Six Senses Shaharut Opens June 2021

Six Senses Shaharut in Israel Will Open June 2021 as the 18th Six Senses resort, following the Six Senses Botanique in Brazil. Six Senses emphasizes sustainable luxury in unique destinations, and the new Six Senses Shaharut is likely to be one of the most unique luxury offerings in Israel when it opens, comparable to Al Maha Desert Resort outside of Dubai.

Shaharut translates as “the moment just before dawn,” an apt reference to the spectacular desert sunrises and sunsets visible from the resort, which is set on 46 acres of land.

Six Senses Shaharut Location and Getting There

Located in the southern part of the Negev Desert, which covers more than half of Israel, the resort is a 3.5 hour drive from Tel Aviv or Jerusalem, or a 45 minute drive from Ramon Airport, near Eilat, which has seasonal flights from Frankfurt FRA on Lufthansa, Helsinki HEL on Finnair, Amsterdam AMS and Paris Orly ORY on Transavia, and Moscow on various airlines, in addition to domestic flights from Tel Aviv. Another option is a helicopter charter from Tel Aviv, or to visit Six Senses Shaharut as part of a trip to Jordan: Petra is about a 3 hour drive, via the Wadi Araba/Yitzhak Rabin land crossing near the Israeli city of Eilat and the Jordanian city of Aqaba.

At time of writing, Israel has closed its borders as it seeks to keep out additional imported cases of the more transmissible COVID-19 variants, such as from the UK, South Africa and Brazil. That said, Israel has already vaccinated ~50% of its population, and expects to finish vaccinating its population later this spring. It will be the first country to vaccinate the vast majority of its citizens.

The Best Time to Visit the Negev Desert

As the summer months can be extremely hot, we recommend visiting April-early June (although try to avoid Passover, which is an extremely busy travel time) or in October.

Six Senses Shaharut Suites and Villas

The resort's 60 suites, pool suites and pool villas are nearly Aman-like in their simplicity and neutral hued use of natural stone and wood, although with some additional warm touches of copper, reclaimed teak, and Israeli-woven textiles. Suites are 645 square feet, open plan, with the bedroom and living area together, and sleep a maximum of 2 adults and 1 child. We'd recommend skipping the entry level Six Senses Suite and reserving at least a Panorama Suite, which offers 180 degree views of the Negev Desert and Arava Valley. The Pool Suite offers a private plunge pool, although families that want some privacy for parents will want to reserve a Panorama Pool Villa, 1344 square feet, as this offers a bedroom that is separated from the living room.

Six Senses Shaharut Panorama Pool Villa — Panorama Pool Villa, Six Senses Shaharut

Extended families or small groups can opt for the Panorama Two Bedroom Villa (1936 sq. ft.) or the 3 Bedroom Private Reserve, which sleeps up to 6 adults and one child.

In-suite amenities include a mini-bar with complimentary snacks, fireplaces, walking sticks and hats for exploring, and yoga mats. Guests in the Private Reserve, in addition to the private pool, have a private spa treatment room, steam room, fitness room, and a fully equipped Boffi kitchen with a pizza oven.

Six Senses Shaharut Dining

The resort's main restaurant is Midian, which will serve leisurely breakfasts from 6:30-11am, and new Israeli cuisine for dinner 6-10:30pm.

Edom View, which will be seasonally open 2-3 days per week, will offer Middle Eastern mezze, tapas, light bites and drinks from 4-11pm.

Edom Pool Grill, by the resort pool, will serve grilled meats, light snacks, drinks, and homemade ice cream from 10am-7pm.

Note that the Six Senses Shaharut is not kosher certified, but as the resort is sensitive to local culture and traditions, it avoids serving pork and shellfish.

Six Senses Shaharut Perks for TravelSort Clients

While the Six Senses Shaharut isn't yet a Virtuoso member, it's expected to later join Virtuoso and also to provide IHG Luxury & Lifestyle benefits once IHG further integrates Six Senses. These benefits include complimentary daily breakfast for two, room upgrade subject to availability on arrival, welcome amenity, guaranteed 2pm late check-out, and a value-added amenity.