Six Senses Debuts in London, Bringing Wellness Sanctuary to Former Whiteleys Department Store

Six Senses has officially entered the London hospitality landscape, establishing its presence in the UK with a new property situated in the former Whiteleys department store. The heritage structure, notable for its domed roof and historic facade, is located in an area undergoing significant revitalization just above Hyde Park. According to Nicole Hoey of Robb Report, this opening aligns with a broader trend of luxury hotels establishing themselves in the British capital.

The hotel comprises 109 rooms and suites, many featuring private terraces designed for secluded repose. Interiors, a collaboration between AvroKO, EPR Architects, and Foster + Partners, offer a contemporary aesthetic. A Premier room, for instance, includes a glass-encased shower and accents of terracotta and blue hues.

The accommodations present varied configurations and finishes; a Junior Corner Terrace Suite features a green-tiled bathroom with direct outdoor access. The Notting Hill Suite, as reported by Robb Report, extends to a balcony appointed with a picnic table and lounging areas, alongside a bedroom featuring a freestanding bathtub, a living room, and a kitchen.

The pinnacle offering, the Whiteley Suite, spans the entire width of the building, providing an extensive full-length terrace. This suite incorporates two primary bedrooms with a palette of blues, greens, and reds. Its bathrooms feature substantial marble surfaces and generous freestanding tubs, complemented by a kitchen finished in a light sage tone.

Dining at the property is centered around Whiteley’s Kitchen, Bar and Café, where Executive Chef Eliano Crespi oversees a menu with a vegetable-forward interpretation of British cuisine. The accompanying café offers house-made ice cream and pastries. The bar program, as described by Robb Report, focuses on natural wines and seasonally inspired cocktails, served from behind a distinct green bar.

For moments of profound stillness, the nearly 2,300-square-meter spa spans an entire floor, designed to provide a comprehensive wellness experience. While specific details on the spa’s amenities remain largely under wraps, Nicole Hoey of Robb Report notes its expansive footprint, suggesting a breadth of offerings typical of the Six Senses brand’s commitment to holistic well-being.

Our take: The adaptive reuse of the Whiteleys department store for a Six Senses property offers a compelling juxtaposition of heritage architecture and contemporary wellness philosophy. The emphasis on private terraces and a substantial spa footprint suggests a carefully curated urban sanctuary, particularly appealing to guests seeking respite from the city's dynamism while remaining centrally located.