The moment I stepped into Six Senses Rome, the madness slipped away. It’s like the city took a deep breath, and so did I.
This isn’t your typical Six Senses tucked away on a remote beach or island; this is their first dive into an urban landscape, and what better place to start than the heart of the Eternal City? Just steps from iconic spots like the Pantheon and Trevi Fountain, Six Senses Rome has mastered the art of giving you Rome in all its chaotic glory while offering a sanctuary from it all.
Hotel
In 2023, Six Senses Rome opened within the stately Palazzo Salviati Cesi Mellini, a 15th-century palazzo that has worn many hats over the centuries, including a stint as a bank. Now, it’s been revived as a sophisticated 96-room boutique hotel, where ancient history meets contemporary luxury.
True to the Six Senses brand, the interiors are infused with natural materials, earthy tones and abundant greenery, creating an atmosphere grounded in wellness and sustainability.
The lobby, with its industrial accents and strong brown steel beams, adds a modern twist. Yet, this being Rome, history is never far. Beneath the hotel lies Rome’s oldest known baptismal sanctuary, dating to the 8th century – a hidden gem that guests can explore on daily tours.
Check-in is done, seated, with a cold towel (for the hot summer days) and a special drink, whether it’s a tea or some other nutrient-rich elixir – again on brand. From then on, Six Senses is yours to savour.
Room
Spanish designer Patricia Urquiola is to thank for the soulful, but modern rooms. She went with locally sourced travertine, ancient cocciopesto (an all-natural Roman plaster), and polished Triclinium marble, all inspired by the city’s rich architecture. But it’s not all stone and marble, there’s a softness here too. Neutral bedding, stylish furniture, and fun pops of colour in the geometric rugs keep rooms cosy and inviting.
Large windows flood each room with natural light, creating an airy, serene atmosphere, while top-notch soundproofing keeps the city’s lively sounds at bay. Sleep here is an experience in itself, with organic mattresses, a custom pillow menu, and Six Senses’ jet lag recovery kit, complete with soothing sprays and tonics to help you unwind.
The suites are in high demand, thanks to their spacious living and dining areas that provide a little extra room to unwind. Guests booking a suite enjoy the added convenience of an airport transfer, either to or from the hotel. In the warmer months, the terrace suites are especially popular, offering the perfect vantage point for watching the lively square below.
Food and drink
BIVIUM offers a breakfast that’s far from the typical hotel spread. Imagine a round table stacked with freshly baked pastries, decadent cakes, juicy fruits, and creamy yoghurts – everything you could want to start your day sightseeing in Rome. Then choose from a menu of made-to-order hot dishes. I recommend the Frittata Romano – light, fluffy, and served sizzling in a cast iron pan. For something different, order the pastrami eggs benedict, a bold twist on the classic.
But the showstopper is definitely NOTOS, the rooftop bar. The terracotta-coloured lounges are arranged in a cosy Mediterranean style calling you to relax under the Roman sky. From here, you can take in a stunning peach-and-cream sunset over the city while sipping a botanical cocktail. You’ll feel like you’re on top of the world, soaking in the beauty of Rome from one of the best vantage points in the city.
Spa and wellness
True to the Six Senses ethos and inspired by ancient Roman wellness traditions, wellbeing is treated with the utmost reverence at the Six Senses Spa.
In a one-hour Roman baths journey through a series of pools, you’ll move between varying temperatures that mirror the classic caldarium (hot), tepidarium (warm), and frigidarium (cold) baths – a refreshing nod to the communal bathing rituals that have been a cornerstone of Roman culture for centuries.
The spa also offers an extensive range of deeper treatments, including massages, a luxurious Moroccan hammam, and expert nail care. Yoga, meditation, and sound bath sessions provide an escape for both body and mind, while biohacking aficionados can explore innovative therapies like compression boots and collagen-boosting face masks to enhance their wellness journey.
To do
Join a sustainability tour, which explores the underground baptismal sanctuary and highlights the unique glass artworks in the lobby, crafted from beach-found pieces. The marble staircase, made from the same stone used by Michelangelo, is another fascinating detail.
The Earth Lab offers hands-on activities for all ages, from paper making to candle crafting and creating body scrubs. It’s a creative space for those eager to learn and engage with sustainable practices.
Outside the hotel, the best of Rome is right on your doorstep, with key attractions just a short walk away. The Trevi Fountain is only five minutes from the hotel, and the Pantheon isn’t much farther. If you’re up for a 20-minute stroll, the Colosseum is within reach, but don’t forget to stop by the Monumento a Vittorio Emanuele II (also known as the ‘Wedding Cake’) along the way – a stunning marble monument that’s definitely worth a glance.
In a nutshell
Rome has never seen a hotel quite like this, and you’d be remiss not to experience the Eternal City through the lens of Six Senses.
Factbox
Rooms start from £900.
Address: P.za S. Marcello, 00187 Roma RM, Italy
Phone: +39 06 8681 4000
Website: sixsenses.com
Hotel photography courtesy of Six Senses Rome.
