Six Senses, part of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ Luxury & Lifestyle portfolio, is set to manage a new luxury resort at a 16th-century palace in Ávila, just 50 minutes from Madrid. The palace, expected to open at the end of 2026, is situated within a 250-acre country estate and will feature 60 guest accommodations.
The palace, known as El Quexigal, was built in 1563 by Juan de Herrera, the architect behind the Renaissance masterpiece El Escorial. The estate was once owned by King Felipe II and was managed by Jerome monks who produced oil, wine, honey, and food.
Madrid-based architects Arvo Arquitectura and interior designer Raphaël Navot are collaborating on the project. The plan is to preserve the original features of the palace and its auxiliary buildings, creating an atmosphere akin to a royal village.
The 60 guest accommodations will include 13 suites, a presidential suite with private gardens, and a fully serviced five-bedroom villa. The resort will cater to families, weekend visitors, and those looking for a retreat.
The resort’s signature restaurant and other dining locations will serve local, sustainable, and seasonal food. The resort will also feature a tasting room, pool bar and grill, a secret bar, and a themed bar in the old aviary.
Neil Jacobs, CEO of Six Senses, expressed excitement about the project, stating it will offer guests a unique resort experience within a historic palace and its beautiful grounds.
The joint venture partners, El Enebro and Sidercom stated that the project aims to preserve El Quexigal Palace’s heritage and create a sustainable future for it.
The resort will also include a Six Senses Spa, offering signature treatments and therapies. Other wellness features will include a vitality pool, Finnish sauna, steam room, and workshops at the Alchemy Bar. The resort will also host a Grow With Six Senses clubhouse for children and an observation deck for stargazing.
The Six Senses Quexigal Palace is the latest addition to IHG’s growing portfolio in Spain, which currently includes 55 open hotels and 15 properties in development. It is also Six Senses’ first property on the Spanish mainland.