Later this year, Six Senses will mark its entry into the UK, transforming a renowned Grade II listed building in Bayswater, London.
Featuring guest rooms, suites, branded residences and a new membership concept, the new Six Senses hotel is set to make a mark in London’s luxury landscape. Six Senses describes it as being “defined by the principles of modern luxury and craftsmanship, one that avoids endless excess, embraces diversity, and enables all who call it home to enjoy life in better balance”.
An iconic past
The former art deco department store, The Whiteley, originally opened in 1911 and was designed by John Belcher and John James Joass. One of the first of its kind, it was described as “an immense symposium of the arts and industries of the nation and of the world”. It was thought to be the largest shop in the world, and was considered the most beautiful store in the UK at the time.
Later in 1927, Harry Gordon Selfridge, an American businessman known for founding its rival department store, Selfridges, on Oxford Street in 1909, purchased The Whiteley. The store passed through two more owners, most recently Meyer Bergman (now MARK Capital Management) in 2013. In 2018, the store closed for good and began its redevelopment.
Restoration and redevelopment
British architectural firm Foster + Partners worked on this historic landmark, carefully keeping its integrity intact. The original Grade II façade, central courtyard and dome have been preserved. Additionally, the grand internal staircase that was modelled on the La Scala opera house in Milan has been preserved and features as the centrepiece on the ground floor of the new Six Senses hotel.
Debuting in the UK, the Six Senses hotel will feature 109 guest rooms and suites, starting from 355 sq ft. It will additionally offer 14 branded residences with bespoke interiors designed by Finchatton, concierge services and more.
Finchatton pushes the boundaries of excellence and innovation, with a signature hallmark of sophisticated elegance and timeless style. “The Whiteley represents a space for those people with discerning taste who are making a conscious choice to live somewhere authentic,” said Alex Michelin, Finchatton, Development Director of The Whiteley London.
Wellness and connection
Designed with a nod to a historic London underground station, although contrasting in energy, the Six Senses Spa will feature a 20 metre indoor swimming pool, 12 treatment and consultation rooms, saunas, steam rooms, plunge pools and sensory showers. Treatments include cryotherapy and floatation. Additionally, the spa includes a 325 sq metre fitness centre, Alchemy Bar and relaxation room.
The brand will also launch its debut membership concept, Six Senses Place, a new kind of social club where wellness, community, and celebration meet. Six Senses believes that wellness is reflected in mental, physical, spiritual, and emotional happiness, and this concept is applied to the club.
Designed to encourage reflection, growth, and reconnection, the new private members’ club will feature wellness rooms, communal spaces, a restaurant and private dining rooms, as well as co-working and meeting rooms. It will be available to residents only.
