Six Senses Opens First UK Property at The Whiteley in London
Six Senses, part of the IHG Hotels & Resorts Luxury & Lifestyle portfolio, has opened its first property in the United Kingdom with the launch of Six Senses London at The Whiteley.
Located in the restored former Whiteley’s department store on Queensway in London, the hotel introduces the brand’s wellness-focused hospitality concept to the city. The opening follows the launch of Six Senses Rome and Six Senses Kyoto, as the brand gradually expands its presence in urban destinations.
The property forms part of a mixed-use redevelopment of The Whiteley, close to Hyde Park and the Notting Hill neighbourhood. Six Senses London occupies roughly a quarter of the development and combines hospitality spaces, residences and wellness facilities within the restored Art Deco structure.
Neil Palmer, Chief Operating Officer of Six Senses, said the opening reflects the brand’s approach to bringing its wellness and sustainability philosophy into city environments.
“By bringing the Six Senses vision of reconnection to cities such as Rome, Kyoto and now London, we are creating urban sanctuaries designed for shorter stays and modern living,” Palmer said.
“These spaces allow guests to reconnect and focus on wellbeing while experiencing the energy of city life.”
Design and accommodation
The interiors were created by design studio AvroKO in collaboration with EPR Architects. The design incorporates elements of the building’s historic architecture while introducing contemporary spaces that respond to natural light and movement.
Six Senses London features 109 guest rooms and suites, many with private terraces, as well as 14 branded residences. Green roofs and seasonal planting have also been incorporated into the design to support biodiversity and bring elements of nature into the urban environment.
Dining is centred on Whiteley’s Kitchen, Bar and Café, which serves modern British cuisine and is designed as a neighbourhood gathering space for both guests and residents.
Wellness and spa facilities
A key feature of the property is its 2,300-square-metre wellness area. The spa includes a 20-metre indoor swimming pool, a magnesium pool, cryotherapy facilities, flotation therapy and recovery areas. Additional features include a longevity clinic, an Alchemy Bar, a fitness centre and a Biohack Recovery Lounge.
These facilities are designed to support both relaxation and physical recovery while integrating wellness into the daily rhythm of city life.
Introducing Six Senses Place
Six Senses London also introduces Six Senses Place, a private members’ concept that combines wellness, social spaces and community programming. The initiative aims to create a local hub where members can participate in wellness experiences, events and activities.
General Manager Nick Yarnell, who previously led Six Senses Douro Valley and served as Regional General Manager for Six Senses’ European properties, said the hotel was designed to reflect both the building’s history and the surrounding neighbourhood.
“We’ve designed Six Senses London to feel welcoming and connected to the community,” Yarnell said. “From the rooms and restaurant to the spa and social spaces, the goal is to create an environment where guests feel part of the neighbourhood.”
Reviving a historic London address
The redevelopment of The Whiteley has been carried out in partnership with C C Land Holdings Ltd., Valouran and Gruppo Statuto. Originally opened in the early twentieth century, the building was known as London’s first department store before being redeveloped into a mixed-use residential and hospitality destination.
Dickie Wong, Deputy Chairman of C C Land Holdings Ltd., said the project reflects years of planning and collaboration.
“The Whiteley carries significant historical value for London,” Wong said.
“The opening of Six Senses London marks an important step in its redevelopment as a residential and hospitality destination while contributing to the ongoing evolution of the Queensway area.”
Since acquiring the Six Senses brand in 2019, IHG Hotels & Resorts has expanded the brand’s global presence. The portfolio currently includes 27 properties across 20 countries, with additional projects planned in destinations including Portugal, Japan and Bangkok.
The hotel officially opened on 1 March 2026, with reservations now available through the brand’s website.
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