Spa and resort operator Six Senses is in negotiations to establish a luxury spa near the Great Wall of China in order to tap into the country's lucrative health tourism market.

If negotiations are sucessful, it is understood that a Six Senses hotel and spa could open near to the Great Wall as early as 2007.

The Thailand-based operator is in discussions with a number of undisclosed mainland parties about the new site.

According to recent industry estimates in Greater China's newspaper The Standard, health tourism within the Asia-Pacific region is growing at a rate of 35 per cent each year, with Thailand, Indonesia and Vietnam emerging as market leaders.

Six Senses manages and develops resorts and spas under the Six Senses Spas, Six Senses Gallery, Soneva, Evason Hideaway and Evason Resorts brand names. Details: www.sixsenses.com