Six Senses Belize is born on a truly unique site: Cayo Rosario. This 10-acre mangrove island, featuring an interior estuary in the Caribbean Sea off the coast of Belize, is a sanctuary rich in terrestrial and marine wildlife. Our team was entrusted with the unique challenge of integrating the project’s architecture with the existing landscape, creating an immersive and unforgettable experience for guests, all while acting as the guardians of nature.
Our creative philosophy is rooted in designing for three clients: flora, fauna, and people. We strive to strike a delicate balance between art and science, creating projects that not only preserve but also enhance the environment for all three.
Cayo Rosario is a true natural treasure. We discovered it to be filled with invaluable “natural jewels” that demanded preservation. Working against the clock, we reconfigured the project’s master plan before construction began. This required solving three primary challenges: first, to preserve and integrate these natural assets into the project; second, to maintain the integrity of the original resort program; and third, to create new experiences that emerge from the harmonious integration of flora, fauna, and human presence.
At the heart of Cayo Rosario lies a mangrove forest surrounded by an estuary, designated as a natural reserve. Through elevated walkways and observation platforms, guests can explore and experience this environment without disturbing its delicate ecosystem. The Earth Lab was conceived as an educational and research center, offering activities for children and raising awareness among guests about the critical role mangroves play in the environment.
However, preserving what already existed was not enough. We sought to enhance it. Through the Riley Encased Methodology (REM), new mangrove areas were introduced throughout the project. These interventions strengthen the existing marine nursery, while simultaneously creating privacy, enhancing views, and providing wind protection for the overwater villas, a true symbiosis between human design and nature.
The spa village, aromatic garden, main pool, and signature restaurants were carefully positioned within Cayo Rosario. Through the thoughtful use of native species, each landscape was designed to express the unique identity and concept of its respective space.
The project was developed in close collaboration with experts in biology and hydrology, ensuring that every path, amenity, and villa is enriched by a state of peaceful coexistence with the environment. Nature is not decoration; it is a source of life and meaning. By protecting nature, we ultimately protect ourselves. This cycle is essential and must be respected. For example, the roots of the preserved mangroves not only provide breathtaking views but also protect the cay from hurricanes and erosion. Through the union of artistic vision and scientific rigor, complex challenges are resolved with clarity.