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Where is it?
Its travertine exterior abuts the Church of San Marcello al Corso, whose attractive Baroque facade by Carlo Fontana (pop inside to see the miraculous crucifix that survived 16th century and is believed to have powers of intercession) dominates the small square of San Marcello, set back from the busy Via del Corso.
The Trevi Fountain is a five-minute walk from the hotel in one direction; the Pantheon (soon to start charging an entrance fee) is five minutes in the other direction.
Style
Once Palazzo Salviati Cesi Mellini, this historic building dates back to the 15th centuryth century and takes its name from the illustrious families who in the past resided within its ancient walls. With the original, monumental staircase restored, as well as the facade (and that of the nearby church, as Six Senses Rome’s first sustainability project), the interiors by Patricia Urquiola contrast, with a cool, contemporary, minimalist approach.
Layered textures and muted colors draw throughout on locally sourced travertine limestone and robust, traditional earthenware plaster, imparting an immediate sense of place. High ceilings and natural light lend an airy feel to the whole, while the varied views of Rome from terraces, windows, balconies and the impressive roof bell ring resonate with the brand’s emphasis on authenticity.
Food beverage
Step inside and you will soon be engulfed in the BIVIUM Restaurant-Café-Bar. A lively space that extends almost the entire length of the ground floor and spills out, bringing the concept of all-day dining to Rome and its inhabitants. The cuisine, with chef Nadia Frisina at the helm, is modern Italian with Rome at its heart and an emphasis on plant-based options.
Start with something from raw section such as oysters or purple prawns with botanical herbs and chilli oil. Dishes include a tempting selection of thin, crispy, homemade pizzas made with stone-ground flour from ancient, organic grains. Try the delicious pistachio pizza but save space, or another meal, for my highlight which was the smoked artichoke risotto. Worth coming back for that alone.
Breakfast features kombucha, healthy smoothies and juices along with your nightly rice porridge or truffle omelet. Avocados, due to their negative environmental impact, are not on the menu, but you may receive if you ask.
The roof terrace, NOTOS, offers small snacks and an excellent wine list to explore. The ideal place for an aperitif, with a panoramic view of the eternal city.
Structures
One of the pillars of the Six Senses group is well-being, which here winks at its location by introducing the traditional bathing of ancient Rome. Three plunge pools offer a 60-minute journey through a calidarium, tepidarium and frigidarium to reduce inflammation and muscle pain. There are five treatment rooms, a hammam, biohacking and meditation rooms, a fitness room, and an outdoor yoga platform. A signature treat is their hour-long sound journey where sacred bells transport you into a deeply meditative state, from which you wake remarkably refreshed.
Extracurricular
A series of cultural experiences are being prepared which will take the visitor behind the walls of some of the most important galleries in Rome, such as the Galleria Borghese, to glimpse hidden water channels under the Trevi Fountain.
Which room?
There are twelve different categories across the 96 rooms and suites, but if money is no object, one of the top three suites will give you a gloriously luxurious Roman experience. They feature large outdoor terraces, views across the city, and the bathtubs and showers that come with the rooms. But all rooms have the same soft colors, with corrugated wood paneling, plastered cocciopesto walls, dove-grey throws for the beds, and travertine in the bathrooms. The minibars offer a range of healthy drinks.
The best for
Couples wanting a relaxing city break in Rome, popping in and out of the capital as and when they like with a base that offers everything from relaxing therapies to that little Lazio wine gem you’ve never heard of.
Price
Doubles from €850 per night. sixsenses. com
