Six Senses eyes expansion in Italy

Six Senses Antognolla in Umbria will be the group’s second project in the country, following Six Senses Rome, which is slated to open next year.

Scheduled to open in 2023, Six Senses Antognolla will be set within the 12th-century Castello di Antognolla on the site of a 10th-century Benedictine monastery and crypt, and with traces of a Roman settlement.

The hotel will have 71 guest rooms and suites set within the historical castle and traditional old borgo buildings, while 79 residences will be available to buy.

“Umbria really speaks to me. After many years of studying and living in the country, my connection to Italian people and culture is strong,” said Neil Jacobs, chief executive of Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas.

“Six Senses Antognolla lends itself to the creation of a unique community that will touch the hearts of its residents and hosts through honesty and respect for the land coupled with the aligned intention of all its stakeholders. We’re excited to be working on this project that brings together sustainable practices, wellness programming, and out-of-the-ordinary activities for all.”

The castle, borgo and estate are being reincarnated with a sustainable focus and along with the accommodation will be an 18-hole golf course designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., equestrian centre, cookery school and organic farm, with the resort planned as a year-round destination, with hiking, cycling and horse-riding trails available.

An Experience Pavilion will play host to master classes, craft workshops, children’s activities and wine and food tastings, while Grow With Six Senses will be the brand’s innovative space for younger guests.

Six Senses Spa will be located within a contemporary wing of a new main building, offering wellness programming around sleep health, nutrition, movement and self-discovery.

The redevelopment is by London-based investment firm VIY Management and Alessio Carabba Tettamanti, an investor in Antognolla and owner of the Umbrian estate, Tenuta di Murlo.

The masterplan design of Antognolla is by Woods Bagot, and interiors are by Tokyo-based Design Studio SPIN.

“Antognolla is a unique project in Italy in terms of its concept; combining a luxury hotel in a medieval castle, stylish serviced residential properties, an exceptional golf course and a luxurious spa complex – all of which will be operated by a world-renowned international hospitality brand,” said Jim Ryan, development director of Antognolla. “We have a truly unique opportunity to carefully preserve and develop this area of historical and cultural significance.”

Six Senses announced in February that it was to open its first Italian property, Six Senses Rome, in 2021.

That hotel will be located in the Palazzo Salviati Cesi Mellini on the Piazza di San Marcello, in the centre of ancient Rome, close to the Fontana di Trevi and Pantheon.

It will have 95 guest rooms and suites, a spa, restaurant, events terrace, outdoor courtyard garden and rooftop terrace, with interior design overseen by Patricia Urquiola.