With its first hotel in Italy, the Six Senses Group has hit the big time. A green oasis in the center of the “Eternal City” that has resurrected a historic palazzo as a luxurious spa hotel: Six Senses Rome, a place for enjoying Rome with all the senses.
Noble shopping in the Via del Corso. Walk in ancient footsteps in the Pantheon. Dreaming of opulent scenes from Fellini’s “Dolce Vita” at the baroque Trevi Fountain. This and more awaits guests at the recently opened Six Senses Rome right “next door”. No less enticing, however, is what the new hotel, built in a time-honored building, offers itself.
History & modern top design
Architect and star designer Patricia Urquiola has magnificently combined classic elements of the historic Palazzo Salviati Cesi Mellini with modern, sustainable design. The result: city luxury that lets you enjoy your stay in the heart of the “Eternal City” with all your senses.
The history of the building in which the new Six Senses Rome was created dates back to the 15th century. The Palazzo Salviati Cesi Mellini was further expanded over the centuries and is named after those prominent families who once inhabited it. Those who reside within these walls today can clearly feel the splendor of earlier times and see.
Extensively restored
The original facade and the monumental marble staircase have been painstakingly restored to preserve the priceless heritage of the palazzo in its origins. Careful restoration was also carried out on the 600-year-old columns in the elegant entrance area.
The baroque façade of the neighboring church of San Marcello al Corso steeped in history, was also extensively restored. In doing so, Six Senses Rome demonstrated commitment to the local community and sponsored its first on-site sustainability project. More are to follow. And for those interested in learning more, the Six Senses Earth Lab offers interactive lectures and hands-on workshops.
The “makers” of the Six Senses Rome
The main investor in the renovation of Palazzo Salviati Cesi Mellini is Orion Real Estate Fund V. Rami Badr, partner and managing director of the private equity real estate firm, emphasized at the hotel opening that they are “very proud” that the Palazzo is opening its doors “as a new jewel of the hospitality industry in Rome. “With Six Senses as hotel operator, CDS as general contractor, Starching as project manager and Patricia Urquiola as designer, an exceptional team has been assembled.”
What this team has achieved is indeed something to be proud of. Above all, Urquiola’s work provides guests with comfort and a feast for the eyes. The architect, who is also responsible for the design of the enchanting „Ca‘ di Dio“ in a 700-year-old villa in Venice, has brought together the old and the new in her usual careful and creative manner.
Refined transformation
The interiors are designed in a contemporary style. Sustainable architecture and refined design accents result in an elegant, pleasantly tranquil ambience. At the same time, Six Senses Rome bows to the great history of the house and the city in every corner.
From Cocciopesto stucco to lush travertine limestone from the region, all 96 guest rooms and suites pay tangible and visible respect to Roman traditions. The modern technology essential for a modern luxury hotel has been discreetly integrated into the design.
Those wishing to stay at the new city hotel can choose from twelve different categories. There are, for example, three individually designed signature suites, quiet rooms facing the inner courtyard with plenty of privacy, and suites with a view over the lively Via del Corso and San Marcello al Corso. All are infused with authentic patterns and graphic elements.
Wellness in the center
With airy rooms, sunny terraces, high ceilings and historic bay windows, the focus of the house is on well-being and conviviality. Restful sleep should also be provided in any case. Because at Six Senses Rome they apply special “bedding standards”: “Sleep With Six Senses” stands for customized, handmade organic mattresses, cotton bedding, different upholstery and other amenities.
Although located in the bustling heart of Rome, the city hotel conveys a sense of calm and tranquility. Imaginative plantings from the entrance to the rooftop terrace (see feature image) and natural light create an airy, natural atmosphere in the wide open spaces.
The new hotel shines entirely in the spirit of architect Patricia Urquiola, who has long since earned international recognition with responsible design development. Her main concern, to create an atmosphere in which people connect emotionally with the rooms, has been fulfilled here one-to-one by the artist.
A special extra of the hotel is also the spa of the Six Senses Rome. Not only because it offers the comfort typical of the group’s hotels. But above all because here, too, you can dive deep into history. Namely, into the legendary Roman bathing culture.
Legendary bathing pleasures
Three plunge pools recreate the Caldarium, Tepidarium and the Frigidarium. What was already considered restorative and healing in ancient Rome can now be enjoyed in the impressive spa. In a modern version of the famous thermal baths, which is visually reminiscent of the same. And with an enchanting wall relief inspired by the myth of Daphne und Apollo in front of your eyes.
There’s also a hammam, rooms for Biohacking and meditation, a private outdoor yoga deck, a sauna, and a fitness center. Treatments take place in five treatment rooms. One of them is specially designed for couples.
Roman “herbal magic
Those interested in the therapeutic effects of herbs and plants will find competent contacts on site: at the beautiful Alchemy Bar of the Six Senses Rome, specialists provide advice.
The BIVIUM restaurant-café-bar on the first floor serves as a relaxed meeting place for guests and locals. It serves modern Italian cuisine with the flavor of the Eternal City – vegetarian and vegan options included. Chef Nadia Frisina uses local and seasonal ingredients from sustainable organic production.
Diverse pleasure zone
The lively lifestyle area features an open kitchen, various specialty niches, a Josper grill and a wood-burning oven. And right next to it, the elegant terrace invites you to enjoy the outdoors.
NOTOS Rooftop, meanwhile, specializes in tempting appetizers and creative drinks. Countless terracotta pots form a beautiful “secret” garden above the roofs of the old town, where herbs, fruits and vegetables also thrive. There you can practice yoga in the morning with a stunning 360-degree panoramic view, or sip an aperitivo or two at sunset in the evening. Rome enjoyment with all the senses, that is.
Text: Elisabeth Schneyder
Photos: Six Senses
