Six Senses, part of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ Luxury & Lifestyle portfolio, has unveiled its first property in the UK with Six Senses London breathing new life into the former Whiteley’s department store on Queensway.
The property becomes a cornerstone of the brand’s emerging collection of urban properties which introduce a different rhythm into city life. It follows Six Senses Rome and Six Senses Kyoto, with further openings to follow within the coming years.
This period of considered and purposeful growth, stewarded by IHG, demonstrates that the core DNA of Six Senses can be authentically replicated across different locations. Whether on sun-soaked islands, high in the mountains or now at the heart of vibrant cities, guests can recalibrate and reconnect while enjoying the brand’s signature emotional hospitality, grounded in wellness, sustainability and crafted experiences.
“This intentional next step perfectly captures the thoughtful path of Six Senses dedication to the needs of modern luxury travellers,” Six Senses chief operating officer Neil Palmer said.
“By bringing the Six Senses core vision of reconnection to cosmopolitan cities such as Rome, Kyoto and now London we are creating urban sanctuaries. 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.”
Stone’s throw from Hyde Park
Six Senses London occupies a full quarter of The Whiteley mixed use development, located just a stone’s throw from Hyde Park’s calm and Notting Hill’s colour. Within these walls are now habitats designed to harmonise with the building’s Art Deco heritage. Each environment is intended to reinvigorate, surprise and shift perspectives, responding to light and movement, while supporting biodiversity through green roofs and seasonal perennial planting to attract pollinators and weave nature into the city’s fabric.
Spaces created by AvroKO in collaboration with EPR Architects include 109 bedrooms and suites, many with private terraces and 14 Six Senses branded residences. The modern British dining at Whiteley’s Kitchen, Bar and Cafe celebrates simple pleasures in what is set to become a neighbourhood constant.
Six Senses London’s spa, a 2,300sqm wellness facility, captures the different energies of city life in one continuous flow between movement and stillness in a balanced and restorative environment. Highlights include London’s first hotel magnesium pool, a 20-metre indoor swimming pool, cryotherapy, flotation and recovery spaces, a longevity clinic, and the Alchemy Bar, Fitness Centre and Biohack Recovery Lounge, a state-of-the-art space dedicated to performance and longevity.
The property also features the very first Six Senses Place – a new private members concept where the Six Senses lifestyle meets the rhythm of the city with a beautiful ecosystem designed to encourage reconnection, community and high-tech wellness.
“We’ve designed Six Senses London to feel effortlessly welcoming, meeting guests at their own rhythm or gently guiding them toward a different one,” Six Senses London general manager Nick Yarnell said.
“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.”
With its unique residences, retail and amenities, The Whiteley represents a complete re-imagining of a historic address of epic scale and proportion. The opening of Six Senses London here reflects a deep collaboration and shared commitment between IHG, CC Land Holdings Ltd., Valouran and Gruppo Statuto.
“This moment marks an exciting evolution in London’s luxury hotel space, reflecting years of thoughtful work behind the scenes,” C C Land Holdings Ltd deputy chairman Dickie Wong said.
“Once London’s first department store, The Whiteley carries an immense historical and community legacy, and the opening of Six Senses London represents a milestone in the building’s reimagining as a landmark residential and hospitality destination. We are honoured to be breathing new life into this iconic building and look forward to the long-term influence it will have on the neighbourhood and surrounding community – leaving a meaningful imprint on West London while elevating Queensway onto the international stage.”
The opening of Six Senses London contributes to IHG’s leading Luxury & Lifestyle portfolio. Since acquiring the Six Senses brand in 2019, IHG has thoughtfully sought new opportunities to broaden the brand’s presence across the world. There are now 27 Six Senses open across 20 countries, with several key signings in 2024 and 2025 to open in Portugal, Japan, as well as Bangkok in Thailand.
