South America

Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas has unveiled plans for its latest project – Six Senses Formosa Bay in Brazil, which will open in 2021.

Located at Baia Formosa, which translates to ‘Beautiful Bay’, in the state of Rio Grande do Norte, it is the most eastern territory of Brazil and the country’s closest point to Europe. The site is a part of the Eco Estrela Project that features almost 7km of Atlantic Ocean beachfront and covers an area of 2,570ha. It was home to a former coconut plantation, which shared the land with prolific mangroves through which guests can navigate by boat. Ongoing development of additional fresh water canals and lakes will enhance the experience and also provide opportunities for a raft of water activities.

In line with Six Senses sustainability commitments, construction materials come from sustainable sources together with repurposed materials, with much of it being produced within Brazil. Villa designs, which are currently being finalised, will follow a contemporary line with minimum energy consumption wedded to guest comfort as a strong consideration. Furnishings will evoke a natural and neutral palate together with splashes of vibrancy that will reflect Brazil’’s colourful culture. Main facility structures such as restaurants and the spa will take on individual design characters and themes to heighten guest experiences. Travel within the resort will be by electric buggies, bicycles and foot power.

The proposed masterplan at Six Senses Formosa Bay has been designed with 73 one- two- and three-bedroom Pool Villas to the north of the site and easy access to water sports; 54 two- and three-bedroom Family Villas to the centre of the property with family and wellness orientation; and 58 three- four- and five-bedroom Six Senses Residences to the southern section, which will be made available for private ownership. Three groups of guest facilities will be conveniently located through the elongated property, each with dining options, bars and a swimming pool. The resort has earmarked an area to the south of the property to establish an organic farm, which together with local farmers and fishing community, will provide much of the produce used in the kitchens.

Six Senses Spa Formosa Bay will include single and double treatment rooms, steam, sauna and hammam. In addition to the menu of Six Senses specialty treatments, several renowned Brazilian 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 guest option 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 personalised program of spa treatments, fitness and wellness activities.

“”Six Senses is thrilled to be developing this fantastic venture with our project partner Greg Hajdarowicz owner of Gremi International S.a.r.l.,”” said Wolf Hengst, Executive Chairman of Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas. “”Our joint synergies and common values on sustainability, wellness and hospitality vision will allow us to create a varied and responsible atmosphere. We could not ask for a more superb site for a Six Senses development in this amazing country.””

Guests will encounter unique experiences from the moment of arrival with a choice of two options: by water from the mouth of the boundary river or by a road meandering through the old coconut plantation. A third option is by beach at low tide from Formosa Bay, however this is seasonal as sea turtles choose this beach for nesting and will be protected by the resort. There can be up to 200 nests at certain times of the year and the resort will establish a sea turtle research facility to be managed by the local preservation centre.

The calm expansive waterway and lush mangrove forest is ideal for activities such as sailing, line fishing, paddling, kayaking, stand-up boarding and exploring the rich preservation of flora and fauna with some fascinating birdlife. Experienced surf aficionados can catch a big one in the ocean and fans of kitesurf can find one of the best spots in the world. The local village of Baia Formosa is also a fascinating place to visit. In addition to its prime activity of fishing, visitors may also discover artisans utilising regional raw materials. A little further afield is the largest reserve of Atlantic forest, which covers almost 2,000ha. Visits to the forest will be arranged through the resort’’s activity centre.

The city of Natal and the Governador Aluizio Alves International Airport (NAT), which is served by several international carriers including Avianca, Latam and TAP, is little more than a one-hour drive. The year-round average temperature is a comfortable tropic 78.8 F (26 C).