Six Senses Unveils Major Expansion Plans

Six Senses has unveiled plans to open nine new development concepts over the next 36 months.

Growth also includes the addition of four Six Senses Spas and the brand’s broadening expansion into the lifestyle of wellness.

“The rapid brand expansion of Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas ignited in Asia, Europe, South America, Northern Africa and the Caribbean allows us to redefine ourselves on a global scale with the addition of our first ski resort, first urban hotel and three amazing resort projects located at UNESCO World Heritage Sites,” said Chief Executive Officer, Neil Jacobs. “At the core of our DNA is creating unique hotel experiences that are located in untouched, pristine locations supported by sustainable development and culturally-sensitive design aesthetics. Our vision for growth is anchored in a dynamic and thoughtful approach to the science of wellness.”

Six Senses Qing Cheng Mountain, opening in 2014, is located adjacent to the UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Chinese province of Sichuan. The 113-suite and-villa resort has been designed to incorporate regional architecture and landscaping, resulting in a cultural offering with a strong sense of place wedded to contemporary attitude. Chengdu Shangliu International Airport is a one-hour drive from Six Senses Qing Cheng Mountain and Chengdu City is 30 minutes by car or rail link.

The 32-suite Six Senses Mont Blanc is nestled in the French Alpine area of Saint-Gervais-les-Bains and offers an 180-degree panorama of Europe’s highest peak. The mountain top resort sits on Mont d’Arbois and with over 450 kilometres (280 miles) of surrounding ski-in, ski-out runs. Opening in 2015, it is a one-hour drive from Geneva and ten-minute gondola ride from Megève; the resort is accessed by cable car, snowmobile or helicopter.

Six Senses Bhutan will allow guests to experience the depth of this wondrous destination of stunning natural scenery by creating five properties for the ultimate circuit experience. With a total of just 82 guest suites distributed between five intimate lodges, the project creates a Six Senses journey that comprises Thimphu, Punakha, Gangtey, Bumthang and Paro. Also opening in 2016, the five guest lodges reflect the heritage and hospitality of Bhutan.

Located in the Jhih-ben hot spring area of Taitung in southeastern Taiwan, Six Senses Wuma is located at the base of Medicine Mountain and features views of the surrounding valley and mountains. Opening in 2016, the resort is designed by Japanese architect Kengo Kuma and comprises just 50 suites and villas. The resort sits lightly upon the 20-hectare (50-acre) site, occupying just 10% of the project site. Access to Wuma is 25 minutes from Taitung Airport, which can be reached by air from Taipei in 45 minutes and with charter flights from Hong Kong and China.

In addition to the glorious landscape of rolling hills and valleys, Six Senses Ninghai in China also features a natural hot spring on site. Its’ 129 villas offer a sense of heritage presented with modernity and drama, with some accommodation perched on a hillside. Approximately 45 minutes from Ningbo International Airport it is also a three-hour drive from Shanghai. An allotment of villas and suites is offered for sale to those wishing to enjoy an all-encompassing Six Senses lifestyle.

St Lucia will be home to Six Senses Freedom Bay which is located inside the Pitons, a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the southwest coast of the island. The 28-hectare (70-acre) rainforest site rests at the foot of two volcanic spires fringed by a long sandy beach. Opening in 2016, the resort features 73 pool villas and pool suites. The resort includes a private Beach Club and 53 residential units accessed by a 45-minute drive from the international airport or ten minutes by helicopter.

Long referred to as The Island of the Gods, the kaleidoscope of colour and culture that is Bali, is the setting for Six Senses Uluwatu. Situated cliff-top at the southern tip of the island, the 120-suite and villa resort is an integration of Balinese cultural expressions through design. Surrounded by a 6,000 square metre (65,000 square foot) garden, it is a 45-minute drive from the international airport.

An exciting milestone for the group will be achieved when Six Senses Cartagena premieres on the northern coast of Colombia in 2016. This project marks the group’s entry into South America and first urban hotel project. Located inside the colonial walled city and fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the 100-room and suite hotel will be incorporated into the restoration of a 17th century monastery anchoring the property. The hotel will feature an open-air rooftop bar and rooftop swimming pool providing panoramic views of the romantic 500-year-old city’s cathedral spires and towering landmarks.

In North Africa’s Tunisia, Six Senses Gammarth is located on the Mediterranean Coast near the capital of Tunis. Offering 67 suites and pool villas plus 31 residences, the low rise, low density resort faces the sea and celebrates the country’s rich Berber, Ottoman, Arab and French cultural history through architectural references, tenting and interior design.

On the wellness front, this month marks the opening of Six Senses Spa at Esentai Tower. Located in the heart of Almaty, Kazakhstan, the spa features five treatment rooms, lounge and retail area with juice bar, fitness centre, studio for wellness activities, wet facilities within female and male changing rooms and relaxation sound pods.

Known as one of the tallest residential buildings in the world, built on one of the most expensive pieces of land, Six Senses World One is located in Mumbai’s Worli district. Six Senses will manage the entire club house designed for residents and select external guests. The club is spread over three floors; a podium area provides for a green oasis in the middle of the Indian metropolis. An area of over 8,000 square meters (86,000 square feet) has been designated for the facility. The focus is on wellness and the creation of a club concept including innovative restaurant concepts, options for social gatherings and events, an array of fun activities and areas for children, walking and jogging trails plus services for pets. The spa facilities include relaxation areas, indoor and outdoor recreational services, a variety of wet area circuits along with lap and outdoor pools.

Less than three hours by car from Mumbai lies the city of Pune, where the Evason Pune Belmondo project lies. Located approximately 20 minutes from downtown Pune, Evason by Six Senses will manage the entire club house which is approximately 6,400 square meters (69,000 square feet). The club house is built over three levels and includes two restaurants, meeting room, banquet hall, kids’ area spread over two levels, games rooms and library. The facility also incorporates a gym, yoga studio, pool, several indoor and outdoor relaxation spaces and a spa with eight treatment rooms – each different and unique, Hammam and changing rooms with wet facilities.

Six Senses Spa at Al Bustan Palace sits 300 meters (980 feet) from The Ritz-Carlton managed resort in its own little wadi (valley) complete with two secluded beaches. The building itself makes for a true Omani architectural jewel hidden and flush with the landscape of the soaring mountains. It follows the shape of the landscape and is built over three floors. There are 20 treatment rooms, a majalis (relaxation area) and several falaj (water feature) that make for a must see building. It is built to replicate a fortress where one enters through a large door and then extends into smaller areas. It has distinctive ladies and gents’ area and an additional club for ladies only featuring a private gym, pool and beach. There are several Hammams built around the spa and treatment rooms providing special touches such as a couple’s bath tub, with individual sound pods.