Highest level of accreditation awarded to Six Senses properties following comprehensive process to underscore the brand’s exemplary commitment to
sustainability.
(IN SHORT) Six Senses has achieved the highest level of sustainability certification from Control Union, verifying its commitment to reducing environmental impacts, enhancing cultural heritage, and supporting local communities. The certification follows an extensive audit, underscoring Six Senses’ dedication to sustainability in all aspects of its operations. The brand has also introduced initiatives like the Sustainability Fund and “Journey to Plastic Freedom” Playbook, as well as actively promoting local cultural traditions and social development through its properties worldwide. Six Senses continues to set the bar for responsible tourism and sustainable hospitality as part of IHG’s broader sustainability goals.
(PRESS RELEASE) London, UK, 2025-Jan-21 — /Travel PR News/ — Six Senses properties have been awarded the highest level of certification by Control Union, an accredited certification body recognized by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC). This certification follows an extensive audit process that highlights the brand’s commitment to sustainability, encompassing environmental impact reduction, preservation of cultural heritage, and support for local communities.
According to Jeff Smith, Vice President of Sustainability at Six Senses, “GSTC Certification represents a mark of trust in sustainability. This recognition is a proud achievement for our properties and sustainability teams who work tirelessly to deliver exceptional hospitality while prioritizing environmental stewardship and community engagement.”
The GSTC Certification is a prestigious seal in sustainable tourism, addressing the need for credible, measurable sustainability practices. By adhering to comprehensive certification criteria, Six Senses is able to counteract the trend of “greenwashing” in the hospitality sector, ensuring that sustainability claims are authentic and backed by meaningful actions.
Smith emphasizes that sustainability has been an integral part of Six Senses’ ethos since its founding in 1995. “From the design of our hotels to our commitment to Plastic Freedom and our efforts to minimize environmental impacts, sustainability is part of every decision we make,” he says.
The certification assesses sustainability across four primary areas: sustainability planning, environmental impact reduction, cultural heritage enhancement, and social and economic benefits for local communities. Each Six Senses property is led by a dedicated Sustainability Director, and Earth Labs serve as hubs for innovative and engaging projects like marine conservation, renewable energy use, and sustainable farming practices.
Furthermore, Six Senses has introduced a Sustainability Fund, allocating 0.5 percent of total hotel revenue from guest bookings to support impactful local initiatives. This fund aims to enhance projects outside the hotel walls, ensuring long-lasting benefits for surrounding communities.
Sustainability planning at Six Senses is also evident in their LEED certification goals. The brand has earned LEED Platinum at several properties, including Six Senses Southern Dunes, The Red Sea, and Six Senses Vana in India, underscoring its commitment to environmentally conscious architecture and design.
The brand’s pioneering work toward plastic-free hospitality is another milestone, with the “Journey to Plastic Freedom Playbook” leading the industry with over 80 tested solutions to reduce plastic usage across operations. Six Senses has also been involved in preserving and celebrating local traditions, from Bhutan’s tshechu festivals to Fiji’s yaqona ceremonies.
In addition to its environmental efforts, Six Senses prioritizes social responsibility through local hiring and sourcing practices, promoting socio-economic development in the areas where it operates. Partnerships with local NGOs and schools further strengthen its community impact.
As part of IHG’s broader sustainability strategy, Six Senses is a leader in responsible tourism and sustainable hospitality. The brand’s efforts are in alignment with IHG’s ambitious “Journey to Tomorrow” plan, aimed at driving positive change for people, the planet, and communities.
NOTES TO EDITORS
*All operating Six Senses hotels are included in the GSTC group certification excluding new openings in Kyoto and Grenada and further pipeline properties, which were not open and eligible at the time of audit. These properties adopt the same sustainability philosophy as the wider Six Senses portfolio, and it is the brand’s intention that they will become certified at the next available opportunity.
Six Senses Kaplankaya and Six Senses Kocataş Mansions, İstanbul are already GSTC Certified within the Türkiye National Sustainable Tourism Program and therefore are also not included in this same group certification program, however they are equally compliant with GSTC and Six Senses sustainability criteria.
About IHG
IHG Hotels & Resorts [LON:IHG, NYSE:IHG (ADRs)] is a global hospitality company, with a purpose to provide True Hospitality for Good.
With a family of 19 hotel brands and IHG One Rewards, one of the world’s largest hotel loyalty programmes, IHG has over 6,500 open hotels in over 100 countries, and more than 2,200 in the development pipeline.
- Luxury & Lifestyle: Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas, Regent Hotels & Resorts, InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, Vignette Collection, Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, Hotel Indigo
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- Essentials: Holiday Inn Hotels & Resorts, Holiday Inn Express, avid hotels
- Suites: Atwell Suites, Staybridge Suites, Holiday Inn Club Vacations, Candlewood Suites
- Exclusive Partners: Iberostar Beachfront Resorts
InterContinental Hotels Group PLC is the Group’s holding company and is incorporated and registered in England and Wales. Approximately 375,000 people work across IHG’s hotels and corporate offices globally.
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About Six Senses
Six Senses, part of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ luxury and lifestyle portfolio, operates 27 hotels and resorts in 21 countries and has signed a further 43 properties into the development pipeline.
Six Senses serves as a changemaker and maintains a leadership commitment to community, sustainability, emotional hospitality, wellness, and crafted experiences, infused with a touch of quirkiness. Whether an exquisite island resort, mountain retreat, or urban hotel, the vision remains the same: to reawaken people’s senses so they feel the purpose behind their travels and ultimately reconnect with themselves, others, and the world around them.
Six Senses Residences offers all the unique amenities of a resort life community while retaining the privacy and personal touches of a beautifully appointed private villa or apartment. Each is an appreciating long-term investment to be cherished for generations to come with immediate benefits and exclusive status at other resorts worldwide.
Six Senses Spas guide guests on their personal path to well-being in all resorts as well as a handful of standalone spas. The high-tech and high-touch approach goes beyond ordinary beauty treatments to offer holistic wellness, integrative medicine, and longevity.
Media Contact:
Ellie Mainwaring
Global Senior Communications Manager
Luxury & Lifestyle Brands
ellie.mainwaring@ihg.com
+44 (0) 7823 372 559
Source: IHG
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