quality, balance, and nourishment. This not only supports physical health but also enhances the benefits of every treatment and activity.

Whether someone is looking to reset their sleep patterns, manage stress, or simply find space to recharge, our programmes are designed to support emotional, nutritional, and physical well-being. And for those unsure of which direction to take, our expert team is always on hand to guide them in crafting the most suitable journey.

What is your vision for the future of wellness at Six Senses Zighy Bay—and how do you see the resort continuing to redefine what holistic luxury means in the region?

At Six Senses Zighy Bay, our vision for the future of wellness is deeply rooted in authenticity, innovation, and a profound respect for nature and tradition. The recent transformation of our spa and wellness sanctuary marks an exciting new chapter, one where holistic wellbeing is not just an offering, but a fully immersive experience that touches every aspect of our guests’ stay.

We’ve redefined what holistic luxury means by creating environments that are not only beautiful and serene, but also intentionally designed to heal, inspire, and reconnect. From the region’s first interactive Alchemy Bar, where guests create their own bespoke wellness products, to our resident Ayurvedic doctor and newly introduced rehabilitation programmes, our approach is highly personalised and deeply integrative.

Looking ahead, we will continue to evolve by introducing practices that honour ancient wisdom while embracing modern science. Our renewed spa garden, mindful movement pavilion, and experiential wellness calendar, including aerial yoga, fascia release, and breathwork, are just the beginning. These elements reflect our commitment to creating transformative spaces where guests can slow down, align with nature’s rhythms, and discover the true meaning of intentional living. Ultimately, our goal is to be the benchmark for holistic luxury in the region, a sanctuary where wellbeing isn’t a trend, but a timeless journey of self-discovery and renewal.