Following on the heels of the resort's opening late last year, the 19,000sq ft (1,765sq m) Six Senses Spa Zil Pasyon in Félicité, the fifth largest island in Seychelles, is now open.
Created by Six Senses Architecture and Design team and Richard Hywel Evans of Studio RHE in London, the spa is completely immersed in the private island’s rocks, boulders, jungle and the Indian Ocean. It is designed to be an integral part of the island’s surrounding environment and to act as a mirror to the existing landscape, and features include an elevated open-air saltwater pool with a sundeck, sauna and steam rooms, as well as a yoga and meditation pavilion.
“At Six Senses Zil Pasyon, we felt that nature was so dramatic that we could not tame it; instead we wanted nature to tame us,” said Anna Bjurstam, vice president, Six Senses Spas.
“We looked at how nature could guide us in our design, and consequently we have treatment villas situated between rocks, on top of rocks and floating above the ocean. Even the yoga pavilion and wet area are not built inside a building – they are built on top of the rocks amongst lush foliage – and the infinity-edge pool offers expansive sea views for exclusive spa guest usage."
Located on top of a hill, the spa reception boasts sea views and includes manicure and pedicure stations. A circular, open-air oasis leads to female and male changing areas – from here, guests embark on a journey to the treatment villas, three of which are located next to the spa. This journey takes guests on a winding pathway through, and underneath, vast granitic rocks to five double treatment villas, made of refined timber and carefully positioned among the landscape.
Natural materials, such as wood and rock, chemical-free upholstery and biological lighting have all been used in an effort to ensure the design supports guests' circadian rhythms. Design-wise, the villas reflect the island’s colours, textures and moods, and have been created with the idea that guests will spend several hours there. They are linked with lightweight timber steps and rope bridges, while fabric shading-sails create areas for rest and relaxation.
The Rock Villa: Fully glassed and constructed between large granite boulders, this villa is entered via a platform and features a rock shower on the cliff edge.
The Hanging Villa: This villa is built on a large rock and its outdoor deck provides a perfect setting for post-treatment renewal and relaxation.
The Ocean Villa: Approached through a descending walkway set between dramatic boulders and passing through a cave, this villa is located right above the water, offering 180-degree views of the sea.
The Nature Villa: Surrounded by vegetation and designed to help guests reconnect with nature, this villa features an outdoor shower experience, herbal steam room and swinging day bed.
The Cave Villa: Has a herbal steam area and swinging day bed.
The spa offers a range of signature facials and body therapies by The Organic Pharmacy and locally-inspired scrubs and beauty services.
There will also be five exclusive journeys from organic skincare brand Terres d’Afrique, including the Ocean Journey combining aromatherapy, acupressure and reflexology with hot and cold massage techniques to unblock energy pathways; the Rock Journey which is designed to release muscle aches, stress and tension by using stretching techniques and cross muscle fibre techniques with heat; the Floating Journey which focuses on reconnecting the body and mind, and uplifting the spirit; and the couples' spa journey (Ubuntu), which reignites togetherness in a mindful and playful way through a series of treatments and time spent together.
Also on offer is wellness screening: experts measure and analyse key physiological biomarkers of health to provide guests with lifestyle advice, and design a personalised program of treatments, fitness and wellness activities; and the Six Senses Yogic Programmes including Discover Yoga, Yogic Detox and Yogic Sleep. A strategically positioned viewing deck will also be used to host a variety of wellness classes.
Six Senses Zil Pasyon is located on the private island of Félicité. The 30-villa resort occupies one third of the total land and has been designed to embrace the picturesque landscape of untouched beauty.
