London 3
Wellness gives a reason to travel, was a phrase that was heard several times at Six Senses London, a conversion of the 1863 Whiteley’s department store in London’s Bayswater area. It’s an enormous complex with lots of residences, as well as a hotel that seems to wrap around a signature spiral staircase wrought iron from the old store. This wrought-iron sculpture spirals up 27 steps to what are two private members’ clubs, one predominantly social and one mainly wellness, and it also spirals down 43 steps into a basement of wellness and care.
Down there, integral with the extensive Six Senses spa and a significantly serious gym – Technogym and Lifefitness and terrifyingly helpful personal trainers – is an Alchemy Bar, an apothecary where two herbal wellness professionals reign. Rebecca Collison-Walker, above, studied five years in Devon to be certified (UK is one of the few places in the world which recognizes herbal medicine, and she prescribes and advises). For Girlahead, for instance, she produced an essential oil of petit grains, black spruce, and bergamot.
Ah, but that was an elixir spray. As ‘medicine’, and let’s use her words, she blended
‘Gotu kola: A connective tissue trophorestorative that enhances collagen synthesis, microcirculation, and tissue repair. It helps to prevent joint deterioration and increase healing.
Calendula: A gentle lymphatic, anti-inflammatory and tissue healer. It helps to facilitate collagen and fibroblast activity and reduce low-grade inflammation and improve lymphatic drainage.
Reishi: Acts as a systemic adaptogen and immunomodulator, helping regulate inflammatory pathways while supporting resilience. In musculoskeletal conditions, it contributes to pain reduction, improved sleep, and nervous system regulation.
Turmeric: A potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, targeting pathways such as NF-κB and COX-2. This helps to modulate pain and reduce inflammation with a specific affinity for the musculoskeletal system.
Nettle: A nutritive tonic rich in minerals (silica, calcium, magnesium), supporting bone density, connective tissue strength, and joint integrity.
Boswellia: A targeted anti-inflammatory agent acting on leukotriene pathways, complementing turmeric. Particularly effective in chronic joint inflammation and stiffness, enhancing mobility while being well tolerated long-term.
I hope you enjoy the herbal mix ‘
Ha ha Rebecca, ‘enjoy’ is the wrong word. As soon as the mix touches the inside of the mouth it’s ah-oh-yucks. B awful. But after two days of twice a day GIRLAHEAD HAS GOT TO ADMIT SHE FEELS DECIDEDLY BETTER.
But this episode is supposed to be about the hotel. Oh Six Senses, you have done it again, it’s marvellous. Designers AvroKo, known primarily for restaurants, have produced superbly relevant originality. Look below at how from the bathroom of 226 you look through a curved glass wall – which has an easy-pull curtain for privacy – and across the bedroom to a terrace with trees that indicate Hyde Park (eight minutes’ walk away). In fact the terrace overlooks nothing but who cares. Six Senses London is, through and through, one big theatrical experience…
