Six Senses Rome: An Urban Retreat Merging Ancient and Modern

Mon, 05/22/2023 - 07:25

Breakfast on the terrace at Six Senses Rome

Ed.: The Inspired Stays series highlights hotels we love around Italy. Each property is independently reviewed by an Italy Magazine writer, who is generally hosted on a complimentary basis. Our contributors do not accept compensation or gifts in exchange for specific types of coverage. We only showcase properties we would genuinely recommend overall.

Why we love it

Six Senses maintains all the hallmarks of their brand with a spectacular spa and eco-conscious design, but places them in an urban location for the first time. The result is a city stay with plenty of pampering.

What to expect

This cool, calming retreat feels miles away from the bustle outside. At Six Senses, the focus is on creating an experience that fully engages your sight, smell, taste, touch, sound and intuition; straight away at check-in, in fact, guests are invited to ring a bell representing one of these senses. Despite the luxury interiors, over-the-top spa and high-end features, the vibe is warm, welcoming and friendly, and the atmosphere one of laid-back rest and rejuvenation.

Background

Once a residence for cardinals, the beautiful 15th-century Palazzo Salviati Cesi Mellini provides a historical backdrop and a dose of Roman character, with original features like a grand central staircase. The brand recently restored and renovated the façade and staircase while taking care to keep its historical integrity in tact.

Location, location, location

Located on the main artery of Via del Corso, Six Senses is right in the middle of Rome’s sights, shopping and nightlife. The Pantheon and Trevi Fountain are just a short stroll away, while the luxury boutiques of nearby Via Condotti and are easily on hand for shopping lovers.

Where you’ll sleep

Deluxe Junior Suite Bedroom — *Deluxe Junior Suite at Six Senses Rome*

The 96 rooms range from classic doubles to two-room suites with a view. Decor throughout follows the design theme of old and new where marble, travertine and cocciopesto combine with smooth curves, neutral tones and fine materials. Welcome drinks of organic juice and lemon water, a mostly-free mini bar (with the exception of spirits), snacks of local olives, nuts and post-check-in chocolate, and hand-written tags on the toiletries are all lovely extra touches that help you feel instantly at ease.

Dining and drinks

The Sapore corner at Bivium — *Sapore corner at BIVIUM Restaurant-Café-Bar*

The main dining hub is the ground-floor BIVIUM Restaurant-Café-Bar, which runs from breakfast to lunch to dinner with a meticulous selection of local, fresh produce, plant-based options, farm-sourced meats and excellent pizza. The courtyard is a lively place for evening drinks, but it’s the Notos rooftop bar with great cocktails, tasty snacks, a Mediterranean garden, early morning yoga sessions and 360-degree views of the skyline that promises to be the next cool hangout spot in Rome.

Service notes

Experienced GM Francesca Tozzi uses her luxury hotel experience and friendly personality to set the tone for the overall service. Warm and easygoing, the staff strike the right balance between tight precision and the kind of relaxed attentiveness that makes your stay feel truly personalized.

Spa time

Roman baths at Six Senses — *Ancient Rome-style tepidarium at Six Senses Rome*

The hotel’s spa, the biggest and best in Rome, is very much its crowning glory. There is no scrimping on this key feature of the Six Senses imprint: You’ll find cutting edge treatments, gorgeous surroundings and an ancient Roman-like bathing experience complete with caldarium, tepidarium and frigidarium.

Family perks

“Spa hotel” doesn’t always scream “family-friendly,” but here, there are plenty of perks for tots, such as specially organized craft and educational sessions about sustainability at the Earth Lab, wooden tokens for onsite gelato supplied at check-in, and suggestions for kid-centric activities from the kind staff at reception.

You should know...

Several exclusive experiences are available to guests, from the one-hour Roman bathing journey to a Caravaggio painting class to an aperitivo masterclass at the Alchemy Bar. Don’t miss the tour to the neighboring church of San Marcello al Corso, which includes a visit to its ancient underground foundations.