Six Senses Rome: A Contemporary Interpretation of Ancient Roman Wellness

The Dinogo Perspective

Emphasizing sustainability, cultural heritage, and modern art and design, Six Senses Rome presents a contemporary urban sanctuary for both visitors and locals in the centro storico (historic center). Situated at the southern end of Via del Corso, just steps from Piazza Venezia and the iconic Altare della Patria, this 96-room hotel is the first city resort by the eco-conscious brand known for its wellness-focused properties in picturesque locations from Portugal to the Maldives. It occupies the Palazzo Salviati Cesi Mellini, a former residence of 18th-century Cardinal Mario Mellini and later the esteemed Aldobrandini family.

The restoration retains original travertine and cocciopesto (an ancient Roman flooring method), while Spanish architect Patricia Urquiola has infused the interiors with flowing shapes, soft colors, and natural wood and stone elements. The hotel’s two-level spa, featuring three plunge pools, echoes the vast wellness centers of Ancient Rome, like the enduring Baths of Caracalla. A lush rooftop bar has become a favored summer cocktail spot, offering views of Chiesa di San Marcello, a baroque church next door, visible from many of the hotel’s rooms facing the piazza. The facade, originally dating to the 1690s, had been darkened by years of urban pollution, but Six Senses Rome recently funded its restoration, allowing it to reclaim its former glory.

Who is it for?

Located within walking distance of iconic piazzas and monuments, Six Senses Rome is ideal for history enthusiasts eager to dive into nearly 3,000 years of Roman history. Couples and friends traveling together will enjoy unwinding at the spa or connecting at the rooftop bar, as well as indulging in the organic, locally sourced menu at the underground Bivium restaurant. Travelers seeking responsible hotel options will appreciate the brand's commitment to sustainability, including local sourcing and the ban on single-use plastics.

The hotel is perfect for families wanting to make the most of their time at major historical attractions while having a convenient home base. Upon arrival, children under 12 receive tokens for artisanal gelato crafted on-site by executive chef Nadia Frisina. Pets weighing up to 22 pounds are also welcomed.

The setting

Nestled just off the bustling Via del Corso in the serene Piazza San Marcello, Six Senses is perfectly situated for exploring the city’s ancient wonders on foot. The Roman Forum, Colosseum, and Piazza di Spagna are all within a 10- to 12-minute stroll, while the Pantheon and Trevi Fountain are just 5 minutes away. Guests can experience contemporary dolce vita along the nearby Via del Babuino and Via dei Condotti, where Italian fashion boutiques and Antico Caffe Greco, Rome’s oldest coffee shop, await.

The accommodations

Maintaining the palace’s original marbles, travertine limestone, and sleek ornamental designs, Urquiola has seamlessly blended the past with contemporary comfort. She enhanced the palace’s historical elements with additional travertine, cocciopesto plaster, warm woods, ample natural light, and soft color palettes. The 96 guest rooms feature custom-designed furnishings, including floor-to-ceiling wooden armoires with gentle curves that add a touch of warmth. Organic mattresses and bedding come from the brand’s Sleep with Six Senses collection. (For those needing assistance with sleep, the Six Senses Jet Lag program provides meditation, nutrition advice, low-intensity workouts, and yoga.) All suites and several guest rooms offer private terraces. The room artwork—paintings, photographs, and sculptures—showcases emerging contemporary Italian artists.

Culinary offerings

Sicilian chef Nadia Frisina leads the ground-floor Bivium, a restaurant and lounge that opens up to a spacious piazza. The menu features pan-Italian cuisine, highlighting local delicacies such as carciofi alla romana (braised artichokes) and Lazian wines, along with Frisina’s beloved Sicilian dishes. For stunning views of Via del Corso, visit Notos, the expansive garden terrace on the top floor, adorned with olive trees, grapevines, and aromatic herbs. The cocktail selection focuses on botanical-inspired drinks crafted with Italian spirits like amaro.

Service and staff

General manager Francesca Tozzi, a native of the Eternal City, is always available for guests seeking her local insights. Her team is youthful, stylish, friendly, and multilingual, creating an atmosphere where they feel more like companions than staff members.

Accessibility Features

Six Senses complies with all ADA standards and regulations, offering five ADA-compliant rooms designed for barrier-free access, along with auxiliary and emergency support. The hotel is equipped with four elevators and features a ground-level entrance without steps.

Roman-Style Wellness

The highlight of Six Senses is the Roman Spa, a two-level wellness sanctuary. The upper level features various experiences such as facials, massages, meditation sessions, sound baths, and aerial yoga. Guests can unwind in a dimly lit lounge area that offers a selection of snacks, including homemade pastries and dried fruits like Medjool dates. Spa products include Biologique Recherche and Seed to Skin.

The lower level is dedicated to ancient Roman bathing traditions, featuring three plunge pools—a calidarium, tepidarium, and frigidarium (hot, warm, and cold water). Additional amenities include a hammam, a dry sauna, and emotional showers that provide sensory experiences with mood lighting, aromatherapy, and water jets. This level also boasts a state-of-the-art fitness room and the Six Senses Alchemy Bar, where guests can create their own scrubs and creams using a variety of oils, herbs, and salts.