Black sand beaches, dramatic waterfalls and mystical elves are some of the sights visitors can expect to discover at Six Senses Össurá Valley, which is being developed on a 1,619-hectare estate in Iceland’s southeast coast.
Flanked by the mountainous landscape of the Össurá Valley and Vatnajökull National Park to the north and the swan-nesting expanse of Lón Lagoon to the south, the project will include 70 rooms and cottages, 20 privately-owned Six Senses-branded residences and a Six Senses Spa, all on the doorstep of some of Iceland’s most spectacular scenery. The country’s glacial landscapes, active volcanoes and geothermal lakes provide plenty of opportunity for active visitors, and a programme of dog sledding and horseback excursions, ice and rock climbing trips and bird watching tours mean guests will be spoiled for choice.
The main lodge will feature a library and cinema room, a water bar and an Earth Lab that showcases the sustainable initiatives implemented across the resort. Architect John Brevard, one of the project’s partners, promises a low-impact design incorporating locally sourced building materials and the highest standards of energy and water efficiency.
A traditional farmhouse and organic garden will permit chefs to create seasonal menus with produce grown on site as part of the company’s Eat With Six Senses programme, and guests will be able to hone their culinary skills at the resort’s cookery school. Destination dining will make the most of the natural setting, with the option to create a unique table for two at a traditional boathouse or next to a waterfall. And the elves? Look out for the pyramid shaped rocks that dot the landscape; locals think they might be home to Iceland’s huldufólk, ‘hidden people’ in traditional folklore.
www.sixsenses.com