Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas has announced the opening of the desert retreat, Six Senses Shaharut.
With its secluded setting lain into a dramatic cliff with panoramic views of the Negev Desert, Six Senses Shaharut invites guests to be-at-one with nature, enjoying traditional desert hospitality and rich Nabatean history with eco-conscious care.
The resort comprises 60 suites and villas, including one three-bedroom retreat spread across the lunar-line landscape, along with a signature spa offering guests a sanctuary for respite.
The resort is inspired by the nomadic structures found in the Negev Desert and is reminiscent of the Nabataean community that occupied the area over 2,000 years ago. The suites and villas are nestled into the ground and designed to take advantage of the Negev’s natural beauty, whilst minimising the impact on its surroundings. Combined with the integration of sustainable processes and technologies, the structures blend in with the desert landscape.
The interiors draw inspiration from patterns and textures lining the ancient Incense Route, stretching from the Mediterranean across the Levant to India and beyond. Inside, the furniture and fittings have been sourced from local artisans to complement the weathered rock formations and use natural stone, wood, and copper. The interior doors are custom made from reclaimed teak, which was rescued from disused boats, houses, and footbridges.
The culinary offering is a mix of Israeli and Mediterranean cuisines that embrace Six Senses culinary philosophy – fresh, local and seasonal food, harvested from the resort’s own organic garden or from local farmers at the nearby kibbutzim. From fresh Mediterranean fish, roasted beetroot, almonds, raw tahini, Samar date honey, and olive oil to Tabun smoked lamb ribs, freekeh and garden kale, fare is served at the main Midian restaurant, the Edom View, Jamillah lounge or poolside grill.
Guests can also opt for a private chef for in-villa dining or venture out on an authentic Bedouin dining experience by Chef Amir Kalfon.
On site, the desert activity centre incorporates Six Senses’ brand-wide Earth Lab scheme, showcasing the resort’s approach to sustainability in its efforts to reduce consumption. All sustainability work and community development happening around the property and in the region are on display here, with guests able to learn life hacks, to be more eco-conscious at home. Guests can also learn about Six Senses’ signature plastic-free water bottling process at the Earth Lab and pay a visit to the water bottling plants in action. The resort is also home to camel stables, lush gardens, and an open-air amphitheatre created from the natural terrain contours and transformed into a Six Senses signature ‘Cinema Paradiso’ beneath the stars.
The Six Senses Spa offers six treatment rooms, a variety of wellness programs and the Alchemy Bar for mixing botanicals and Visiting Practitioners specialising in Chinese medicine, osteopathy, energy healing and more. There are also two pools including a freshwater infinity pool with desert views and a bar serving refreshing juices.
“Six Senses Shaharut marks a new milestone for the brand as it enters another magical destination,” says General Manager, Thomas Fehlbier. “It brings the Six Senses ethos of sustainability, local sensitivity and wellness together with our unique desert culture and traditions. With a passionate team, we’ll work to create out-of-the-ordinary guest experiences in a setting of biblical proportions.”
