
Sustainable Gastronomy Award 2024
Six Senses Ibiza: a commitment to conscious eating and holistic wellness
"The idea is to offer visitors a relaxing experience, for which we need there to be harmony between the environment, nature and the local culture of the island."
- Marta Cardoso, Regional Director of Sustainability at Six Senses
Six Senses Ibiza has managed to integrate its philosophy of sustainability and wellness through gastronomy in an exceptional way, winning the Sustainable Gastronomy award in the Traveling for Happiness 2024 awards. To talk about Eat with Six Senses is to talk about a culinary experience that satisfies guests and promotes respect for the environment and the local economy. With 82.7% of its food and beverage purchases sourced from Spain, Six Senses Ibiza reflects its commitment to local products, actively contributing to the development of the Ibizan community and minimizing its environmental impact.
The Eat with Six Senses initiative has redefined the dining experience for guests at Six Senses Ibiza, who find the hotel's culinary offerings a perfect complement to their health and wellness. "This proposal connects with a client who is looking for an experience focused on wellness and healthy eating," explains Six Senses Hotels Marketing Manager Samara Missaghian. The customized menus, based on local and organic ingredients, improve guests' health while creating a deeper connection to the company's holistic wellness philosophy.
This holistic approach allows guests to experience a stay that takes care of all aspects of their well-being, from rest to food. Guests who come for other reasons are pleasantly surprised to discover the importance the hotel places on conscious eating, and are loyal and return to Six Senses in other destinations. Customer satisfaction is reflected in their emotional connection with the concept of integral wellness that the brand promotes.
The Farm: the core of the ethical supply chain
At the center of gastronomic sustainability is The Farm, an agricultural farm based on permaculture practices, ecological and regenerative agriculture in which the entire staff works without pesticides or chemical fertilizers, opting for natural techniques and using compost with plant remains from the hotel to nourish the soil. "Soil health is key to ensuring long-term sustainability," Missaghian stresses, noting that the farm follows principles that seek to improve ecosystems.
However, the challenges have not been minor. These include water scarcity, the search for local seeds and the need to find people committed to the principles of sustainability. Although Six Senses Ibiza has only been in operation for a relatively short time, The Farm project represents a long-term investment that guarantees a source of fresh, healthy produce for the hotel, as well as a positive impact on the local environment.
The farm-to-table concept is a fundamental pillar of the Six Senses Ibiza philosophy. Each year, the team visits its local suppliers to strengthen their relationship and better understand their challenges and needs. "Our goal is to collaborate with local producers to ensure fresh, quality products, strengthening the local economy and creating a long-term relationship of trust," Missaghian comments. This collaboration fosters a sustainable and ethical business model that supports the region's producers and contributes to Ibiza's gastronomic identity.
In its facilities, Six Senses Ibiza has the Deli store, where local products such as olive oil, ceramics and wines are offered, giving visibility to the work of artisans and farmers in the area. This store directly connects guests with the Ibiza community, offering an experience that goes beyond consumption, encouraging respect and support for the local culture.
Kobi and Bea welcome guests at The Farm, where they conduct different sustainability activities and workshops. Photo: MarĂa Santos
Innovation and sustainability in the kitchen
Innovation is another key element that Six Senses Ibiza incorporates in its sustainable gastronomy proposal. At the hotel, innovation is not limited to the aesthetics of the dish, but also focuses on its nutritional value and zero-waste practices. "For us, the avant-garde is reflected in the appearance of the dish, as well as its nutritional value and the full utilization of the product," Missaghian says. This approach allows us to minimize waste and maximize the benefits of each ingredient.
The search for a balance between healthy and delicious has made Six Senses Ibiza a benchmark in sustainable gastronomy. By developing dishes that reflect the zero waste philosophy, the hotel's culinary team remains at the forefront of responsible gastronomic trends.
The brand has been able to differentiate itself in the tourism sector, integrating sustainability practices ranging from local and organic production to active community support. By inviting guests to participate in activities such as tours of The Farm and sustainability workshops, the hotel fosters transformative tourism that inspires its visitors to adopt more responsible practices in their daily lives. "Our guests feel part of a movement that goes beyond their stay," Missaghian says, highlighting the positive impact the Six Senses experience has on its guests.
By encouraging its guests to be conscious of their impact, Six Senses Ibiza promotes more ethical tourism while helping to preserve Ibiza's authenticity and natural environment for future generations.
At the Earth Lab, guests learn to make their own toothpaste, deodorant or lip balm, all with natural ingredients and plastic-free reusable containers. Photo: Six Senses Ibiza