Six Senses

In own affaires, Polo News

8. December 2021

The past months offered various highlights – among others in Zurich, Berlin or China – and even more unforgettable moments of happiness.

It‘s a philosophy of life that has inspired me a lot. Asked in an interview with POLO+10 about his view of things in life, Sébastien Le Page, President of Polo Park Zurich, quotes from a book by Nietzsche: „Master, what shall I do to be happy? The master answers: just be happy!“ In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, we unfortunately too often forget to recognize happiness in the moment and to consciously enjoy it. That‘s why I plan to do just that much more in the future!

The past few months have offered various moments of happiness for polo fans and players: Special highlights included the Elasten Ladies Cup at PoloPark Berlin and the 22nd Zurich International Ladies Cup, where the women once again put on spectacular competitions. Polo is also finally making a comeback in China after the enforced break – and if the plans of hotel CEO Sanjiv Ramdanee are anything to go by, guests on the dream island of Mauritius will be able to watch polo show matches in the future.

So let‘s all look forward to the coming season in 2022, which will unfortunately have a few planning uncertainties due to the pandemic, but will nevertheless hold various new moments of happiness in store for all of us.

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Thomas Wirth
Founder POLO+10
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Tournaments and people, polo science and lifestyle – the new issue of POLO+10 WORLD brings you stories from the whole polo universe.

+++ Polo Park Zürich 22nd Zürich International Ladies Polo Cup: “Bringing in international players to mentor our youngest club members, gathering our local- and guest players to grow our polo family and celebrate our love of polo together; this defines the spirit of the Ladies Cup.” +++ Interview with Sébastien Le Page: He is the president of Polo Park Zurich and one of the most colorful minds on the scene. At the end of the 2021 season, POLO+10 met Sébastien Le Page and talked to him about his very personal season review, plans for 2022, highlights, low points and his philosophy of life. +++ ELASTEN Ladies Cup PoloPark Berlin: Team Ingo Pyko Immobilien wins ELASTEN Ladies Cup 2021. Six ladies polo teams with over 100 polo horses took part in the ELASTEN Ladies Cup at PoloPark Berlin. +++ Open de France: La Magdeleine and Polo Park Zürich reach their dream! +++ San Francisco de Asis Polo Cup: The classical San Francisco de Asis tournament is always played after the August break. +++ Polo in China: Polo in China is getting back: Tang Polo Club China hosted the JJ International Launch Tournament in Anping. +++ Sandpolo: Sandpolo returned to Sandbanks for a September weekend of beach arena polo and after parties. The British Beach Polo Championships 2021 (Sandpolo) adjusted magnificently to the later September date hosting their 14th year event over the weekend (Sept 17-18). +++ SENTEBALE ISPS HANDA Polo Cup: SENTEBALE ISPS HANDA Polo Cup 2021 raises nearly $3.5 million in critical funds for vulnerable children in southern africa. +++ 100th Anniversary Oak Brook Polo Cup: The year 2022 marks the 100th Anniversary since the Oak Brook Polo Club was founded in 1922 by businessman and outdoor enthusiast, Paul Butler. +++ Argentina`s Polo Dynasties: The best polo players in the world come from Argentina. POLO+10 takes a look into the history books and presents famous Argentine polo dynasties +++ Polo in Numbers: Argentina, USA and Europe are the big polo nations. More than half of all clubs and players can be found here. But what about the other countries? And how many clubs and players can be found worldwide? POLO+10 did some research and presents the polo universe in terms of numbers. Many thanks to everyone for the great support! +++ The Big Polo History: Playing technique, speed and team spirit – the fascinating sport of polo is attracting more and more people all over the world. An insight into the world of polo. +++ Polo Rules: As in other ball games there are a variety of penalties for fouls in polo. It is important to understand these so as to better follow a game. POLO+10 explain the different foul-situations according to the official rules of the German Polo Association. +++ Windsor Polo Club: Windsor Polo Club had a successful 2020 Spring Season after recovering from bushfires and COVID, and with events slowly returning to “normal”, everyone thought that brighter days were ahead in 2021. Boy, how we were so wrong. +++ Animal physiotherapist and -osteopath Julia Greb: 6 tips how to improve your horse’s health in everyday life! +++ Mauritius: Timeless luxury on the Indian Ocean: The „Maradiva Villa Resort & Spa“ on Mauritius stands up to even the highest demands. A conversation with „Maradiva“ CEO Sanjiv Ramdanee about hotel highlights, breakfast in the afternoon, polo plans and new markets. +++ Long Island: Long Island allows you to travel back to the golden 20s. +++ Six Senses: Six Senses Belize to Open with Secret Beach and Private Island. +++

© Thomas Wirth

The past months offered various highlights – among others in Zurich, Berlin or China – and even more unforgettable moments of happiness. It‘s a philosophy of life that has inspired…

Lifestyle, Polo News, Travel & Food

Six Senses Lisbon to Open in the 17th-century Palácio Lavra and Adjacent Palácio das Pedrosas, Expanding the Brand’s Urban Collection

19. November 2021

By Bettina Faust,

BANGKOK – November 18, 2021 – To translate the Six Senses vision of reconnection into an urban environment, the brand looks for iconic landmarks in some of the world’s most breathtaking downtown addresses and then weaves wellness, sustainable design, bespoke hospitality, and community into the guest experience. Following Istanbul, and with upcoming properties in Rome, New York, London, and Bangkok, Six Senses is now celebrating its entry into the heart of Lisbon. This also adds a second prime destination to its Portuguese portfolio after Six Senses Douro Valley in the heart of the country’s wine region.

Authenticity in the City

As is true with all of the brand’s urban properties, Six Senses Lisbon has been designed with outstanding craftsmanship, comfort, natural materials, and light in mind to ensure both an epicenter and an escape, with spacious seclusion on the inside and seamless access to the city on the doorstep. This time, the heritage buildings are the converted 17th-century Palácio Lavra and the remarkable Palácio de Pedrosas. The latter was built in 1764 for an Italian merchant and then later sold to the Portuguese postal service. Adjacent to the famous Elevator do Lavra funicular railway, Six Senses Lisbon is close to all the city’s cultural highlights including the Coliseu Theater, Politeama Theater and, for fashionistas, the emblematic Liberdade Avenue is just a few meters away.

Once open, Six Senses Lisbon will offer 114 guest rooms within the two buildings. The Palácio de Pedrosas is a journey through time with pieces acquired by the original merchant still in situ, along with classic and modern art, book collections, antique rugs, maps, and handmade textile sculptures. The vibe is contemporary and fresh, juxtaposed with exposed classic architecture and traditional Portuguese furniture. The generous room proportions, large windows and doors, and high ceilings give the hotel a breezy and contemporary flow. The suites feature separate fitted kitchens and outdoor terraces with a dining area and comfy sofas, perfect for a relaxing escape at the end of a busy day spent shopping or visiting the city’s attractions.

The ground floor of the Palácio Lavra has the aesthetic of an artist’s atelier, complete with carved wooden counters and handmade tapestries. Rooms are decorated in warm and earthy tones to envelop guests in comfort, with traditional Portuguese touches such as hand-painted ceramics.

In the main communal areas, the soaring ceilings, playful candelabras, exotic frescos, striking sculptural features, and lush artisanal palette add to the friendly elegance of the space. The design is sharp and the plants are soft, to keep guests connected to nature even when dressed in Donatella.

Six Senses Lisbon is also blessed with unique outdoor spaces including a rooftop terrace with views over the city and a private central garden featuring vine-covered glass atriums, cozy corners, and communal seating with Portuguese fabrics and natural fibers. Separated from the chaos of the city, guests could be forgiven for closing their eyes and believing they can hear waves lapping on the shore.

“What emerges from our latest urban project is not just a collection of individual hotel rooms but a vibrant community and mutual enjoyment of the rooftop bar, library, boutique, Earth Lab, and lounge areas,” says Six Senses Chief Executive Officer Neil Jacobs. “The offering includes differentiated service standards too, with a dedicated on-site team and personal Guest Experience Makers, private catering, in-room spa treatments and catered event planning.”

Culinary Culture

The joy of good food permeates all aspects of Portuguese life, emphasizing simple ingredients that are lovingly and impeccably prepared. The main street restaurant will be guided by the Eat With Six Senses philosophy, where flavors are fresh, and ingredients are seasonal and wholesome. There will also be a specialty organic restaurant in the pretty courtyard, a lively lounge bar, a relaxed greenhouse bar, and an all-day coffee bar.

Spa Journeys

The 1,000 square-meter Six Senses Spa will blend signature therapies and wellness programs for guests and locals alike. Along with eight treatment rooms, there will be indoor and outdoor wet areas, a fitness center, a dance studio, and a yoga pavilion set up for aerial yoga. The tinctures and detox mocktails brewed at the Juice Bar work their magic on the inside while the natural botanicals blended at the Alchemy Bar take 10 years off the outside.

Emotion in Motion

To bring its urban vision to life, Six Senses collaborates with innovative experts in architecture, sustainable engineering, design, hospitality, and development, in this case, Key International and ARD Investment and Development, who together bring over 30 years of experience in global investments and developments. Their expertise focuses on real estate projects that improve customers’ lifestyles through forward-thinking considerations for everyday life, work, convenience, entertainment, and leisure.

“It is a great responsibility for us to restore these magnificent and unique properties in Lisbon,” says Jaime Ardid, Partner at ARD Investment and Development. “We are fortunate and grateful for this opportunity to bring the essence of the two palácios back to life, joining forces with the professional Six Senses team. We’re focusing all our energies on giving Lisbon a cultural landmark the local community can feel proud of and that shines bright for our international guests.”

Six Senses Lisbon is set to open in 2025.

About Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas

Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas manages 19 hotels and resorts and 27 spas in 19 countries under the brand names Six Senses, Evason and Six Senses Spas, and has signed a further 34 properties into the development pipeline. Six Senses is part of the IHG Hotels & Resorts family.

Six Senses Hotels and Resorts: a leadership commitment to community, sustainability, emotional hospitality, wellness and design, infused with a touch of quirkiness. Whether an exquisite island resort, mountain retreat or urban hotel, the vision remains the same: to reawaken people’s senses so they feel the purpose behind their travels and ultimately reconnect with themselves, others and the world around them.

Six Senses Spas: a wide range of holistic wellness, rejuvenation and beauty treatments administered under the guidance of expert therapists in all resorts as well as at 8 additional standalone spas. The high-tech and high-touch approach guides guests on their personal path to well-being, taking them as deep as they want to go.

Six Senses Residences: indulgent living as nature intended, providing all the unique amenities of a resort life community, while retaining the intimacy and personal touches of a beautifully-appointed private villa or apartment. Each is an appreciating long-term investment to be cherished for generations to come with immediate benefits including fine dining, pioneering wellness programming and exclusive status at other resorts worldwide.

Evason: a strong value focus with a vast array of personal guest experiences that the whole family will love, while sharing the Six Senses philosophy of uncompromised social and environmental responsibility.

www.faustconcept.com

By Bettina Faust, BANGKOK – November 18, 2021 – To translate the Six Senses vision of reconnection into an urban environment, the brand looks for iconic landmarks in some of…

Lifestyle, Polo News, Travel & Food

Six Senses Belize to Open with Secret Beach and Private Island

21. September 2021

BANGKOK – September 9, 2021 – Within just a few hours of the US, Belize is known for its warm and turquoise water, incredible snorkeling and diving, and active and vibrant culture. Guests and residents at Six Senses Belize will experience something out of this world as the team has worked tirelessly to strike the perfect balance between vivacious beach life and small-scale, secluded island bliss so that residents can enjoy either or both, any time they wish.

Exhilarating Adventure and Isolated Bliss

The resort and residences are uniquely set across two areas. The sun-drenched stretch of secret beachfront on Ambergris Caye, the most sought-after destination in Belize, offers an abundance of watersports, adventure and wild nights in equal measure. A five-minute boat ride away, or swim for the sporty, offers private island bliss for the secluded overwater villas, spa and wellness facilities.

This means, after hopping on a short flight, guests can check in to their desert island abode, enjoy a swim or massage in paradise and sundowners on the deck and then get dressed up to head over the water for a fun night out with family and friends all on their first day.

“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, Chief Executive Officer of Six Senses. “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 travelers, eager to make memories, while preserving the island for future generations.”

Secret Beach

Secret Beach is the main activities hub for Six Senses Belize. This 18-acre (7-hectare) part of the resort boasts a pristine stretch of private beachfront and is just up the coast from lively San Pedro on desirable Ambergris Caye. It offers an eclectic 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 parlor, overwater restaurant and Cinema Paradiso offer nightlife, socializing and Belizean culture galore. Secret Beach will also be the main location for watersports with a dive center, Marine Discovery and a wide range of activities on offer. Secret Beach is home to 24 residences, ranging from two-bedroom to seven-bedroom, available to purchase.

Guests will enjoy unspoiled horizon views from the overwater sunset bar at Six Senses Belize. © Six Senses Hotels Resort Spas

Island Life

There will be 45 resort villas and a handful of residences for purchase also located on a 10-acre (4-hectare) private island, 1.7 miles (2.7 kilometers) across the water from Secret Beach. During the short boat ride, guests pass a large sandbar, with unimaginably turquoise waters. This also belongs to the property and will be the setting for private picnics, reconnection experiences and “I do’s”. The current arrival to the southeast of the island is like entering an untouched, mysterious paradise and Six Senses Belize will maintain this sensation. It also stages the first glimpse into the island, where its inner wetlands and mangrove forests are at their most pristine. This 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 south of the island also enjoys unspoiled horizon views, which will be shared by an overwater sunset bar, All-Day Dining Village, BBQ Hut serving freshly cooked seasonal catches, communal outdoor pool, and children’s club.

Along its Eastern and Western shores, there will be 44 one- and two-bedroom resort villas and a three-bedroom retreat villa, most of which will be overwater bungalows accessed by jetties. Blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor living, they offer a place to reconnect that’s totally in tune with the mangrove reserve, sea, wildlife and nature all around.

Built around the natural lagoons to the north of the preservation area, the Six Senses Spa and Wellness Village will be the beating heart of the resort. This offers 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 center, indoor and outdoor treatment areas, Temazcal lodge and outdoor yoga pavilion. Spa treatments and wellness programs will focus on natural healing, energy medicine and traditional Mayan practices. Nestled within the organic gardens to the north is the plant-forward Leaf restaurant and a raised viewing lounge, offering a completely different experience, high in the canopy and framing the pure night sky.

Residences

An exceptional opportunity for a handful of owners, the island is also home to a collection of three, four, and five-bedroom residences, available for purchase. Organized along a central breezeway, and rising organically in and around natural foliage, the buildings allow for an indoor-outdoor lifestyle that is typical for Belize and the Caribbean climate. Loosely dispersed, they eliminate any sense of boundaries to form a continuous landscape experience as a barefoot sandy beach community while existing flora will protect privacy and shield the structures from each other.

Here “feet in the sand” has evolved into an architectural concept, living within the sublime landscape, protected and shaded in a casual yet refined way. Passive design strategies are employed to reduce energy consumption. Each residence is placed between the precious mangrove forest and estuary on one side and its own expansive stretch of beach on the other, framing wide views to each.

The design sets the stage for diverse experiences of the landscape, ocean and balance of community and seclusion. The western residences have ocean views from most rooms and beach access with a lifestyle that engages with the ground. The structures further east provide raised living rooms with access to wide horizon views and connecting to the pool gardens below. In addition to the generous master suite, there is a separate lock-off villa, which may be rented out separately at the owner’s convenience.

The residences are raised on stilts in a typical Belizean style, with open and spacious interiors that seamlessly blend the indoor with the tropical outdoor. © Six Senses Hotels Resort Spas

Sustainable Development

With longevity and low environmental impact in mind, renewable wood is the principal material used in the facades and buildings are modular and prefabricated to keep on-site construction to a minimum. Buildings are orientated to maximize passive solar strategies for energy efficiency and to capture cooling breezes. Green roof areas will provide an extra layer of insulation and thermal mass, while other areas will be covered with discreet solar panels.

The natural vegetation along the beach zone will be left intact, preserving this natural barrier and there are plans to re-vegetate red mangroves and plant species to further preserve the beach and serve as a roosting and foraging habitat for birdlife. The overwater structures are built in such a way as to provide a benthic habitat to enhance productivity and biodiversity as well as fish life.

Design Principles

The resort and residences are the result of 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 is inspired by an understanding of the cultural and natural local resources, exuding a contemporary and casual island vibe. The soft materials and harmonious blending with the surrounding nature invite guests to intuitively unwind and become fully enveloped by the island.

John Turley, a member of the development team says: “Welcome to Six Senses Belize, a world more magical than you could imagine. You’ll be struck by the stunning 81-degree turquoise water, the laid-back vibe, and genuine smiles that greet you off the plane. Belizean hospitality is second to none, and you will not find a broader array of activities, experiences, and memories to be had in a smaller package! Our world has changed a lot, and increasingly we all crave an escape. Six Senses Belize offers a select number of families the chance to start a new legacy in a spectacular, safe, and accessible place. This project is unlike anything you’ve ever experienced, and it’s right on your doorstep.”

Six Senses Belize is targeting an opening by mid-2025. Belize is just 1.5 hours from Miami and 5 hours from New York. There are several onwards transfer options including via boat or helicopter.

BANGKOK – September 9, 2021 – Within just a few hours of the US, Belize is known for its warm and turquoise water, incredible snorkeling and diving, and active and…