Six Senses Shaharut to Showcase Rich Biblical Heritage of Negev Desert's Arava Valley

Fascinating, enchanting and of biblical proportions, the Nagev Desert is the epitome of desert landscapes, often described as the nexus of heaven and earth. Six Senses Shaharut is nestled into a dramatic cliff, where sunsets meld into the orange dunes to become an inky sky scattered with stardust. This inspired setting adds yet another dimension to the portfolio of incredible natural setting that Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas call home.

To the south of the Nagev Desert, which covers more than half of Israel, the Arava Valley is the setting for the small community of Shaharut, where traditional desert hospitality is expressed by generosity of spirit. This is the site of Six Senses Shaharut, just 58 suites and villas occupying a footprint of approximately 46.5 acres including a Six Senses Spa. The development is LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environment Design) certified by the United States Green Building Council.

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.

Accommodations comprise suites, one- and two-bedroom villas and a presidential villa, all with personal pools and range from a generous 495 square foot interior for suites, to 1,075 square foot interior for a one-bedroom villa and 1,600 square foot interior for a two-bedroom villa. The outdoor areas are 130 square feet (for suites and 150 square feet for villas. The three-bedroom Presidential Villa has an indoor space of 3,230 square feet and 775 square feet outdoors. It features a spa treatment room and kitchen plus a private poolside barbecue and parking garage.

An all-day restaurant will serve a fresh buffet breakfast and a la carte selections as well as a la carte casual lunches and seasonally themed dinners. A poolside bar and grill opens for lunch and dinner and a juice bar is located at the spa. There is also a multi-use function space with an indoor space to accommodate up to 50 guests served from the main restaurant plus an outdoor pre-function deck. Fresh ingredients are harvested from the resort’s own gardens whenever possible, and from local farmers.

A Six Senses Spa features single and double treatment rooms, male and female steam, sauna and hammams. In addition 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 principals of Eastern medicine and result-oriented Western influences. This innovative approach to wellness allows in-house experts to measure and analyse 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 53-foot indoor pool and a 82-foot outdoor lap pool plus a fully equipped gym. There is a nail bar for manicure and pedicure plus a yoga studio.

This extraordinary desert setting presents a host of activities for guests who plan to be out and about. Within the resort is a Kid’s Den if youngsters 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.

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, then a one-hour transfer to the resort. Driving from Tel Aviv or Jerusalem takes around three-and-a-half hours or three hours from Petra in neighbouring Jordan. A new international airport at Ramon is under development just 45 minutes from the resort and will serve domestic flights and major carriers from key European markets.

Six Senses Shaharut looks forward to welcoming guests to the desert from late 2018 onward.

Visit website: www.sixsenses.com