Hotel With A Heart

We document a relaxing night at the stylish Six Senses Duxton.

Against the pastels of the Duxton shophouses sits an ashen stretch that cannot be missed. Spanning eight shophouse units, the hotel is the first urban branch by luxury hospitality company Six Senses. The brand is renowned for its holiday havens in far-flung destinations, with a keen focus on wellness and rejuvenation. Now based in Singapore following a 2012 acquisition, it’s looking to introduce its health programmes to urban areas.

Two things are immediately apparent upon crossing the hotel’s threshold: the inimitable design – more of this later – and the effervescent reception by front office manager Miguel Gamboa. Instead of having me queue unceremoniously at the check-in desk, he guides me to a plush couch. I’m free to gawk at the mustard-on-ebony trappings while my documents are processed. Upon his return, my initiation into wellness begins behind a screen in the lobby. It’s a simple but effective ritual where I step barefoot into a Tibetan singing bowl, close my eyes and let vibration and sound spirit me away. By the end of it, I am thoroughly relaxed. “Welcome to Six Senses Duxton,” Gamboa says with a grin, clearly waiting to drop that line. I’m too shy to ask for another go.