Six Senses Shaharut

"Why book? Luxury properties have been popping up in Israel , but this posh, remote destination deep in the Negev Desert is easily the standout. Seemingly sewn into a stark ridge, the small boutique resort is a seamless blend of artful pampering and site-specific architecture that has the most beautiful views I’ve ever seen: panoramas of sky, rocky desert that dips into a distant valley, and Jordan’s red granite Edom mountains towering in the distance. It kind of stunned me into mellow submission—I’ve never felt stress melt away so quickly. Add in chic, meticulously designed accommodations (a modern fusion of local cultures with an emphasis on Israeli artisanship), an expansive spa, and a host of “experiences,” from hikes and camel rides to guided tours of historic sites, and you have a getaway of biblical proportions. Set the scene A drive through the rough, dusty desert pocketed with angular mountains and wadis (small valleys) ends at Shaharut’s simple gate. Softly curved public buildings made of locally quarried stone and earthen-colored plaster peeked out from atop a high ridge, and when ferried up by cart (cars are left at the “experience center,” along with the organic garden and camels) we saw half-hidden guest rooms built into the cliffs, snaking along at organic angles. The public buildings—which include the signature restaurant, Midian, a state-of-the-art gym, and a two-level spa—are connected by small courtyards, dense stone walls, and archways that, despite the abundance of natural light, create a profound sense of privacy. Guests, however, are encouraged to gather for sunset cocktails on the long patio that extends from the very groovy Jamillah bar (it has an excellent vinyl record collection) to the signature Midian restaurant, and for good reason: It’s a spectacular blaze of color that ends in a star-packed indigo blue sky. Well-to-do guests are dressed in casual duds (not unexpected in Israel, where T-shirts are de rigueur). People take their time here, whether strolling to detox at the spa, lingering with a custom-infused liqueur after dinner, or splaying out in the amphitheater’s high-backed bean bag-like chairs to watch the stars. Its telescope is so strong that I saw an astounding sight: Saturn’s rings. The backstory Six Senses’s five-star hotels are designed to help guests reconnect with the land and themselves, and this is no exception. Ten years in the making, Shaharut was designed by family-run, Tel Aviv-based Plesner Architects, which won the property’s architecture competition. Plesner found inspiration from Nabataean architecture—the tribe was closely associated with a nearby ancient spice route—and their mission was to preserve, wherever possible, the desert’s natural surface and align with its topography. The rooms A sense of open space continues in the 60 rooms, which range from 645 square feet for the Six Senses Suites up to 6,930 square feet in the three-bedroom Private Reserve. Glass walls and doors that face the maximalist views flood the minimalist rooms with pastel-hued light. The color palette emphasizes creamy beiges and whites, but furnishings, organic textiles, and artifacts, curated worldwide, bring in pops of rich color. Brass fittings and steelwork were made by a local artisan farmer, and the handmade mattresses come from England. It’s a restful, luxe aesthetic that invites you to lounge and enjoy that view. Amenities are posh (crystal barware, flat panel smart TVs, Marshall Bluetooth speakers), and the bar’s sweet treats went perfectly with the custom brew of tea we made from herbs we picked in the garden. The best rooms are the Panoramic Pool Villas. Each has a private entrance where an oversized rough wooden door leads to what feels like an actual (expensive) home, replete with a capacious living room, bedroom, and bathroom with a walk-in shower that could fit five. The roomy patio has several cozy sitting areas perfect for the reading and napping we did before swimming laps in the private pool that seems to fall off the cliff into the desertscape. Food and drink There are several dining options, and all feature delicious Mediterranean- and Israel-influenced cuisine. (The Edom Pool Grill also has smoothies and homemade ice creams.) The Midian, though, is the best bet for breakfast and slightly more formal dinners, and not just because of the tabun oven churching out melt-in-your-mouth flatbreads. Whether indoors or out, you’ll overlook the resort’s best view (which is saying something), and the eclectic menu is fresh and creative. Breakfast, included in the price, is a feast of breads, cheeses, meats, sweets, egg dishes (the green shakshuka is a standout), pancakes, fruits, and more. Midian is as much as a hotspot as this laid-back resort gets, as most gather there for the evening meal. The spa Six Senses is known for full-immersion spa experiences, which is exactly what you’ll get at Shaharut. The lower of two levels has an indoor pool and alchemy bar where you can mix your own batch of relaxing botanicals from local ingredients. The spa proper has six treatment rooms, saunas, steam rooms, and a hammam, plus an extensive treatment menu. A massage that left me rubbery was enhanced by the free addition of hot stones my masseuse decided I needed for my lower back (which yes, yes I did). The neighborhood/area Shaharut is just 3.5 hours by car from both Jerusalem and Tel Aviv , but the desert drive, which takes you past the Dead Sea, feels as if you’ve left the world behind. (You can get there even faster by helicopter.) At the resort, civilization can be spotted in the green patch of a kibbutz below in the valley and the tiny makeshift town of Shaharut, peppering a distant cliff and populated by a ragtag and talented group of Israeli artists and artisans. The service The service is both cheerful and respectful—about what you’d expect from a staff made up of experienced hospitality workers and young people straight out of the army (Israelis have mandatory service), thrilled to be training under practiced hands in a gorgeous setting. The fact that many live and work together creates a communal, kibbutz-like vibe that adds to the resort’s relaxed atmosphere. While they take their cues from your needs, they also keep an eye out: Take a walk to the resort’s bottom “oasis” and you’ll have no shortage of staff driving by in carts to ask if you need a lift. For families A quiet vibe is high on the resort’s agenda, so this is a place for children 12 and older. Several suites and villas can sleep three guests, and larger families can enjoy the two-bedroom villa and Private Reserve. That said, children will love the camel rides, classes in the yoga studio and state-of-the-art gym, and the resort’s amply sized main pool. Eco effort The LEED-certified resort’s mission to conserve energy and offset carbon footprints has resulted in a variety of zero-waste targets, plus an on-site wastewater treatment facility. It relies on local produce and materials, supports surrounding communities and ecosystems, and works to reduce all packaging. Lighting was designed to prevent evening “light pollution” to keep the integrity of the desert as intact as possible. Accessibility All entryways in the indoor public spaces are access-friendly (either by ramp or elevator), as is the main pool. There are two accessible units on the property, which include wide entrances to showers with rails. Finally, in 100 words or less, what makes this hotel worthy of Hot List? In an industry where sustainability is the watchword, Shaharut is an example of how respect for nature can align with the needs of luxury travel. That it’s located in an unbeatable destination, one rarely on must-see lists, is what makes it extra special. Israel’s compact size also means that you can come to relax and explore the desert’s gorgeous hills and prehistoric settlements, while still having ample time to visit hopping Tel Aviv and the history-laden neighborhoods of Jerusalem and its Old City." - Roberta Bernstein

"In southern Israel’s Negev Desert, the Six Senses Shaharut works with local communities to arrange visits to a traditional kibbutz to learn about permaculture and organic farming. Guests can also take a guided tour that retraces part of an ancient 1,200-mile incense route, hearing about the history of regional trade along the way. Nothing in this otherworldly, arid landscape was removed from the site where the 60 LEED-certified guest rooms now stand. Each accommodation was created from wood and limestone reclaimed or sustainably sourced from the settlement grounds." - Jennifer Flowers

"Luxury wellness retreat with 60 suites, an Ayurvedic spa, multiple restaurants, and a camel stable."

"We’ve been keeping an eager eye on this long-overdue opening near the Negev for some time now. Expect the biblical heritage of this ancient valley—with a huge dose of Six Senses luxury and style. There are few better locations in the world, and this opening, with its panoramic suites, pool villas, and private reserve will put you right at the heart of things. As ever with Six Senses, expect exceptional dining, drinking, and facilities (there will be five restaurants on-site), as well as easy access to the Edom Mountains and local surroundings."

"A luxury hotel with rose-hued buildings where visitors can browse and purchase on-site created pottery, jewelry, and stained glass."