Six Senses Shaharut

Six Senses Shaharut: A Desert Oasis of Luxury and Tranquility

Nestled high in Israel's Negev Desert, Six Senses Shaharut stands as a testament to serene luxury and unparalleled natural beauty. This Michelin Key Selected property offers an extraordinary escape, seamlessly blending into its dramatic desert surroundings while providing world-class service and amenities. Guests consistently praise the resort for its breathtaking views, exceptional design, and commitment to creating a truly unforgettable experience.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for Six Senses Shaharut is overwhelmingly positive, with many guests describing it as an exceptional, unforgettable, and even "heaven on Earth" retreat. It consistently receives high ratings across various platforms, often lauded as one of the best hotels in Israel. The sentiment is one of awe and deep relaxation, with visitors feeling completely disconnected from the world. While a few isolated complaints exist, the vast majority of feedback highlights a truly remarkable stay.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently rave about several aspects that make Six Senses Shaharut stand out:

• Location & Views: The resort's setting amidst the rugged Negev Desert, overlooking the Arava Valley and Edom Mountains, is frequently cited as a major draw. The panoramic desert vistas, especially at sunrise and sunset, are described as breathtaking and surreal.
• Design & Architecture: The property's design is celebrated for its harmonious integration with the natural environment. Constructed from local stone, timber, and plaster, the 60 suites and villas blend seamlessly into the landscape, featuring earthy tones and minimalist decor inspired by Bedouin charm.
• Amenities: The resort boasts exceptional facilities, including stunning outdoor and indoor pools with desert views, a high-end spa with a hammam, sauna, steam room, and fitness center, as well as a variety of dining options. The commitment to sustainability is also a key highlight, with an Earth Lab demonstrating their eco-friendly measures.
• Service: Attentive, friendly, and exceptional service from the staff is a recurring theme in guest reviews. Many describe the staff as super friendly and dedicated to ensuring a memorable stay.

3. Room Quality

The rooms, suites, and villas at Six Senses Shaharut are described as luxurious, comfortable, and meticulously designed to embrace the desert environment.

• Design & Comfort: Accommodations feature elegant, eco-conscious design with natural materials, earthy colors, and raw stone walls. Guests appreciate the minimalist yet luxurious decor. Beds are noted for their supreme comfort, with high-quality Hanse sheets and specially sourced Naturalmat mattresses.
• Features: Each room offers air-conditioning, a private bathroom, modern amenities, and a terrace, balcony, or patio, many with sweeping Negev Desert views. Unique in-room amenities like desert walking sticks, sun hats, yoga mats, and Marshall speakers add to the experience.
• Space: Suites are generally large, with options like the Panorama Suite offering a bedroom and separate living area, and villas providing even more space, sometimes including private pools.

4. Dining Experience

The culinary offerings at Six Senses Shaharut receive high praise for their quality, variety, and focus on local, fresh ingredients.

• Restaurant Quality: The resort offers a creative approach to cuisine, blending Israeli and Mediterranean influences with a commitment to "Eat With Six Senses" philosophy, utilizing produce from organic gardens and local farmers. While not kosher-certified, the restaurants avoid pork and shellfish.
• Breakfast: The breakfast spread at the Midian restaurant is consistently highlighted as superb, delicious, and abundant, offering continental, buffet, vegetarian, and vegan options, along with local specialties, warm dishes, fresh pastries, and fruits.
• Dinner: Midian also offers a daily crafted à la carte dinner menu with Israeli-influenced progressive ethnic cuisine. Other dining options include Jamillah Bar for Mediterranean tapas and cocktails, and Edom View for barbecue with sweeping desert vistas. Private dining in villas or Bedouin picnics in the desert are also available.

5. Service & Staff

The hospitality at Six Senses Shaharut is consistently rated as exceptional.

• Attentiveness & Friendliness: Guests frequently commend the staff for being attentive, friendly, and genuinely caring. Many describe the service as impeccable and outstanding.
• Personalized Experience: The staff's efforts to make stays special are noted, including upgrades to panoramic view rooms. The resort also offers a welcome ritual upon arrival, with cooling towels and an orientation.
• Concierge Services: Concierge and room service are available, ensuring guests' needs are met throughout their stay.

6. Location & Accessibility

Six Senses Shaharut is located in a remote part of the Negev Desert, offering unparalleled tranquility and a unique connection to nature.

• Neighborhood & Attractions: The resort is situated high upon the Arava Valley, bordering Jordan, providing a sense of seclusion and stunning desert landscapes. Nearby attractions include the Hevel Eilot Negev Desert and the Arava Valley itself. Activities offered include desert hikes, mountain biking, stargazing, and potentially camel trekking.
• Transport: The remote location means accessibility can be a consideration. It's approximately a 3.5 to 4-hour drive from Tel Aviv or Jerusalem. The nearest airport is Eilat-Ramon Airport (ETM), about 45 minutes to 66 km away. The resort can arrange transfers, or guests can opt for a private helicopter transfer from Tel Aviv or Jerusalem for a significant cost.

7. Value & Pricing

Six Senses Shaharut is a luxury property, and its pricing reflects this exclusivity and high-end experience.

• Price Range: Room rates typically start around $850-$1,000 per night. Some reviews suggest it's "the most expensive hotel in Israel".
• Worth the Cost? While expensive, many guests consider the unique and charming experience, exceptional facilities, stunning location, and outstanding service to be well worth the splurge. Some reviews acknowledge it's "the perfect place for a getaway if money is not an issue".

8. Common Complaints

While generally highly rated, some guests have noted minor issues:

• Service Delays/Inconsistencies: A few guests have reported delays in communication regarding loyalty program credit and stay recognition. Isolated instances of slow breakfast service or minor cleaning issues have also been mentioned. One review mentioned a "horrible service, worst value for money vacation ever!", though this seems to be an outlier.
• Food Pricing/Policies: Some guests on half-board packages have expressed surprise at being charged for sparkling water or having dinner dishes counted separately, expecting dinner to be fully inclusive of non-alcoholic beverages.
• Remote Location Drawbacks: While a highlight for many, the remote location can be seen as a drawback for those seeking easy access to other attractions or more vibrant surroundings, requiring significant travel time.
• Minor Amenities: A guest noted that the in-room safe wasn't large enough to accommodate laptops, and that only Israeli-shaped outlets were available beyond the USB ports by the bed, requiring adapters. One visitor also mentioned a "bad smell (sewerage) at the entrance to our room".

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