Six Senses signs first hotel in UK

Six Senses has signed its first hotel in London, England, and is scheduled to open it in 2023.

It will be located in the iconic building that housed the former department store, Whiteleys.

The hotel will open with 110 guest rooms and suites, starting from 355 square feet (33 square meters).

There will also be 14 branded residences, with owners able to tap into all the privileges that come with a Six Senses home, including bespoke interior design, concierge service, dining, housekeeping and wellness programming.

Whiteleys takes its name from visionary entrepreneur, William Whiteley, who opened his first drapery shop in Westbourne Grove in 1863. A little over a decade later, the shop had grown to a department store described as “an immense symposium of the arts and industries of the nation and of the world”. Once a vibrant destination that formed the focus for the surrounding residential neighbourhood, Whiteleys was then redeveloped in the 1980s into a shopping centre with a cinema and bowling alley. It subsequently closed its doors in December 2018 as its popularity diminished.

The redevelopment of Whiteleys is being headed by a Meyer Bergman-advised fund, with the preeminent residential real estate developer Finchatton as development manager. In collaboration with the British architectural firm, Foster + Partners, renowned for its eco credentials and responsible design approach, this historic landmark will become a sensitively restored mixed-use development.

The original Grade II façade, central courtyard and dome will all be preserved, as will the majestic internal staircase (modelled on the La Scala opera house in Milan), which features as the centrepiece on the ground floor of the hotel.

Inspired by the building’s origins, the interiors of Six Senses London are being designed by internationally celebrated AvroKO in conjunction with executive architects EPR, and combine nostalgic nods to classical detailing and art deco along with modern streamlining. Contemporary art from British artists will be showcased throughout the hotel. Six Senses London will feature a cosy lobby bar and lounge, an all-day dining restaurant with an open kitchen and seating area in the courtyard, a Six Senses Spa, a comprehensive fitness centre, indoor swimming pool, bar, and a relaxation room with vaulted ceilings.

On the second floor, residents and members will access a new kind of social and wellness club. Away from the density and intensity of the city, this space will feature a central bar and lounge, co-working spaces, a restaurant and wellness rooms, and offer pioneering programming to encourage growth, reflection and reconnection. Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas Chief Executive Officer Neil Jacobs said, “I feel nostalgic when talking about Whiteleys. I grew up in the neighbourhood and my parents used to bring me here. It is a wonderful opportunity to pay homage to this heritage and bring our brand values to life in this part of town, while celebrating our first port of call for Six Senses in the UK.”