Salt Cay: Six Senses

Haidee and I are back from our fact finding mission to Asia. Many have asked what we saw and experienced:

We have had the Six Sense experience of the SLOW LIFE…Sustainable-Local-Organic-Wholesome-Learning-Inspiring-Fun-Experiences. A visit to Six Senses is where “your suitcase is filled with memories not soon to be forgotten”.
As you enter a Six Sense property you see that mono agriculture (either rubber plantations or coconut groves) have been inter planted with indigenous vegetation and plots of various agricultural commodities (namely fruits, vegetables, and herbs) that are used in the various on site restaurants.
The buildings are unobtrusive and in harmony with the environment. They use the latest energy saving techniques & design and are positioned to take advantage of the natural environment in which they are placed. The rooms have a natural feel, no highly polished wood finishes or flashy fixtures, truly understated elegance and comfort. The fabrics used are of high quality and if not pure white, they are colored only with natural dyes. The typical consumable amenities such as shampoo and hand lotion are in decorative reusable, refillable dispensers. The private rooms are either surrounded by glass or open to the outside giving the guest a feeling of oneness with nature. It was obvious to us that preference is always given to purchasing locally made goods that are environmentally friendly.
Behind the scenes in the “Heart of the House” everything that is used on the property is recycled, water is provided from their own reservoirs, and compost is utilized not only for gardening & landscaping, but to produce energy. All the water is recycled, be it sewage water, grey water or laundry water. Additionally all drinking water is purified and bottled on site. Every member of the staff becomes your host when you visit a Six Senses property. These hosts are mostly local personnel who are provided room & board, as well as areas to socialize, view television, accesses the Internet, do laundry, etc. Six Senses provides continuous training for their hosts and other employees. This increases the opportunities for all for employees to advance within the organization through training specific to the task or general training in languages. All hosts are required to attend video and class updates on environmental issues and awareness. On top of it all, the various teams, be it gardeners, restaurant & wait staff, mechanical, or housekeeping are all concerned that you have the optimal experience at Six Senses.

All of the Six Senses resorts are committed to working with the local community and have numerous programs, both educational and environmental. They work hand in hand with local governments to improve the environment through such activities as a recycling program, replanting of mangroves or environmental education. The larger Six Senses resorts provide a nature trail for school field trips with hands-on activities that promote the understanding of our natural resources and how to sustain and use them wisely. After our visit to multiple Six Senses properties, it was obvious to us that this is Eco-Tourism at its best. Not only are the resorts home to world class restaurants, spas and accommodations, but they are also home to a responsible and ecologically sound business that enhances the local environment and fits seamlessly into the local culture and heritage.

For more information check out: www.sixsenses.com