Six Senses London: A Wellness Oasis in the Heart of Bayswater
The much-anticipated opening of Six Senses London marks a new chapter for the historic Whiteleys site in Bayswater. After years of redevelopment, the iconic department store has been transformed into a luxurious hotel that blends sustainability with high-end comfort. The property, which retains the grand Edwardian facade of its predecessor, now houses a cinema, gym, shops, restaurants, an art gallery, and the first UK outpost of the renowned Six Senses brand.
First Impressions: Grand Yet Intimate
From the moment you step into the lobby, you are struck by the careful balance of grandeur and intimacy. Lush vegetation, Victorian cabinetry, and the original Whiteleys staircase create a focal point that is both impressive and welcoming. Unlike many luxury hotels, Six Senses London opts for a more restrained approach to its accommodations. With just over 100 rooms and suites, the hotel feels exclusive and personal, far from the bustling atmosphere of larger establishments like The Savoy.
The Rooms: A Sanctuary of Calm
The rooms at Six Senses London are designed to cocoon guests in serenity. Soft dove greys, off-whites, and light wood dominate the palette, while top-end marble and tile bathrooms add a touch of luxury. The beds are exceptionally comfortable, and a full pillow menu ensures a perfect night's sleep. The lighting is highly adjustable and impeccably labeled, allowing guests to create their ideal ambiance. However, note that the bathrooms feature glass walls without doors, so privacy is limited. Many rooms include terraces, and the inward views over the courtyard are as captivating as the outlook over Bayswater's rooftops. Sustainability is a key focus: disposable plastic is virtually absent, and even the key cards are made of wood.
The Spa: A Wellness Paradise
The spa is undoubtedly the highlight of Six Senses London. Accessed via a spectacular staircase just inside the main entrance, it unfolds below street level like a therapeutic iceberg. The vast, hushed space houses a warren of treatment rooms dedicated to various wellness practices. From traditional massages and yoga classes to cryotherapy, flotation, hammam, contrast therapy, red light therapy, and crystal healing, the offerings are extensive. A recovery room screens bespoke time-lapse videos of mushrooms by documentarian Louie Schwartzberg, while the Alchemy Bar hosts one-on-one consultations and workshops using seasonal British plants. For those interested in high-tech wellness, the biohacking lounge features sleep tracking rings, LED face masks, compression boots, and resistance machines to optimize recovery and performance. The pool and hydrothermal circuit were not yet open during the review visit but are expected to be operational soon.
Dining: Global Flavors with British Ingredients
Whiteleys Kitchen, the hotel's main restaurant, offers a menu that blends British ingredients with global influences. Dishes like Cornish mussels with dashi broth and guanciale, roasted beetroot hummus with sumac and mizuna, and hispi cabbage with kimchi jam showcase daring but successful pairings. The sticky, spicy chicken wings stuffed with Dorset crab are a standout. Breakfast is served in the same space, with options ranging from a Full English to a collagen and miso broth, plus a buffet. Pastries are also available at Whiteleys Cafe, which offers grab-and-go coffee and mushroom lattes. Next door, Whiteleys Bar features a unique concept: all cocktails can be ordered with or without alcohol, ensuring non-drinkers have equal access to creative drinks. Hotel guests can also dine at the Mediterranean restaurant upstairs in Six Senses Place, which is otherwise exclusive to members.
Location: Bayswater's Changing Face
Bayswater has long been a multicultural, affordable pocket of west London, with excellent local restaurants like Normah's (Malaysian) and Aphrodite Taverna (Greek Cypriot). However, the area is undergoing transformation, with the redevelopment of Whiteleys and upscale openings like The Park signaling a shift toward a more upmarket character. The friendly warren of Queensway Market is at risk of closure, and nearby shops are boarded up ahead of further redevelopment. Despite these changes, Bayswater remains a vibrant neighborhood with easy access to Notting Hill and central London.
Practical Information
Address: 1 Redan Pl, London W2 4SA. Prices start from £625 per night for a room, with suites up to £1,660 per night. Dinner at Whiteleys Kitchen is from £125 per head, and spa treatments start at around £50. The nearest transport is Bayswater tube station. For more details, visit the hotel's website.
