Six Senses, part of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ Luxury & Lifestyle portfolio, has opened its first property in the U.K., marking the brand’s debut in London. The hotel occupies part of the historic The Whiteley building on Queensway, which was a shopping center and built in the retail space of the former William Whiteley Limited department store, which opened in 1911.
Located near Hyde Park and the neighborhood of Notting Hill, Six Senses London forms part of a broader mixed-use redevelopment of The Whiteley. The opening follows earlier urban projects including Six Senses Rome and Six Senses Kyoto.
The property occupies a quarter of the redevelopment and includes 109 guestrooms and suites, many with private terraces, along with 14 branded residences. Interiors were created by AvroKO in collaboration with EPR Architects, incorporating elements connected to the building’s Art Deco past. The design also includes green roofs and seasonal perennial planting intended to attract pollinators.
“This intentional next step perfectly captures the thoughtful path of Six Senses dedication to the needs of modern luxury travellers. By bringing the Six Senses core vision of reconnection to cosmopolitan cities such as Rome, Kyoto and now London we are creating urban sanctuaries.” said Neil Palmer, Chief Operating Officer at Six Senses. “These are places and spaces designed for shorter stays and modern living which support guests to feel good every day. No longer just on a fleeting holiday, but on home soil too. While Six Senses resorts offer immersive, nature-inspired experiences, our urban locations infuse this same outlook with the energy of city environments. This is exactly what we’re doing at Six Senses London – breathing new life into a once-sleeping giant at The Whiteley. Here, well-being is woven into daily life, curiosity is celebrated, and like-minded communities come together to connect and grow.”
Facilities include Whiteley’s Kitchen, Bar and CafĂ© and a 2,300-square-metre spa featuring London’s first hotel magnesium pool a 20-metre indoor pool cryotherapy flotation spaces a longevity clinic Fitness Centre and Biohack Recovery Lounge. The property also introduces Six Senses Place a new private member’s concept.
“We’ve designed Six Senses London to feel effortlessly welcoming, meeting guests at their own rhythm or gently guiding them toward a different one.” said general manager at Nick Yarnell. “Shaped by that ethos and the building’s rich history, everything we do, from the restaurant and bar to the spa and rooms, is rooted in connection. Whether your visit is brief or you’re settling in, we want you to feel a genuine sense of belonging to the neighbourhood and community around you, with joy and care at the heart of it all.”
The redevelopment of The Whiteley involved collaboration between IHG Hotels & Resorts, CC Land Holdings Ltd., Valouran and Gruppo Statuto.