As I sink into the sofa, sipping on a delectable glass of red wine, listening to the birds singing, with the sun beaming down on me, it’s easy to forget I’m in the heart of one of the most visited cities in the world.
But right in the centre of the Italian capital is Six Senses Rome – a hotel that somehow manages to offer guests two feelings never used to describe the Eternal City: tranquillity and calm.
Built inside the Palazzo Salviati Cesi Mellini, a 15th-century palace listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the hotel feels magnificent as soon as I arrive.
The beautiful facade has been preserved, including two newly restored 600-year-old columns either side of the glass entrance, while inside, there’s marble and stone everywhere, as well as huge ceilings, and treasures resembling Roman ruins.
But, while it’s so grandiose, the check-in process is much more personal than most hotels I’ve stayed at.
Staff present my husband and me with small, warm and moist towels, along with a detox drink and sweet Italian biscuit each, as they guide us over to a sofa for us to relax while our room is being prepared.
Once ready, we’re led to a spectacular marble staircase – which has been a fixture since the 18th century – that takes us up to the 96 rooms and suites.
And our room is more than worth the wait.
As I sink into the sofa, sipping on a delectable glass of red wine, listening to the birds singing, with the sun beaming down on me, it’s easy to forget I’m in the heart of one of the most visited cities in the world, writes Hayley Minn (pictured)
Right in the centre of the Italian capital is Six Senses Rome – built inside the Palazzo Salviati Cesi Mellini, a 15th-century palace listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The beautiful facade has been preserved
A spectacular marble staircase – an original element of the 18th-century palace – takes us up to the 96 rooms and suites
As it’s our honeymoon, we’re told, we’ve been upgraded to a Terrace Junior Suite – and what a terrace this room has!
Wrapping around our corner room, it’s more like a garden than a terrace, full of foliage and lemon trees, as well as three separate places to relax in the sun – a very comfortable sofa, a shaded dining table with chairs, and two big armchairs.
And with a bottle of champagne laid out on arrival, as well as a free (not so) mini bar inside – that includes three delicious bottles of Italian wine and is topped up daily – we’re not short of beverages to sip on while lazing out here.
If we weren’t both Rome first-timers, it would be extremely easy to sit here for the entire two and a half days we’re here – especially as the king-sized bed inside is so comfortable too.
But, luckily, the Six Senses is in an excellent location, making it easy to cram in all of Rome’s biggest tourist attractions.
The Roman Forum and Colosseum are close enough (a 12- and 20-minute walk away) that we’re able to dump our stuff at the hotel and head there (for a pre-booked GetYourGuide tour) immediately after checking in and a rest on the terrace.
But the Trevi Fountain and Pantheon are even closer, both just a five-minute walk away.
For this reason, we’re able to head to both relatively early and beat the cruise tour crowds on our second day.
As it’s our honeymoon, we’re told, we’ve been upgraded to a Terrace Junior Suite – and what a terrace this room has!
With it being so central, it’s easy to cram in all of Rome’s biggest tourist attractions. LEFT: Trevi Fountain is just a five-minute walk away from Six Senses, so Hayley beats the cruise crowds. RIGHT: Hayley at the Spanish Steps
With all that walking, we’re more than ready to return to the Six Senses for some well-earned rest at the hotel’s luxurious spa
We even only have to queue for 10 minutes at the ‘world’s best sandwich shop’ All’Antico Vinaio – which is coming to London soon, and I can confirm does mind-blowingly good food and huge portions.
By the late afternoon, we’ve managed to see all of Rome’s headline acts – including the Spanish Steps, Piazza Navona and, my favourite, Piazza Venezia – other than the Vatican, which is saved for our final day.
And with all that walking, we’re more than ready to return to the Six Senses for some well-earned rest at the hotel’s luxurious spa.
Here, as part of a guided wellness journey, we sit in saunas and Roman baths varying in temperature, alternating between hot and cold, to stimulate circulation – although I eventually end up staying in the caldarium (the hot bath), to sweat it out.
When it comes to food, breakfast is served at the hotel’s cafe, BIVIUM, which houses a large baptismal bath dating back to the fourth century visible beneath it – uncovered during archaeological excavations at the beginning of the 1900s.
The buffet here is superb and extremely well presented, with baked goods made onsite throughout the day, as well as a wide range of colourful fruit, yoghurts, granola, meats and cheeses.
There’s also an a la carte menu if you fancy hot food.
For dinner and cocktails with absolutely breathtaking views of the city, there’s Notos, the hotel’s rooftop bar and restaurant.
When it comes to food, breakfast is served at the hotel’s cafe, BIVIUM, which even houses a large baptismal bath dating back to the fourth century visible beneath it – uncovered during archaeological excavations at the beginning of the 1900s
The buffet here is superb and extremely well presented, with baked goods made onsite throughout the day, as well as a wide range of colourful fruit, yoghurts, granola, meats and cheeses
For dinner and cocktails with absolutely breathtaking views of the city, there’s Notos, the hotel’s rooftop bar and restaurant
On our final night in Rome, we dine here, tucking into a five-course menu, with every dish chosen by the chef, including a gorgeous carbonara.
Watching the sun set over this magical place, with the Piazza Venezia lit up in full view, it’s the perfect end to our short stay in Rome.
TRAVEL FACTS
Hayley and her husband were hosted by Six Senses Rome and stayed in a Terrace Junior Suite.
Rooms at the Six Senses Rome start at £858 a night. Visit sixsenses.com to book.
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