An Urban Bolthole: Six Senses Roma, Italy

Occupying a grand 15th-century palazzo, also home to a former bank, Six Senses Roma is a serene oasis amid the hustle and bustle of Via del Corso – a main shopping thoroughfare in the historical centre of Rome – that sets the tone for the brand’s first urban retreat. As part of her Italian tour, Lauren Ho checks in to Six Senses Roma to see what the hotel has to offer – read her review below.

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Review: Six Senses Roma, Italy

STAY

In contrast to the lavishly appointed public spaces, where floor-to-ceiling travertine is softened by lush greenery and organically shaped furniture pieces by designer Patricia Urquiola – who is behind the hotel’s interiors – the 96 rooms and suites of Six Senses Roma are pared down, minimal spaces. Underwhelming at first glance, the calming interiors of natural timber wall panels and neutral shades, alongside blackout blinds and exceptional noise insulation, create a peaceful sanctuary to retire to after a day spent exploring the bustling streets of Rome.

DO

Located in Centro Storico, pretty much all of Rome’s top sites like the ornate Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon are a short stroll away. Back at the hotel, it’s the Six Senses spa that’s the star attraction. Here, start the day by balancing your mind and body in the Roman bath circuit, before indulging in a range of treatments that span from ancient rituals that help reduce inflammation to modern-day treatments that includes massages and facials alongside high-tech therapies like biohacking and sound therapy. The spa also hosts a rotation of visiting practitioners, such as Emma Diani, who specialises in the Mézières method, a form of postural re-education that uses a combination of stretching movements, breathwork and hands-on therapy.

As with all Six Senses properties, this one follows the brand’s sustainability ethos, which includes restoring the façade of San Marcello al Corso Church next door and highlighting the 4th century Roman baptism site –  located under the basement of the hotel – that visitors can go and view.

EAT

The best place to start is with an aperitivo at NOTOS rooftop. Here, a small menu of light bites –  like the warm octopus salad is served with signature cocktails, such as the delicious tequila-based Villa Borghese – are served against romantic rooftop views and a garden of herbs and olive trees. Once the sun goes down, head to the ground floor BIVIUM, a buzzing all-day restaurant, where chef Nadia Frisina serves up a playful menu of  Italian classic dishes – 55 percent of which are plant-based – using ingredients from local suppliers. Don’t miss the ‘risotto with roots’ made with parsnips, beetroot and black salsify, or the selection of pizzas, which includes the delicious ‘pistachio di bronte’, made with goats cheese, caramelised onions, mozzarella, pesto and flakes of pistachio. Breakfast is a discrete, but ample buffet with a selection of pastries, cold meats, cheese and ice cream, with egg dishes to order a la carte.

THE FINAL WORLD

For its first urban outpost, Six Senses Roma successfully brings the brand’s soothing wellness approach to a bustling city with its design-orientated interiors, calming light-filled guestrooms and a wellness offering that overall nourishes mind, body and soul.

BOOK IT

Rates at Six Senses Rome start from EUR1,000 (approx. £860) for a Classic Room, for more information, please visit sixsenses.com

Images courtesy of Six Senses Roma