SIX SENSES ON RAPID EXPANSION MODE

Six Senses Hotels Resorts & Spas, which was taken over by Pegasus Capital Advisors two years ago, has been on a rapid expansion mode owing to the increased financial backing received from the new parent company. The investment is aimed at upgrading the Six Senses brand and making it the hospitality company of the 21st century, revealed Omar Romero, Vice President of Development, Six Senses Hotels Resorts & Spas, on the sidelines of the recently concluded HICSA 2014 in Mumbai.

Speaking about their new developments, he informed that the company currently has 10 operational properties and 30 operational spas, with another 8-10 establishments in various phases of development across the globe. A China property will be launched this year, three establishments will follow next year in Seychelles, and another two in Europe – France and Portugal, among others. Furthermore, Six Senses will soon begin construction of its first property in Bhutan, one of five hotels that will be spread across the destination to create a circuit that will showcase the country. Taiwan and Bali are also part of the company’s pipeline.

When asked about the India market, Romero commented that the company is very interested in the India market, and is in discussions with potential partners here for properties, possibly in Goa, the South of India and the Himalayas. “It’s all early stages, so I cannot divulge too many details yet, but we hope to have 10-12 properties in India in the next four to five years. We need a portfolio of properties that will complement each other without competing with each other,” he added.

Elaborating on their plans for India, Romero commented that their delay in entering India is not because of lack of opportunity, but because the brand has not been able to find the right location yet. “We want to ensure that whenever we foray into the market it is with the right location. That it will be successful financially and in terms of brand awareness. India is extremely large and diverse, and opportunities for a brand like ours are, hence, tremendous. But we need to increase the brand’s visibility. Keeping this is mind we hope to foray into India through properties in gateway cities or metros,” he said.

He further stated that Six Senses hopes to bring in a portfolio of hotels that are a combination of properties in major cities, business regions and leisure destinations. The company is looking to develop properties through management contracts in India. “We have already partnered with the Lodha Group in India for a spa establishment in Worli, Mumbai. The Spas in India will be standalone developments and will be part of residential complexes so as to attract the residents as well as external members to use the wellness and fitness facilities in the establishment,” he stated.