When you hear the name Six Senses, you think of luxurious retreats on exotic islands. Well, now you don’t have to travel too far to get a taste of the Six Senses splendour.
Six Senses Duxton is the latest addition to the local hospitality landscape, located at 83 Duxton Road in the heart of Singapore’s iconic Chinatown district. Its sister hotel, Six Senses Maxwell is set to open its doors in the coming months, and together they set out to liven up the already vibrant neighbourhood.
Opened by established hospitality and wellness brand Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas, Six Senses Duxton is the first city hotel in their impressive portfolio of 13 hotels and resorts and 30 spas that span 18 countries. Their properties have been known to engage surrounding communities and responsibly endorse sustainable practices, while delivering luxury and enjoyment for guests; its Singaporean ventures are no different.
The reception’s black and gold colour scheme is regal and impressive.
British designer Anouska Hempel has worked to restore the hotel – a line of colourful old shophouses – to a functional and modern hotel, while still retaining touches of its rich history. These efforts at conservation have granted it the Urban Redevelopment Authority’s Architectural Heritage Award.
The traditional charm follows into its interior, where its lobby and 49 guestrooms are carefully furnished. Chinese calligraphy, bold black and gold tones adorn the reception. Rooms are divided into eight categories that follow unique, local themes such as Opium, Pearl and Shophouse. For example, you can count on the Pearl Suites to be lavished with ornate white dressers and sleek white walls. On the other end of the spectrum, Opium Rooms are sophisticated and star four-poster Chinese platform beds in deep black shades.
Clean sheets and pristine white walls of the Pearl Rooms.
Eco-travellers will be pleased to hear about Six Senses’ commitment to the environment. The hotel has its own mineralisation machine that treats and purifies water for creating its own source of drinking water, both sparkling and still. This way, it reduces waste and pollution from imported plastic bottles, while ensuring quality and safety for all.
This theme occurs throughout its operations. With energy-efficient LED lights fitted throughout the building, timers that dim the lights, specialised cooling systems and biodegradable cleaning material, you can guarantee yourself a relaxing stay with minimal carbon footprint. Even within the rooms, you’ll find that your Naturalmat mattresses are organic, along with your toiletries from The Organic Pharmacy.
What truly sets Six Senses Duxton apart from other luxury hotel chains is its promise of authenticity. It successfully infuses elements of local supplies into its daily processes, from in-room minibar tidbits (we saw salted egg yolks chips from Ivin’s) to ingredients at the in-house Yellow Pot dining restaurant. The hotel makes sure to source from local partners and entrepreneurs before widening the search to the region.
Community engagement doesn’t just stop there – it invites guests to take part in the culture and share the spirit of the neighbourhood. Its host of activities and services offer both wellness and fun, such as nature discovery walking tours, Chinese tea appreciation and even Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) consultations and herbal treatments. The hotel’s provisions even include a Wellness Bag during turndown service, which continue the theme of wellness and local charm. Inside you’ll find adult colouring cards, nutmeg oil, and lastly, Tiger Balm and Po Chai Pills; remedies every Singaporean mother swear by.
You can look forward to more uniquely local experiences as the hotel reveals its line-up of partnerships in the coming months. The brand’s renowned spa treatments will also feature in the Six Senses Maxwell when it opens, so mark your calendars for a memorable stay.
Six Senses Duxton is located at 83 Duxton Road, Singapore 089540. Make your reservation online for stays from now to 30 June 2018, and enjoy their exclusive opening discount of 15% off the Best Available Rate. Room rates range from S$390++ to S$1,180++ per night.
