Sure, we’re all told the very best things in life are free – think sunsets, star-filled skies and life-affirming dips in a cold sea. And yet, the idea of hilltop dining on a Middle-Eastern peninsula, a private butler, luxurious accommodation and restorative spa treatments begs the question: can money buy happiness?

Set on the northern Musandam Peninsula in the Sultanate of Oman, Six Senses Zighy Bay presents a traditional (albeit, more comfortable) village-style stay –with a private marina and show-stopping seaside on one side, and incredible mountain views on the other.

Here, guests can dine on a hilltop with views over the crystal-clear waters of the Gulf of Oman, enjoying regional specialties created by world-class chefs. Or, if the idea of an incline is all too much, your private butler can bring meals direct to your villa door.

Whether your holiday style errs to the yoga-doing, massage-getting side of the spectrum, or further toward the active, adrenalin-fuelled adventure end, the staff  here are eager to arrange your tailored itinerary during your stay.

The architecture of the retreat befits its rocky landscape, camouflaging from afar. Inside, shady villas provide a cooling oasis amid the sun-drenched setting.