Six Senses, part of the IHG Hotels & Resorts luxury and lifestyle portfolio, has signed a hotel management agreement with Activos Turisticos de Mexico (ACTUR) for the development of Six Senses Xala, which is scheduled to open in 2026.
Xala: a thousand simple moments
Flanked by five miles of curving white-sand beach, the 3,000-acre terrain, located in the Costalegre or “Cheerful Coast” region of Jalisco, will offer both a sanctuary and a vibrant community among fragrant mango fields, coconut palms, pristine ocean, and the serene estuary waters of the Xola-Paramán.
Six Senses Xala: disconnect to reconnect
Secluded within this verdant landscape, yet just 10 minutes from the new Chalacatepec International Airport, Six Senses Xala will offer emotional hospitality as nature intended to guests seeking adventure, rejuvenation, and reconnection.
From riding Pacific waves as the sun rises to mornings in the buzzy plaza, lazy afternoons paddling in the estuary, restoring in the spa, or sundowners and homegrown farm-to-fork delicacies in the beach club, there are abundant ways to enjoy time in nature, considered design, places to meet, and untamed nooks for self-reflection.
On announcing the agreement, Neil Jacobs, Six Senses CEO, stated: “The heartwarming appeal of Xala is the absolute convergence of all the values and touchpoints of the Six Senses brand in an extraordinary location and in collaboration with world-class developers. Six Senses Xala will be an invitation to join us to enjoy wellness, sustainable practices, great food, and a whole host of family activities alongside a vibrant and joyful culture and community.”
Untouched on purpose with intentional design
Balancing copious space with intimacy and a “developed to be undeveloped” low-impact vibe, Six Senses Xala will comprise just 51 accommodations, all with private pools, ranging from beachfront and elevated guest rooms and suites to one- to three-bedroom villas. Their graceful village-like architectural direction embraces the wild landscape, and their careful placement takes advantage of the site’s view and topography to create moments of quiet introspection and communal celebration. Quirky touches will be used to inject a playfulness that is a signature of Six Senses globally while integrating Costalegre’s artistic heritage to bring a smile to the soul.
Moments away from the heart of Six Senses Xala are 25 four- and five-bedroom branded residences. Set back and elevated to enjoy their own uninterrupted beach view, they combine connectivity, convenience, privacy, and reprieve. Owners can access all of the unique amenities, privileges, and full-service hospitality of the community, along with turnkey, bespoke furnishing.
Maintaining the spirit of the region, working in partnership with the local community, and demonstrating the shared values of Six Senses and the Xala project team, efforts are underway to actively protect and revitalize the local flora and fauna. This includes the reforestation of 590 acres of land and the construction of a new coastal protection reef to create a consistently great wave to surf while safeguarding the marine habitat. The population of leatherback, Olive Ridley, and green sea turtles will continue to be monitored and protected. Local families and farms will also benefit from upgraded infrastructure, from renewable energy to the water supply and wastewater management.
Because everything is interconnected
Six Senses takes a holistic approach to wellness, with high-tech, high-touch spaces and therapies to help guests grow, reflect, and reconnect. For the active, the indoor gym and fitness amenities transition to the trails outside. For the peace-seekers, Six Senses Spa will offer a healing environment for locally inspired treatments, journeys, and multi-day wellness programs. The Alchemy Bar will highlight the rich history of regional healing techniques, blending freshly picked or foraged ingredients.
Lovingly prepared dishes that are nutritious and delicious
Food will follow the brand’s Eat With Six Senses philosophy while highlighting the best in local produce and flavors of Mexico’s Pacific Coast. The main restaurant will be joined by a signature restaurant, deli, farmers’ market, bakery, “feet in the sand” surf club and bar, destination dining to enjoy the theater of cooking in an earth oven, chef’s table, and cookery school. As a place to meet, lounge, celebrate, and regenerate, the Beach Club and pool will be a dynamic hub that transitions from morning to night while adapting to the seasons.
Because the fun starts young
Grow With Six Senses connects children to the world around them through the six dimensions of wellness. From exploring the forest for plants and herbs to marine biology, kids’ yoga, music, dance, arts and crafts, and mini spa treatments, there’s something to lure all eyes off screens, perhaps for the entire vacation.
Conscious custodians hold the keys
“We are thrilled to announce Six Senses as our main hospitality partner in Xala. We are proud to be working with a brand that mirrors our ethos and ambitions in regenerative travel and are excited to integrate this collaboration into the community that lies at the heart of this project,” commented Ricardo Santa Cruz and Jerónimo Bremer, Managing Partners of ACTUR.
A two-and-a-half-hour drive or 20-minute flight from Puerto Vallarta and a 10-minute drive from the new Chalacatepec International Airport, Six Senses Xala is slated to open in 2026.