Located in Israel in the Arava Valley in the south of the Negev Desert, Six Senses Shaharut will open this August. The resort is looking forward to welcoming international travelers as soon as border restrictions allow.
Offering guests a secluded setting, Six Senses Shaharut has the advantage of complete privacy. It aims to bring guests in balance with nature and its elements as they enjoy traditional desert hospitality and rich Nabataean history delivered with eco-conscious care and attention.
One of the biggest assets of the property is the abundant space, essential for meeting today’s highest safety and hospitality standards. The resort features 60 suites and villas spread across the expansive desert landscape along with a signature spa. The authentic desert adventure will satisfy guests after this year’s pent-up wanderlust offering experiences ranging from immersive Kibbutz experiences to stargazing sessions, camel treks through the Negev desert or floating in the Dead Sea.
“Six Senses Shaharut marks a new milestone for the brand as it enters another magical destination. After months of anticipation during these unprecedented times, I am very excited about this new opening. It brings the Six Senses ethos of sustainability, local sensitivity and wellness together with our unique desert culture and traditions,” said general manager Thomas Fehlbier, in a press statement. “With a passionate team, we’ll work to create out-of-the-ordinary guest experiences in a setting of biblical proportions.”Guests experience a landscape filled with history as they arrive to the resort. The journey through the Arava Valley showcases the diversity of Israel’s landscape. The drive from Tel Aviv or Jerusalem takes around three-and-a-half hours, or three hours from Petra in neighboring Jordan.
Alternatively, guests can opt for a private helicopter transfer from Tel Aviv, or a 45-minute car transfer via the new Ramon International Airport (ETM) near Eilat, which also directly serves key European markets. A Six Senses GEM (Guest Experience Maker) will meet guests on arrival and remain on hand throughout the stay to share insights into the region and local life.
Onsite & Offsite Experiences
On site, the Earth Lab showcases the resort’s approach to sustainability and the circular economy, camel stables, lush gardens, and open-air amphitheater. The Six Senses Spa offers six treatment rooms, variety of wellness programs, an Alchemy Bar for mixing botanicals, and Visiting Practitioners specializing 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 juices.
The desert setting offers guests a variety of activities from camel treks and overnight camping to extreme sports, e-mountain bike tours, hiking, jeep excursions, and Shabbat dinner in a nearby community. There are also opportunities to explore further afield, to the Dead Sea and Masada and to Petra.
Dining
In Israel little food needs to be imported and most comes straight from the garden to the table. Here, the resort’s kitchens are inspired by the Eat With Six Senses philosophy of nutritious menus.
From fresh Mediterranean fish, roasted beetroot, almonds, raw tahini, Samar date honey, and olive oil to Tabun smoked lamb ribs, freekeh and garden kale, every meal is a celebration, whether served at the main Midian restaurant, the Edom View mezze and tapas venue, Jamillah lounge, or poolside grill. Guests can also choose a private chef for in-villa dining or venture out to enjoy a Bedouin style desert picnic by Chef Amir Kalfon, paired with the region’s best wines and maybe get to catch a glimpse of a Nubian ibex.
Decor Influences
The architecture is reminiscent of the Nabataean community that occupied the area over 2,000 years ago. The interior design draws inspiration from patterns and textures lining the ancient Incense Route, which stretched from the Mediterranean across the Levant to India and beyond. Inside, the furniture and fittings have been sourced from local artisans to complement the unique 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. Over 200 years old, each piece has its own secret to tell.
For more information, email [email protected] or visit sixsenses.com/en/resorts/shaharut.
Don’t miss, “Six Senses Hotels Resorts & Spas: Retreats & Culinary Immersion Experiences.”
