Six Senses will open a new resort in the country of fire and ice for its next development: Six Senses Össurá Valley. Designed to be a hub for people passionate about nature, wellness and adventure, Six Senses Össurá Valley will be located on 4,000 acres (1,619 hectares) of privately-owned land in Svínhólar near Lóni.

The first phase of the project will see the opening of a 70-guestroom resort and private cottages dotted on the surrounding land serving as an icon for sustainable living.

Built using renewable and locally sourced materials, and adhering to high standards of energy and water efficiency, guest accommodation and residences will tread lightly on the earth. The project’s architect, John Brevard, has added another layer to the design brief to create a space that considers the implications of human bioenergy, electromagnetism, astrology, sacred geometries and the principles of Feng Shui. The goal is to align guests and residents with natural order and hyperdimensional realities so they recharge and reconnect.

To this extent, the country’s mystical elves, whose pyramid-shaped homes are scattered around the land, will also add a touch of mysticism to the project’s design.

Reinforcing the relationship between the inside and outside, the resort’s welcome lounge will feel integrated into the surrounding environment and include a library, a cinema room, Earth Lab showcasing the project’s sustainability efforts, and a water bar.

A Six Senses Spa will include a functional fitness centre, yoga studio and comprehensive wellness programming.

There will be a farmhouse with an organic garden and a cooking school where chefs will share their passion for hearty and healthy food and showcase farm-to-table seasonal recipes.

“This development epitomizes our commitment to finding locations where guests can be right in the heart of nature, and where they will come face-to-face with the raw beauty, power and soul of this magical destination,” said Neil Jacobs, CEO of Six Senses. “It will also appeal to experience-seekers looking for something uniquely joyful and playful. Legend holds that mystical elves still occupy the rocks and cliffs of this land. Each time we talk about the project we smile.”

Six Senses Össurá Valley is owned and being developed by the Álfaland Hotel ehf under the care and creative inspiration of its partners: architect John Brevard, fashion entrepreneur Áslaug Magnúsdóttir and cultural entrepreneur Jakob Frímann Magnússon.

Magnúsdóttir said: “Joining forces with Six Senses represents a great alignment of visions: a passion for protecting Iceland’s natural habitat while affording guests the opportunity to connect with pristine nature. We’re excited to be creating a special place dedicated to wellness, self-development and sustainability in a breathtaking location. It is a first-of-its-kind resort in Iceland.”

Six Senses has also just announced a new location in Costa Rica. Six Senses Össurá Valley is slated to open in 2022.