Andrew Spearman, general manager of Six Senses Zighy Bay, shares insights on the key areas and innovations that the resort is focusing on to enhance its sustainability and community engagement initiatives.
The enchanting Six Senses Zighy Bay in the northern Musandam Peninsula, Oman, is nestled between the Hajar Mountains and the Gulf of Oman. Drawing inspiration from the charm of a traditional village and a deep respect for nature, the resort ticks all the boxes when it comes to an idyllic holiday destination. Stunning location, impeccable service, culinary delights, and some of the best beaches known to man.
However, what makes it a standout in the industry is the hotel’s commitment to sustainability and community outreach. From the get-go, the property’s construction took eco-friendliness into consideration. In fact, the architecture incorporates natural materials that blend with the local surrounding landscape for a natural and eco-friendly feel.
“At Six Senses Zighy Bay, sustainability isn’t just a buzzword: it’s a way of life,” says Spearman.
Alp Sarper: Sustainability lies at the core of all the Six Senses, what are some groundbreaking innovations at the property?
Andrew Spearman: There are three key areas Six Senses Zighy Bay focuses on when it comes to sustainability. This includes waste management, energy conservation, and community support.
Waste into Wealth is a pledge the resort made to decrease plastic usage and operate in a ‘self-sustaining’ manner. It ensures minimal impact on the local and global community and the environment. This titanic work includes working closely with all the resort’s suppliers to refuse or reduce the amount of packaging used during deliveries. It removes 60 percent of single-use plastic from operations, creating a “reuse” culture amongst the team. We have also heavily invested in internal processes and equipment to optimize recycling onsite. Currently, we turn 300kg of food waste into organic compost every 48 hours. We recycle and repurpose 100 percent of glass waste, either as decoration (at The Earth Lab) or reuse in any type of construction.
All paper, cardboard, candles, and soap also get a second life through recycling initiatives on the property. Meanwhile, we send off metal waste to specialized recyclers. As it stands, our waste diversion rate stands at 36 percent, and we are constantly improving. When it comes to energy conservation, we’ve rolled out a series of initiatives that have resulted in more than 30 percent savings in both electricity and water consumption. We are currently in the process of launching new programs to decrease our carbon footprint. We have significantly invested in cutting-edge HVAC and heat pump technology, to keep us at the forefront of energy efficiency.
In 2022, the resort invested $100,000 into local community initiatives, and we’re not stopping there. Between 2023 and 2024, we expect to double that investment as our bond with the Zighy Bay community is stronger than ever. Last year, the resort’s Sustainable Training Programme was activated with the Dibba School of Girls. Managers of the school selected different sustainable programs that the Six Senses Zighy Bay’s Assistant Sustainability Manager teaches once a week.
The resort received recognition from the local Ministry of Education for all their hard work with the local Zighy Village and Dibba Town. That is in terms of volunteering, education, and sponsoring equipment for the schools. This also includes helping bring new knowledge and financial aid to the local community.
The resort’s Sustainability Team has also introduced a guest activity called “Sense of Oman, through a Woman’s Eyes.” The activity promotes the emancipation of women in Dibba, and nurtures their entrepreneurial spirits. We invite guests to join unique traditional activities and learn hand-crafting techniques from the Dibba Women Association. In turn, 100 percent of the profits are donated to the Association and used to improve their facilities and the preschool for young children.
To protect the Gulf of Oman that surrounds, a Marine Biologist from the Olive Ridley Project is at the resort on a full-time basis. His main responsibility is to monitor the 67 resident turtle populations within Zighy Bay, helping preserve their precious habitat. Together with the resort Sustainability Team, they work closely with the local fishermen to help them remove nets and monitor bycatch. Moreover, they raise awareness of more sustainable fishing practices.
Alp Sarper: Six Senses Zighy Bay redeveloped the village next to it and supports it in every way possible. Can you tell us more about that?
Andrew Spearman: The story of Six Senses Zighy Bay is inseparable from that of Zighy Village. The village has stood proudly in this breathtaking landscape, long before our resort came to life. Our commitment to this community goes beyond the confines of our property. We have worked hand in hand with the local government to build essential infrastructure, such as access roads and the mosque. Our partnership with Zighy Village has blossomed into a multifaceted collaboration over the years.
From creating and maintaining vital road connections for direct access to Dubai to ushering in the era of the Internet. From ensuring a continuous supply of clean water to managing waste collection and sewage. We have actively participated in fostering a thriving community.
Today, our commitment to Zighy Village takes many forms. We provide financial support to families in need, empowering them to build a brighter future. We have welcomed an English teacher to enhance the Arabic and English language skills of those residing in the village, opening doors to new opportunities. Moreover, we also oversee the health and welfare of 636 local Zighy goats through a comprehensive vaccination program.
At Six Senses Zighy Bay, we believe that true sustainability means nurturing the land we occupy and the people who call it home.
Alp Sarper: How can your guests get involved with the many initiatives with regard to sustainability?
Andrew Spearman: Guests are often curious about our sustainability practices, and we welcome them with guided tours. We even have a dedicated Earth Lab on-site. All activities are driven by the dedicated sustainability team (comprising of the resort’s very own Marine Biologist; Supervisor; Assistant Manager; and Director), who are all supervised by the resort’s Director of Sustainability, Armand Thieblemont.
About Andrew Spearman
Andrew Spearman is a passionate hotelier with over 28 years of experience. In 2021, Spearman was appointed as the general manager of Six Senses Zighy Bay in Oman. He has had an adventurous career specializing his work predominantly in private luxury hotels and resorts around the globe. He was part of Malmaison, Per AQUUM Retreats, Domain de Manville, and Beaverbrook Estate, to name a few.
Spearman’s career has taken him to some of the world’s most beautiful destinations including UAE, Greece, Monaco, Scotland, Fiji, Nigeria, Seychelles, Maldives, Mauritius, and Sri Lanka.
Alp Sarper is Economy Middle East’s editor-at-large.
For more interviews, click here.
