Merging sustainability and luxury – Six Senses set to launch first Alps resort

A new resort in the Austrian Alps, bringing together the principles of sustainability and well-being together with ultimate luxury, is set to launch in the Easter of 2022.

Located up high in the ski area of Kitzbühel, Six Senses resort will aim to set a new standard when it comes to providing eco-aware, sustainable living without compromising on a luxurious lifestyle. In fact, it claims it will elevate luxury to a whole new level.

There is a respected international name behind the scheme, with Dr Walther Staininger overseeing the project. Born in Linz at the height of the Second World War, he achieved a PhD in economics and worked at a carpeting company, before launching his own entrepreneurial ventures via the Middle East - where he successfully spearheaded an interior design company outfitting hotels and royal palaces - and Eastern Europe, where he struck deals and oversaw a portfolio of shopping complexes, condos and various mix-use and commercial real estate valued at €2 billion.

Later, he became one of the most influential boutique real estate developers in Austria – everything from his ‘crown jewel’ imperial Palais buildings to luxury condominiums transformations at Vienna city centre addresses (Riemergasse 2, Bellariastrasse 8 and Riemergasse 7), with the latter developed and packaged as a Four Seasons Hotel and Residences when he sold his stakes.

He also carried out an ambitious urban development in Salzburg, and has an existing pipeline of a prestigious new development in Kitzbühel city centre and, of course, Six Senses Kitzbühel Alps, labelled as the first sustainable luxury village. Now nearly 80 years old, Dr Staininger’s mission is to effect lasting change in the hospitality industry in Austria.

Along with the expert eye of Dr Staininger, the interiors are being created by Martin Brudnizki, the acclaimed international interior designer, who is known for taking risks and defying convention, but at the same time creating timeless, elegant interiors.

The new resort will be the first of its kind in Austria, with the new residences and spa located in the largest protected habitat in the Austrian region.

The ‘Six Senses’ development will include a mountain spa and hotel (with around 77 rooms and suites). The spa will be home to bio saunas and herb steam rooms, all reflecting the natural environment and sustainable eco-concept. 

Serviced residences will also be available to buy – with 15 chalets (from €5.5 million) and 45 apartments (from €1.5 million)

The residences are set to provide panoramic views across the region’s largest protected habitat, with interiors using natural, locally sourced materials, created by Brudnizki in his first Alps project.

The development will aim for a village atmosphere with various family amenities, a kids spa and sporting, active and nature opportunities.

There will also be a ‘wonderful forest to table foodie concept’, which will aim to encapsulate the natural surroundings and ‘green’ ideology, while the first owners of the residences will be first to own and experience Porsche’s first zero-emissions electric car – the ‘Porsche Taycan’.

Dr Staininger, the owner and developer of the scheme, said: “With Six Senses Kitzbühel Alps we are aiming to create a new Alpine way of life – an environmentally-conscious joie de vivre. Away from absorption in digital aliases and hectic lives, simply back to pure. In harmony and connection with all the beauty that surrounds us.”

Brudnizki added: “We feel like the early day explorers, discovering new terrains and uncharted territories. It’s great to work with progressive developers who allow us to execute our vision and go to places never gone before. We challenge ourselves every single day on this project to stay true to our style, develop it further, and to deliver on the Six Senses out of the ordinary brand promise.”

You can find out more here.