Six Senses is set to open a new tropical island retreat on a stretch of secret beachfront in Belize by mid-2025.

Six Senses Belize will be home to 45 resort villas and 24 overwater residences set across two areas – Secret Beach and a 10-acre private island about two miles away.

According to Six Senses, a signature Six Senses Spa and Wellness Village will be the beating heart of the destination. Built around the natural lagoons to the north of the preservation area, the wellness hub will offer inward-looking, healing experiences among the existing mangroves at the edge of the wetlands.

Initially, it will feature an Alchemy Bar, Holistic Anti-Aging Center, fitness centre, indoor and outdoor treatment areas, Temazcal lodge and outdoor yoga pavilion.

Spa treatments and wellness programmes will focus on natural healing, energy medicine and traditional Mayan practices.

The spa will be located at Secret Beach; the main activities hub for Six Senses Belize. Covering 18 acres, this area will facilitate a mix of daytime and nighttime amenities, anchored by the Experience Center.

There are plans for organic gardens complemented by a labyrinth, mushroom hut, cooking school, food market and teens’ club. Another outdoor pool, ice cream parlour, overwater restaurant, dive centre and Cinema Paradiso will complete the mix.

During construction, the landscape will be sustainably protected as a natural preservation area for the existing flora and fauna and will be made accessible to connect to the island’s biotope.

The resort and residences are being brought to life thanks to a design collaboration between architects Studio Caban, interior design house Maed Collective, landscape designer Maat Handasa, and sustainability experts XCO2.

The choice of materials and interior finishes will be inspired by an understanding of the cultural and natural local resources, exuding a contemporary and casual island vibe.

“Throughout, the emphasis has been placed on sensitive integration of landscaping to connect guests with nature and allow for greater privacy and coveted ‘desert island’ appeal,” says Neil Jacobs, Six Senses CEO.

“We’ve drawn inspiration from local craft and Belizean life, capturing the spirit and history of Mayan architecture and local heritage. Everything has been done to embody a new generation of travellers, eager to make memories, while preserving the island for future generations.”

With longevity and low environmental impact in mind, renewable wood is the principal material being used in the facades and buildings are modular and prefabricated to keep on-site construction to a minimum.

Moreover, buildings are being orientated to maximise passive solar strategies for energy efficiency and to capture cooling breezes. Green roof areas will also provide an extra layer of insulation and thermal mass, while other areas will be covered with discreet solar panels.

During construction, the natural vegetation along the beach zone will be left intact, preserving this natural barrier and there are plans to revegetate red mangroves and plant species to further preserve the beach and serve as a roosting and foraging habitat for birdlife.