A biblical hotel: Six Senses Shaharut Israel, opening in Spring 2020
For out-of-the-ordinary experiences in a setting of biblical proportions, Six Senses Shaharut will be opening south of the Negev Desert in the Arava Valley and featuring just 58 suites and villas with one Retreat Villa. Share
Fascinating, enchanting and of biblical proportions, the Negev Desert is the epitome of desert landscapes. It is on this boundless horizon often described as the nexus of heaven and earth that Six Senses Shaharut is nestled into a dramatic cliff at one with the almost-supernatural panorama, where sunsets meld into the orange dunes to become an inky sky scattered with stardust.
This inspired location named Shaharut, which translates as the moment just before dawn, adds yet another dimension to the portfolio of incredible natural settings that Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas calls home. History abounds in this region, home to the ancient Midianites and their fascinating tribe people.
To the south of the Negev Desert, which covers more than half of Israel, at the Arava Valley, is the small community of Shaharut, where traditional desert hospitality is expressed by generosity of spirit. This is the site of Six Senses Shaharut, just 60 suites and villas occupying a footprint of approximately 46 acres (18 hectares) including a Six Senses Spa.
The architecture of Six Senses Shaharut has been designed to integrate into the desert topography and preserve the natural terrain. The villas are built from, and inspired by, local rocks and pigments, with the landscaping utilizing regional cacti and indigenous desert blooms. Exterior lighting is thoughtfully considered to avoid light pollution at night, preserving the pristine clarity of the starry sky. Many furnishing elements of the resort are sourced from a partnership with local community artisans.
In respect of the environment, the resort will only feature electric cars throughout the property. An all-day restaurant will serve a fresh buffet breakfast and a la carte selections, a la carte casual lunches and seasonally themed dinners. A poolside bar and grill opens for lunch and dinner, and a juice bar and alchemy bar are located at the spa. There is also a multi-use function space with an indoor space to accommodate up to 100 guests served from the main restaurant plus an outdoor pre-function deck. Fresh ingredients are harvested seasonally from the resort’s own gardens, or, when possible, from local farmers at the nearby kibbutzim.
Six Senses Spa Shaharut will include single and double treatment rooms, male and female sauna and hammams. In addition to the menu of Six Senses specialty treatments, several traditional therapies will be offered together with Six Senses Integrated Wellness, which is based on the preventative principles of Eastern medicine and result-oriented Western influences.
This innovative approach to wellness allows in-house experts to measure and analyze key physiological biomarkers in order to provide guests with lifestyle and nutritional advice and design a personalized program of spa treatments, fitness and wellness activities. The Six Senses Spa facility also offers a 262-foot (18-meter) indoor pool, 80-foot (25-meter) outdoor lap pool, fully-equipped gym and yoga studio with desert views. There is a nail bar for manicures and pedicures, the perfect spot to enjoy a chilled glass of wine.
The resort’s many on-site attractions are diverse and out-of-the-ordinary in the truest Six Senses tradition. A desert activity center incorporates the fascinating Earth Lab, where the property showcases its sustainability efforts to reduce consumption, produce locally, and support communities and ecosystems. Guests are invited to visit Earth Lab to reconnect with the natural world and learn some simple life-hacks that will allow them to make a difference.
There are functioning camel stables with an arena and grooming area and from where early morning and twilight camel rides set out. An open-air amphitheater is created from the natural terrain contours to become Cinema Paradiso beneath the stars and a tented Bedouin dining experience is created at the heart of the resort’s oasis, complete with a fire pit for late night feasting using centuries-old sand cooking techniques.
Accommodations comprise junior suites plus one- and two-bedroom villas and a three-bedroom Retreat all with private pools. Junior suites measure a generous 495 square feet (46 square meters) with 150 square feet (14 square meters) of outdoor space; five junior suites also feature private pools. One-bedroom villas have spacious interiors of 1,075 square feet (100 square meters) and exteriors measuring 860 square feet (80 square meters).
Two-bedroom villas feature 1,600 square foot (150 square meter) interiors and 1,000 to 1,880 square feet (95 to 175 square meters) of exterior space. The Retreat has an indoor space of 3,230 square feet (300 square meters) and 3,700 square feet (344 square meters) of outdoor living area which includes a 775 square foot (72 square meter) pool. It also includes a spa treatment room and kitchen plus a private poolside barbecue.
This extraordinary desert setting presents a host of activities for guests who choose to be out and about. Within the resort is Grow With Six Senses, a dedicated kids hangout for younger guests who do not wish to join their parent’s adventures. The Arava Valley and the surrounding region features several historic, archaeological and nature landmarks together with the opportunity to participate in extreme sports such as off-road driving, mountain climbing, mountain biking and rappelling.
More leisurely family inclusive activities are hiking, camel or jeep safaris, craft workshops, bird watching and wine tours. Eilat, which is located on the Red Sea, is ideal for families; a 60-minute drive from Shaharut, the resort town features calm waters, abundant sea life and excellent snorkeling and diving. Camel camping overnights are arranged with flair and comfort, while dune walking with Bedouins includes fascinating story telling and desert lore. Trips further afield can be arranged to Petra, Masada, Mount Karkom and the Dead Sea.
The journey to Shaharut is part of the story, traveling through the timeless landscape steeped in history. Flights from Tel Aviv to Eilat are 50 minutes, followed by 45 minutes transfer to the resort from new international airport, Ramon. Currently under development, the airport will serve domestic flights and major carriers from key European markets. Driving from Tel Aviv or Jerusalem takes around three-and-a-half hours or three hours from Petra in neighboring Jordan.
