With Iceland enjoying clean air, sustainable
energy and high national happiness, it is no surprise that Six
Senses Hotels Resorts Spas is daydreaming about the country of fire and ice
for its next development: Six Senses Össurã Valley. It will be a hub for people
passionate about nature, wellness and adventure by day, and indulgent dining,
comfortable beds and perhaps a glimpse of the Aurora Borealis by night.
Where
fairy tales come from
The rugged southeastern coast of Viking country has an expansive and diverse
natural environment. From glacier tongues, craggy volcanoes, ice-filled lagoons
and geothermal lakes to untouched highlands and long black beaches; many of
these natural wonders have become famed for their beauty and are visited
throughout the year (via the single ring road).
This is the mythical setting for Six Senses Össurã Valley, 4,000 acres (1,619
hectares) of privately-owned land in SvÃnhólar near Lóni. The flatland at the
southern end is adjacent to the Lón Lagoon, which is separated from the North
Atlantic Ocean by a beautiful black sand beach. This is the biggest gathering
space for swans in the country and Six Senses will be involved in monitoring
and protecting this Icelandic population.
Design
inspired by sustainability and spirituality
The first phase of the project will see the opening of a 70-guestroom resort
and private cottages dotted on the surrounding land serving as an icon for
sustainable living. Six Senses-branded residences will offer residents the
opportunity to call this exquisite location home and tap into all the unique
amenities and privileges of the Six Senses resort.
Built using renewable and locally-sourced materials and adhering to high
standards of energy and water efficiency, guest accommodation and residences
will tread lightly on the earth while providing an uncompromising level of
space and comfort. The projects architect John Brevard has added another layer
to the design brief to create a space that considers the implications of human
bioenergy, electromagnetism, astrology, sacred geometries and the principles of
Feng Shui. The goal is to align guests and residents with natural order and
hyperdimensional realities so they recharge and reconnect.
To this extent, the countrys mystical elves whose pyramid-shaped homes are
scattered around the land will also add a touch of mysticism to the projects
design.
The
space to flourish
Reinforcing the relationship between the inside and outside, while providing a
feeling of comfort and warmth, the resorts welcome lounge will feel integrated
into the surrounding environment and include a library, a cinema room, Earth
Lab showcasing the projects sustainability efforts, and a water bar.
Six Senses Spa with a functional fitness center, yoga studio and comprehensive
wellness programming will be a highlight of any stay. There will be a farmhouse
with an organic garden and a cooking school where chefs will share their
passion for hearty and healthy food and showcase farm-to-table seasonal
recipes.
All-day dining, a specialty restaurant offering seafood delicacies and a lively
bar will embrace indoor and outdoor living, following the guiding principles of
Eat With Six Senses. Meal with a view will take on another meaning with
different destination dining options ranging from over-water wooden walkways
and a romantic setting by a waterfall to a traditional boat house.
"This development epitomizes our commitment to finding locations where guests
can be right in the heart of nature, and where they will come face-to-face with
the raw beauty, power and soul of this magical destination. It will also appeal
to experience-seekers looking for something uniquely joyful and playful. Legend
holds that mystical elves still occupy the rocks and cliffs of this land. Each
time we talk about the project we smile," said Chief Executive Officer Neil
Jacobs of Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas.
Six Senses Össurã Valley is owned and being developed by the Ãlfaland Hotel ehf
under the care and creative inspiration of its partners; architect John
Brevard, fashion entrepreneur Ãslaug Magnúsdóttir and cultural entrepreneur
Jakob FrÃmann Magnússon.
Ãslaug Magnúsdóttir said, "Joining forces with Six Senses represents a great
alignment of visions: a passion for protecting Icelands natural habitat while
affording guests the opportunity to connect with pristine nature. Were excited
to be creating a special place dedicated to wellness, self-development and
sustainability in a breathtaking location. It is a first of its kind resort in
Iceland."
Exploring
beyond the resort
To the north, Six Senses Össurã Valley is surrounded by a mountain range and
the vast Össurã Valley and River. The valleys multiple waterfalls and
surrounding landscape lend themselves to out-of-the-ordinary experiences
including dog sledging, horseback riding, ice and rock climbing, bird watching
and boat trips.
To the northwest of the development is the Vatnajökull National Park with
Europes largest glacier and Icelands highest peak, the Öræfajökull volcano.
The dramatic southern landscapes have also provided breathtaking settings for
many movies and shows including Interstellar, Batman Begins, Lara Croft: Tomb
Raider, James Bond and Game of Thrones.
Six Senses Össurã Valley is located a 30-minute drive from the airport at Hofn.
Jökulsãrlón Glacial Lagoon, one of the most popular sites in the country to
watch the otherworldly color displays of Northern Lights, is an hours drive
away. Six Senses Össurã Valley is slated to open in 2022.