Six Senses Coming to London

West London’s iconic former Art Deco department store, Whiteleys, will soon become home to Six Senses London, marking the brand’s entry into the UK.

Scheduled to open in 2023, the hotel, wellness club and spa will have 110 guest rooms and suites (starting from 355 square feet), as well as 14 branded residences.

Whiteleys first opened as a drapery shop in Westbourne Grove in 1863 by entrepreneur William Whiteley. A little over a decade later, the shop had grown to a department store. Whiteleys was redeveloped in the 1980s into a shopping center with a cinema and bowling alley, and subsequently closed its doors in December 2018.

The redevelopment of Whiteleys is headed by residential real estate developer, Finchatton, as development manager. In collaboration with the British architectural firm, Foster + Partners, and interior designers, AvroKO, in conjunction with executive architects, EPR, 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 internal staircase that was modeled on the La Scala opera house in Milan.

Inspired by the building’s origins, the design will draw inspiration from nostalgic nods to classical detailing and Art Deco along with modern streamlining. Textured fabrics, bespoke flooring, reclaimed wood furniture and upholstery in natural tones with glass display cabinets will flank the walls of the 14,000 square feet of public space. Contemporary art from British artists will also be showcased throughout the hotel.

In a space reminiscent of an old-fashioned London underground station, Six Senses Spa will have 3,500 square feet dedicated to fitness, a 65-foot indoor swimming pool, an Alchemy Bar, and a relaxation room with vaulted ceilings. The second floor will feature a central bar and lounge, co-working spaces, a restaurant and wellness rooms.

Other highlights include a cozy lobby bar and lounge, all-day dining restaurant with an open kitchen and seating area in the courtyard.

Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas operates 11 resorts and 29 spas in 20 countries. Since being acquired by InterContinental Hotels Group earlier this year, the brand has seen aggressive development. Plans to triple the portfolio over the next five years with resort, hotel and spa openings are underway in: Austria, Bhutan, Cambodia, China, Egypt, Fiji, France, India, Indonesia, Italy, Nicaragua, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Tunisia, the United Arab Emirates and the U.S.