Saturday Star

Six Senses Belize set to open in 2025

- CLINTON MOODLEY clinton.moodley@inl.co.za

SIX Senses Belize, scheduled to open in 2025, is already among the most anticipate­d hotel openings of the decade. The 5-star property spans two areas featuring a remote private island and nearby Secret Beach.

Set within a 1 800 ha protected marine reserve, it offers guests worldclass amenities between the Central American jungles and the Caribbean Sea, just a few hours from the US.

One of the most alluring is Secret Beach, just up the coast from San Pedro on Ambergris Caye and a five-minute speedboat ride from the island. Dubbed the resort’s “activity epic centre”, it features the Longhouse, an Experience Centre and dive centre with many activities and water sports.

There’s also a boutique, café, deli, wine shop, outdoor Cinema Paradiso and over-water restaurant.

Secret Beach boasts 24 residences, ranging from two-bedroom to sevenbedro­om properties.

A short swim from Secret Beach is Six Senses Spa and Wellness Village with a spa, yoga pavilion, all-day dining village and BBQ Hut.

According to Six Senses, there will be 45 one-and two-bedroom resort villas and a three-bedroom retreat villa along the island’s eastern and western shores. Most are over-water bungalows accessed by jetties.

The southern parts of the island offer stunning views where guests can swim or relax in the sunken loungers or nets suspended over the water.

The mangrove reserve is also a must-see, featuring a variety of fish, crab, shrimp and bird life. Much emphasis has gone into designing a sustainabl­e experience for guests.

Architects Studio Caban, interior design house Maed Collective, landscape designer Maat Handasa, and sustainabi­lity experts XCO2 are the design brains behind the project.

“The choice of materials and interior finishes is inspired by an understand­ing of the cultural and natural local resources, exuding a contempora­ry and casual island vibe,” Six Senses said on its website.

Speaking to Travel + Leisure, chief executive officer Neil Jacobs said: “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.

“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.”

 ?? ?? SIX Senses Belize will open in 2025.
SIX Senses Belize will open in 2025.

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