The latest Six Senses project will be opening in Saudi Arabia in 2023. Six Senses Southern Dunes, The Red Sea will take guests into a part of the world rthat emains relatively unknown. In ancient times, it was a busy trading route, used by the Nabataeans to transport luxury goods such as silk, incense and textiles. Along the way, they would set up camp and gather around the fire under a starlit night. In 106 C.E., the Nabatean Empire was annexed by the Romans, and Red Sea routes overtook land trading routes. Nabatean cities were no longer centers of trade, and so began their decline.
Six Senses is now recreating these elements, combining an architectural approach that pays homage to the Nabataean heritage and desert surroundings along with the brand’s trademark wellness formula. This vision is being realized in collaboration with the British architectural firm, Foster + Partners. The transfer route from the new Red Sea International Airport will take guests southeast along the coastal highway before turning east inland through desert mountains and narrow wadis, and on to the 76-key resort.
The heart of the resort is the Oasis. Inspired by a desert flower, the base structure is a modular, precast system that ensures the building only touches the ground lightly to leave most of the site undisturbed, with minimal paving to ensure the surrounding pathways remain natural and authentic. The plan for the Oasis is to gather activities and functions under one roof, including the reception, lobby lounge, meeting spaces, boutique and prayer rooms, plus a community lounge and Earth Lab. The Artisan Village will host four pods to showcase the region’s history and cultural heritage through arts and crafts, dance and music. The all-day dining restaurant is complemented by a chef’s table and cooking school, along with a juice bar, water bar and brew bar.
Surrounding the Oasis is a collection of guestrooms with an open-plan bedroom and living area, besides an outdoor terrace. Clusters of villas occupy strategic peaks to offer prime aspects over the landscape. Ranging from one to four bedrooms, the villas are inspired by the dunes, with their double-layered undulating roofs creating their own scenery. The interiors also reflect the tones and textures of the desert, with soft furnishings drawing from the colors and patterns of traditional tribal attire.
The Six Senses Spa offers shaded water surfaces and deep cold pools, providing a contrast to the hot climate. Highlights include a Holistic Anti-Aging Center, male and female grooming centers and indoor zones with wet facilities, a sensory suite, outdoor treatment cabanas with a relaxation area, and a pool bar.
Six Senses Southern Dunes, The Red Sea is one of two inland locations that together with marine and coastal initiatives form The Red Sea Project that spans 10,800 square miles on Saudi Arabia’s west coast. It is set to pursue high environmental standards to demonstrate to the world that development can serve to preserve and enhance the region’s biodiversity and beauty.
Six Senses Southern Dunes, The Red Sea is set to open during the first phase of development of The Red Sea Project, which is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2023.
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