Six Senses Sanctuary in Phuket — the first destination spa from Six Senses Resorts & Spas — will close on July 31 after just three years of operations, HotelierMiddleEast.com has learned.
Six Senses Resorts & Spas has agreed with the owner of Six Senses Sanctuary to “mutually part company” and terminate the management agreement for the property, which is located on Naka Yai island.
In an email seen by HotelierMiddleEast.com yesterday, Six Senses CEO and chairman Sonu Shivdasani thanked his team and said: “The economic climate has been against us and we have all learned a lot”.
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He wrote: “It is with much regret that I must announce that Six Senses Resorts & Spas and the owner of Six Senses Sanctuary in Phuket have today decided to end the Management Agreement between us relating to Six Senses Sanctuary. As a result Six Senses Sanctuary will close on July 31st, 2011”.
Shivdasani explained: “Six Senses Sanctuary has been open for just three years. In that time it has achieved a great deal. A great reputation and following amongst its guests, a strong identity in the industry — including many top awards, such as the Tatler (UK) Best Spa 2008, CNT UK Hot List, CNT US Hot List and Best Spa in the Asia Spa Awards — and the global positioning of Six Senses Sanctuary as a brand.
“Unfortunately, the financial results have not matched the positioning of the concept or its broad welcome and support by the industry and guests”.
The email said that the Phuket property would be taken over by a new management company, undergo refurbishment and reopen as a luxury pool villa in high season later this year.
Meanwhile, Six Senses Sanctuary will continue as a brand, stated Shivdasani.
“The development team has already identified possible sites for future developments. Six Senses knowledge and commitment to wellness, health and holistic therapies, makes this a natural path of development for the company,” he said.
No-one at Six Senses was available yesterday for comment.
The Six Senses website states that Six Senses Sanctuary Phuket will be closed for renovations from August 1 through September 30, 2011 inclusive.
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