Six Senses enters into its first sub-Saharan African project, which will front Princess Elizabeth Island on the approach to the largest waterfall in the world. The partially concealed, tree-level lodges at Six Senses Victoria Falls will be ecological, tactile, and understated to provide a bird’s eye platform for what’s most important, an authentic connection with the verdant nature and wildlife all around.
The resort is part of The House of Chinhara initiative to recover the majesty of Zimbabwean tourism by elevating the available accommodation count and quality for visitors to the Victoria Falls National Park, as well as providing host accommodation facilities and hospitality training opportunities. Victoria Falls comprises five individual falls, four of which are located in Zimbabwe. Of course, the animals know no borders, and elephants, pods of hippos, buffalo, big cats, and primates will be doing their thing under the lodges, raising the question of who is watching who.
With its trademark ethos of conscious travel, Six Senses is working with the development team of Worth International, comprising SIP Project Managers, DSA Architects International, and CKR Consultant Engineers, on a modular scheme consisting of a series of stilted wooden structures. This will match the weightless aesthetic with mighty engineering innovation to ensure the lightest possible footprint while still withstanding a heavy knock from a passing elephant. Fabricated off-site to minimize construction impacts, the arrangement of lodges and villas will be connected by raised walkways and bridges.
From the main welcome pavilion, guests will transfer to the lounge lobby, where amenities will include a raised restaurant and lounge, specialty dining and braai bar, and sunset look-out bar. The Six Senses Spa and wellness facilities will include four treatment rooms, a gym, a yoga deck, outdoor hot pools, a panoramic sauna, and an integrated retail and concept store. The jungle gym is literal and therefore accompanied by a ranger.
In addition to the 22 lodges with private terraces, there will be 15 deluxe lodges with suspended pools. Some of these lodges can be inter-connected. Plans are afoot for 17 individual pool villas, nine of which offer multi-bedroom accommodation. The seamless blurring of the interior and exterior design evokes reconnection to nature and moments of mindfulness to breathe in the savannah breezes and river mists to the rhythm of a chirruping cicada.
The brief to the DSGN interior design consultancy team is to capture the eclectic and authentic spirit of Zimbabwe. The timber floors and natural finishes will serve as a canvas to showcase ceremonial and bespoke furnishings and artwork. The aim is to achieve timeless sophistication and comfort overlayed with colors, textures, and craftsmanship.
Along with on-site signature experiences such as the Earth Lab, Alchemy Bar, and Grow With Six Senses children’s activities, Six Senses Victoria Falls couldn’t be better placed for access to the river on the Six Senses cruiser, the falls, the game reserves, and paying homage to Zimbabwe’s heritage and artisan culture.
Six Senses Victoria Falls is slated to open in 2025.