Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas has announced its debut UK property will open in 2023, with Six Senses London set to occupy the former Art Deco department store Whiteleys.

Comprising 110 guestrooms and suites, the property’s interiors will be designed by AvroKO in conjunction with executive architects EPR, whilst the wider redevelopment of Whiteleys is overseen by real estate firm Finchatton in collaboration with architects Foster + Partners. The structure’s original Grade II-listed façade, central courtyard and dome will all be preserved, as will the statement internal staircase, notably modelled on Milan’s La Scala.

“I feel nostalgic when talking about Whiteleys,” says Six Senses CEO Neil Jacobs. “I grew up in the neighbourhood and my parents used to bring me here. It is a wonderful opportunity to pay homage to this heritage and bring our brand values to life in this part of town, while celebrating our first port of call for Six Senses in the UK.”

Set to feature an all-day restaurant, signature spa, indoor swimming pool, social club and co-working facilities, the hotel will incorporate 1,300m² of public space including a biophilic-inspired ground floor. Comprising lobby, lounge, and courtyard spaces, this area will be characterised by imaginative planting, textured fabrics, bespoke flooring, reclaimed wood furniture and upholstery in natural tones.

The Six Senses Spa, meanwhile, will be designed to recall an old-fashioned Underground station, in line with AvroKO’s desire to combine nostalgic touches and Great Exhibition-inspired leanings with modern brand standards.

“Six Senses London will be a first, not only having best-in-class spa and amenities, but also a new kind of social and wellness club unlike anything we have seen in London,” says Finchatton Co-founder Alex Michelin. “We identified Six Senses as the ideal partner for the Whiteleys redevelopment with wellness at its core and also experiential pioneering programs.  These are things which will be at the heart of the new Whiteleys offer and we look forward to creating something really incredible together.”

www.sixsenses.com