Six Senses’ highly anticipated retreat in Israel’s Southern Negev Desert is set to open on 5 August 2021, complete with a 1,900sq m spa and wellness sanctuary.

Six Senses Shaharut and its spa have been realised by Tel Aviv-based Plesner Architects to offer a contemporary interpretation of nomadic structures, reminiscent of the Nabataean community which occupied the area over 2,000 years ago.

Six Senses Spa Shaharut’s design reflects the majestic natural desert setting in which it is situated, with views across the Arava Valley and ridges of the Edom Mountains.

Using natural materials from the original setting, the two-level spa has been constructed in an eco-friendly manner and blends seamlessly into the desert’s landscape.

Designers used local stone, recycled wood and traditional tadelakt plaster to give the walls a natural, authentic and smooth finish.

Built as an oasis in the desert, the six-treatment-room spa draws the landscape and deep red palette of the local Edom Mountains into its walls. Alcoves complete the curved walls, which are home to Nabatean animal statues, acknowledging the habitat as it once was.

At night, the sky lends its own twinkling starlight through the many skylights in the spa’s ceiling.

Facilities include an open-plan relaxation area, indoor pool, retail boutique, outdoor courtyard pergola with seating and an alchemy bar, alongside a gym, wellness studio, nail bar and separate-sex changing facilities with hammams and saunas.

Nina Shapiro, Six Senses Shaharut wellness director, will helm the spa and is most excited about the launch of the spa's locally-inspired signature treatments and Hot Himalayan Salt Crystals Massage.

“Six Senses Shaharut’s signature treatments are truly unique,” she told Spa Business, “as our guests will be able to choose between Jojoba oil and camel milk cream infused with CBD oil to be used in their treatments.

“The CBD camel milk formula is especially intriguing because the milk creates a moisturising product rich with proteins and vitamins, to keep the skin healthy and supple.

“The fusion of these two powerful ingredients – blended with shea butter, olive oil, jojoba oil and essential oils – provides an all-natural, anti-ageing, anti-inflammatory, deeply healing treatment cream that will benefit our guests' skin."

Spa guests will also be offered massages, facials, wraps, scrubs and rituals.

The spa has partnered with French skincare specialist Biologique Recherche and local product house Lavido to supply treatments.

Six Senses has also worked with spa and wellness equipment supplier Lemi to source equipment for the spa and collaborated with Fashionizer Spa to create bespoke spa uniforms.

The 60-key resort will complement the wellness offering with activities including sunrise yoga workshops, stargazing, hikes, and desert camel treks along the ancient Incense Route which was used by traders from the seventh century BC to the second century AD.

Six Senses Shaharut will also be home to a group of dining experiences combining the best of Israeli and Mediterranean influences while embracing the Eat With Six Senses philosophy of local, fresh and seasonal produce. Where possible, ingredients will be harvested from the resort’s organic gardens and carefully local selected farmers.