Six Senses, the world-renowned brand synonymous with wellness and sustainable practices, has unveiled its newest gem – Six Senses Kyoto. Marking a significant milestone for the brand, this stunning property signifies Six Senses’ foray into Japan and adds another captivating chapter to its flourishing collection of urban escapes. Nestled amidst the iconic heritage sites and palaces of Kyoto, Six Senses Kyoto offers guests a unique opportunity to experience the city’s rich tapestry – a blend of history, culture, and unparalleled personalized wellness journeys.
A Journey Through Time: Embracing Kyoto’s Golden Age
The hotel’s design pays homage to Kyoto’s Heian period (794-1185), widely considered the city’s golden age and a time of remarkable artistic and cultural blossoming. This influence is masterfully woven into the hotel’s modern interpretation, featuring elements of traditional Japanese arts that create an ambiance of elegance and tranquility. Upon entering the lobby, guests are greeted by a captivating folding screen adorned with 504 hand-crafted Rakuyaki tiles, each meticulously crafted in Kyoto. These tiles depict the silhouette of the sacred Mount Kurama, a significant landmark referenced in the legendary Tale of Genji and the birthplace of Reiki healing. Opposite the folding screen, a whimsical art piece offers a contemporary take on “Chōjū-giga” (Scrolls of Frolicking Animals), believed to be the nation’s first manga (Japanese graphic novels).
This juxtaposition of traditional and contemporary art sets the stage for the hotel’s unwavering commitment to history, artistry, and a playful spirit. The biophilic design philosophy, evident in the extensive use of wood and natural materials, fosters a profound connection with nature. Meandering paths that wind through meticulously maintained inner Japanese gardens further enhance this connection, inviting guests to find solace and serenity amidst the city’s vibrant energy.
A Sanctuary for Contemplation: Luxurious Guest Rooms and Suites
The hotel boasts 81 guest rooms and suites, each meticulously designed to serve as a sanctuary for relaxation and reflection. Ranging from the Premier Suite Garden, featuring a private Japanese courtyard, to the expansive 238-square-meter Three Bedroom Penthouse Suite, each accommodation option offers ample space for guests to unwind and reconnect. All rooms feature the renowned Sleep With Six Senses program, ensuring a restful night’s sleep with bespoke organic mattresses, temperature-regulating pillows and duvets, and organic cotton sheets. For those seeking to optimize their sleep experience even further, the hotel offers personalized sleep consultations. These consultations combine insights gleaned from guests’ sleep trackers with soothing treatments, personalized nutritional guidance, and low-intensity training programs.
A Fusion of Tradition and Science: The Six Senses Spa Experience
Inspired by Kyoto’s Zen philosophy, the Six Senses Spa at Six Senses Kyoto seamlessly blends traditional healing techniques with the latest advancements in modern science. Guests can embark on their personalized wellness journey with a signature Wellness Screening, a comprehensive analysis of key health biomarkers that allows the spa’s skilled practitioners to tailor treatment recommendations to address individual needs and goals.
The spa menu features a unique selection of treatments, including the Kyoto-exclusive Ah-un treatment. Inspired by Zen principles, this signature experience focuses on achieving inner peace, balance, and awakening through a series of rituals and harmonizing body and sound therapies. For those seeking an unparalleled sense of relaxation and rejuvenation, Watsu, a form of aquatic bodywork performed in the city’s only dedicated Watsu pool, offers a unique opportunity to release tension and ease the mind.
The hotel also features the Biohack Recovery Lounge, a modern haven equipped with state-of-the-art recovery devices such as compression therapy equipment, designed to assist guests in recovering from the rigors of travel. Additionally, Six Senses Spa Kyoto offers a comprehensive range of integrated wellness programs, ranging from a half-day to six days, focused on Sleep, Detox, Yoga, and Fitness experiences. These programs are available to both hotel guests and visitors seeking a transformative wellness escape.
A Culinary Journey Through Japan’s Seasons
Six Senses Kyoto embraces the Eat With Six Senses philosophy, inviting guests to embark on a captivating culinary adventure that celebrates the ancient Japanese calendar. Sekki, the hotel’s all-day dining restaurant, features hyper-seasonal weekly menus and drinks inspired by Japan’s 24 solar terms. Chef Hiroki Shishikura, the hotel’s Executive Chef, cultivates deep relationships with local farmers and producers, ensuring access to the freshest seasonal ingredients at their peak. The menu highlights a plant-based approach, showcasing the bounty of artisanal local and sustainable produce, complemented by a thoughtfully curated selection of meat and seafood.
