Six Senses Announces its First Project in South America

Image: Six Senses Formosa Bay in Brazil (Courtesy Six Senses)
Image: Six Senses Formosa Bay in Brazil (Courtesy Six Senses)
Mia Taylor
by Mia Taylor
Last updated: 3:20 PM ET, Tue June 5, 2018

SixSenses Hotels Resorts Spas has announced plans to expand into South America.

The brand's first hotel on the continent is slated to open in 2021. Six Senses Formosa Bay will be located in Brazil's most eastern territory, at Baia Formosa, a name which translates to "Beautiful Bay."

Part of the Eco Estrela Project, the site features nearly 4.5 miles of Atlantic Ocean beachfront and covers an area of 6,350 acres. The property was formerly home to a coconut plantation, which shared the land with prolific mangroves.

Once the hotel development is complete, guests will be able to navigate through the mangroves by boat. Ongoing development of additional freshwater canals and lakes will be aimed at enhancing the experience and providing opportunities for a host of water activities, the company said in a statement.



Continuing Six Senses well-known sustainability commitments, construction materials will come from sustainable sources and repurposed materials, much of which is produced within Brazil.

Designs for the property's villas, which are still being finalized, will also emphasize minimum energy consumption wedded to guest comfort. Furnishings will be created to evoke a natural and neutral theme with splashes of vibrancy reflecting Brazil's colorful culture.

The property's main facility structures such as restaurants and the spa will take on individual design characters and themes to heighten guest experiences.

And in another eco-conscious turn, travel within the resort will be via electric buggies, bicycles and foot power.

Design plans call for 73 one- two- and three-bedroom Pool Villas located on the north of the site. There will also be 54 two- and three-bedroom Family Villas at the center of the property with family and wellness orientation; and finally, 58 three- four- and five-bedroom Six Senses Residences to the property's southern section, which will be available for private ownership.

The unique resort has also earmarked an area on the property to establish an organic farm, which together with local farmers and the fishing community, will provide much of the produce used in its kitchens.

"Six Senses is thrilled to be developing this fantastic venture with our project partner Greg Hajdarowicz owner of Gremi International S.a.r.l.," Wolf Hengst, executive chairman of Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas, said in a statement. "Our joint synergies and common values on sustainability, wellness and hospitality vision will allow us to create a varied and responsible atmosphere. We could not ask for a more superb site for a Six Senses development in this amazing country."

Guests will encounter unique experiences from the moment of arrival, including two choices of reaching the property: arriving by water from the mouth of the boundary river or by a road meandering through the old coconut plantation.

A third option is by beach at low tide from Formosa Bay, however, this option is seasonal as sea turtles use the beach for nesting and will be protected by the resort. There can be up to 200 nests at various times of the year and the resort will establish a sea turtle research facility to be managed by the local preservation center.

Activity options at Six Senses Formosa Bay will include sailing, line fishing, paddling, kayaking, stand-up boarding and exploring the rich preservation of flora and fauna, including fascinating birdlife. Experienced surf aficionados meanwhile, can catch big waves and fans of kitesurfing will find the property's location ideal for that sport as well.

Just beyond the resort is the local village of Baia Formosa, where the prime activity is fishing, but visitors may also discover artisans utilizing regional raw materials. Slightly further afield is the largest reserve of Atlantic forest, covering almost 5,000 acres.


For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.

Topics From This Article to Explore

More From TravelPulse

Related Videos

Mia Taylor

Mia Taylor

Senior Editor

Mia Taylor is an award-winning journalist who has two decades of experience. Most recently she worked as a staff writer for America's largest digital publisher DotdashMeredith, where she contributed stories on a daily basis to four of the company's most iconic brands - Parents,Real Simple, Better Homes & Gardens, and Health. Her work has also appeared in Travel + Leisure, The Boston Globe, The San Diego UnionTribune, Westways Magazine, Fortune, and more.

Grow Your Travel Business With Certified Courses

Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Puerto Vallarta Specialist ProgramEnveloped in the beauty of a by-gone time, this colorful town on Mexico’s Pacific Coast is sure to win...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Korea Travel Specialist ProgramThis course will allow you to explore this fascinating country's incredible diversity of experiences...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Costa Rica Specialist ProgramCosta Rica Specialist Program academy ENROLL NOW Costa Rica offers golden shores, fish-filled waters,...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Puerto Vallarta Specialist ProgramEnveloped in the beauty of a by-gone time, this colorful town on Mexico’s Pacific Coast is sure to win...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Korea Travel Specialist ProgramThis course will allow you to explore this fascinating country's incredible diversity of experiences...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Costa Rica Specialist ProgramCosta Rica Specialist Program academy ENROLL NOW Costa Rica offers golden shores, fish-filled waters,...

Don't Miss These Travel Agent Events and Trainings

Upcoming Webinar
Authentically Mediterranean: Discover Celestyal’s New Western Mediterranean Itineraries & Iconic ClassicsTuesday, July 21, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
The Mediterranean is more than just a destination, it’s our home. Join Celestyal to learn why we are...
Upcoming Webinar
July The Travel Corporation WebinarTuesday, July 21, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Save your spot for this upcoming webinar! Details coming soon!
Upcoming Webinar
Sani/Ikos Group: Luxury Beachfront Resorts in Greece & SpainTuesday, July 28, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join us for an exclusive webinar introducing Sani/Ikos Group, a collection of luxury beachfront...
Upcoming Webinar
Authentically Mediterranean: Discover Celestyal’s New Western Mediterranean Itineraries & Iconic ClassicsTuesday, July 21, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
The Mediterranean is more than just a destination, it’s our home. Join Celestyal to learn why we are...
Upcoming Webinar
July The Travel Corporation WebinarTuesday, July 21, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Save your spot for this upcoming webinar! Details coming soon!
Upcoming Webinar
Sani/Ikos Group: Luxury Beachfront Resorts in Greece & SpainTuesday, July 28, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join us for an exclusive webinar introducing Sani/Ikos Group, a collection of luxury beachfront...