Six Senses has given two old beauties a complete restoration as part of a remarkable conservation project in Singapore.
Ideally situated in the island city-state’s central district, the project is located in the eclectic heart of Chinatown where socialising, dining, and nightlife take centre stage.
Six Senses Singapore is split across two buildings that are an easy wander apart.
Six Senses Duxton and Six Senses Maxwell will mark the brand’s first city hotels, celebrating local Singapore culture and history while adding a touch of playfulness to the heritage properties.
There is a diverse mix of Chinese, Malay and European elements in the buildings including neo-classical lion head motifs, Chinese porcelain-chip friezes co-existing with Malay timber fretwork, French windows, Portuguese shutters and Corinthian pilasters.
Guests can make full use of all facilities and outstanding service in both, as well as the rich local community in between.
No matter where you sleep, guests can sign for services at either hotel and will consider both locations – their home away from home.
Along with always infusing a touch of quirkiness into each property, a priority for Six Senses is its commitment to authenticity and responsible preservation.
“Such unique properties do not come to market often and we are delighted to be working with Satinder Garcha and Harpreet Bedi of Garcha Hotels on this project,” said Six Senses chief executive, Neil Jacobs.
“The buildings will be the last heritage hotels of this quality to be developed in Singapore.
“Each building has its own distinct personality, but what makes Six Senses Singapore so special is that guests can enjoy all the offerings of both locations plus the neighbourhood when staying with us.
“It’s all about community and being part of the rich, local culture of Singapore.”
With its colourful past, Duxton Road in old Chinatown’s Tanjong Pagar, is also known as Jinrickshaw Place named after the rickshaw pullers who used to gather by the station.
In the not-so-recent-past, this colourful section of town was home to opium and gambling dens and places of even less reputable vices.
Today the site features a row of trading houses that have been sustainably restored under the designer Anoushka Hempel, acclaimed for her Hempel and Blake’s hotels in London.
In harmony with a rich Asian history, yet still presenting her luminary vision, Anoushka has given each of the 49 guestrooms and suites at Six Senses Duxton a unique individuality so that no two are exactly the same.
Guests are in for an eccentric, elegant surprise as they enter the hotel which includes large golden fans and strong hues of black, gold and yellow, layered with Oriental screens and calligraphy wallpaper from Anoushka’s personal collection.
At the same time, Maxwell Road was originally a nutmeg plantation before 14 three- and four-story colonial-style buildings were constructed and later joined together as a single entity.
The diverse characteristics have been carefully conserved and the property features 138 guestrooms and suites, a Six Senses Spa, outdoor lap pool, Champagne bar and lounge, whiskey bar, boardroom and club lounge.
A veranda lined with lush tropical foliage follows the length of the building and will be the ideal spot to meet for refreshments and alfresco dining.