The Six Senses chain of hotels’ debut in Rome was nothing short of spectacular. Immersed in the green of the historic center, the brand’s first urban hotel opened its doors in the 15th-century Salviati Cesi Mellini building, inaugurating a new way of designing hospitality based on sustainability, well-being, and community. The design and architecture of the Six Senses urban hotel project were signed by Patricia Urquiola, the Spanish designer known for her sophisticated and original concepts, such as the Sereno Hotel on Lake Como and the Cassina Perspective installation at Milan Design Week.
Six Senses Urban Hotel: a dialogue between design, local history, and sustainability
The historical location of Palazzo Salviati Cesi Mellini is the absolute protagonist of the Six Senses Urban Hotel concept. The palace features artistic and architectural gems, such as a 4th-century baptismal font and a monumental staircase with a skylight, that dialogue with the design by Patricia Urquiola, combining classic and modern elements, local materials and contemporary textures.
The sense of circularity with the city and the surrounding environment is symbolized by the choices of furniture and identity of the hotel: the mascot chosen by Six Senses Rome is the she-wolf Aurelia, the symbol of the city according to the legend of Romulus and Remus, while the dialogue between inside and outside is carried on by the strong presence of natural elements in every area of the hotel, creating a cozy and eco-friendly atmosphere.
To accompany the circular design and the attentive historical dialogue, are the exclusive experiences for guests: from the Earth Lab, a space dedicated to workshops and educational activities related to the matter of the environment, to the different dining concepts, where each specialty is prepared with natural and seasonal ingredients, from farmers and local suppliers. In addition to the tasting menu and the wide range of vegetable dishes, the Six Senses Urban Hotel offers the opportunity to taste recipes inspired by the Roman Empire.
The circularity of the project also emerges in the brand’s investments: 0.5% of Six Senses revenue goes to the Sustainability Fund dedicated to the development of environmental and social projects for the benefit of the local ecosystem. The first is the restoration of the facade of the Church of San Marcello al Corso adjacent to the hotel.
Six Senses Urban Hotel’s signature wellness and holistic experience
The sustainability of the project Six Senses Urban Hotel in Rome is not only in the materials and gastronomic experiences but also in the concept of well-being promoted by the brand. The rooms, for example, offer the innovative standard Sleep With Six Senses, a service with handmade and customized organic mattresses, pure cotton sheets, pillows, and other sleeping accessories that promote a good night’s sleep.
And wellness continues in the Spa, a sanctuary with a unique holistic offer: from the circuit of the Roman baths, a modern reinterpretation of the ancient ritual at different temperatures, to high-tech and high-touch treatments and therapies.