SPAIN | Part of IHG's luxury portfolio, Six Senses Quexigal Palace will recreate a 16th-century ambience in the heart of Madrid.
Quietly tucked away in Ávila, just 50 minutes from Madrid, lies the 16th-century Quexigal palace with a story to tell. Six Senses, part of IHG Hotels & Resorts' fast-growing Luxury & Lifestyle portfolio, has signed a hotel management agreement with the joint venture created by Sidercom and El Enebro to welcome guests like the royalty of centuries past within a 100-hectare (250 acre), 60-key country estate, which is expected to open at the end of 2026.
Built in 1563 by Juan de Herrera, the same architect who designed the nearby Renaissance masterpiece El Escorial, El Quexigal was famous for being the most beautiful country estate in Spain. Acquired by King Felipe II to be used for recreational pursuits for the Royal House, the farm was run by Jerome monks, producing oil, wine, honey, and food, along with wood from the abundance of trees including the quejigos oak, which gave its name to the estate.
Madrid-based architects Arvo Arquitectura have been using their extensive experience in hospitality and heritage buildings to weave this inspiration into the project, in collaboration with interior designer and “natural future” advocate Raphaël Navot, the recipient of the Maison&Objet Designer of the Year Award 2023. Many of the original wine and olive oil vessels have found a new life as sculptures and lighting fixtures.
“To experience Six Senses Quexigal Palace is to embark on a country resort experience that starts within the hallowed halls of this incredible 16th-century palace and leads you out to the beautiful grounds, which are themselves a playground for outdoor pursuits and exploration in nature,” said Six Senses CEO Neil Jaobs.
“We are delighted to partner with El Enebro and Sidercom to help write the next chapter in the story of this singular heritage restoration, one that will come to life in the care we take in even the smallest details.”
Starting with the great hall, the existing courtyard building and interior elements have been reclaimed and repurposed to fit the needs of a Six Senses country resort without compromising on the original soul of the palace rooms with their generous proportions and natural light. The auxiliary buildings will also be renovated so that Six Senses Quexigal Palace creates the ambience of a royal village, welcoming families, weekenders, and ‘mooners’ to enjoy all kinds of events, celebrations, and retreats.
The 60 guest accommodations will be distributed within the main and auxiliary buildings and include 13 suites and a presidential suite with private gardens. For family groups, and private events, there will also be a fully serviced five-bedroom villa.
Local, sustainable, and seasonal will be the approach to food and beverage, with farm-to-fork goodness grown fresh in the surrounding fields and served in the signature restaurant and various salons and private dining locations throughout the gardens. Along with a tasting room and pool bar and grill, there will also be a secret bar and a themed bar in the old aviary, with invitations presumably arriving by pigeon post. As for the wine, guests are in good hands. Six Senses Quexigal Palace is owned by two of the most prominent Spanish families in the wine business who produce the most celebrated and sought-after Spanish brands.
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