DESIGN : SIX SENSES HOTELS RESORTS SPAS
FIVE-STAR GROWTH
Six Senses opens its first resorts in Portugal and China as part of a strategic growth plan .
by BRITTANY FARB , ASSOCIATE EDITOR
The wine library at Six Senses Douro Valley houses about 700 wines and is attached to a covered terrace with a fire pit and an open-air cinema .
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Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas strives to establish itself as one of the world ’ s leading luxury resort and spa brands , expanding to eclectic locations is among the keys for consistent growth . Most recently , Six Senses opened its first resorts in China in Qing Cheng Mountain , as well as Portugal ' s Douro Valley .
On deck is a Six Senses resort in the Seychelles , five small resorts in Bhutan , additional sites in Europe and the Americas , and prospects in Africa , India and the Bahamas . Construction is also underway in Bali , Taiwan and Yangshuo , China . A new urban resort concept for key city centers also is in the works .
“ It really is an exciting time in the brand ’ s history ,” says Andrew Best , vice president of architecture and technical services for Six Senses . “ We have an incredible team in place at the corporate and property levels and our philosophy and values are perfectly aligned with what today ’ s traveler is seeking in terms of amazing escapes , serious wellness offerings and stellar service , amenities and design .”
Luxury meets history in Portugal Situated on a UNESCO World Heritage Site , Six Senses Douro Valley provides a historic setting alongside modern luxury design . A former wine estate with history dating back to 1464 , the resort opened after it was transformed with interiors of local woods , metals and fabrics . The property includes 41 guestrooms , nine suites and seven villas , with several private pools and gardens .
At the heart of Six Senses Douro Valley is a wine library housing about 700 wines , an oversized wine tasting table , wine shop and an outdoor terrace with a fire pit and an open-air cinema . The wine library also features touch screens with information about the valley ’ s wines and art installations made from recycled local materials .
46 HOTELS October 2015 www . hotelsmag . com