Patricia Urquiola designed the earthy interiors of this Rome hotel, using plants and natural materials to contrast the building’s grand, historic exterior.

It’s the first Six Senses outpost to open in the capital and takes over a palazzo overlooking Piazza di San Marcello in the city’s ancient centre. As with much of Rome, the building has a long and storied past, constructed in the 18th century on the site of a palace built in the 1480s.

Its UNESCO-listed facade has been fully restored, as has the hotel’s original central staircase. Urquiola has focused on nature and well-being for the interiors, bringing in huge planters to fill communal areas with greenery and using a palette of terracotta, mushroom and sand.

Low, squashy leather armchairs on circular rugs contrast the steel girders that frame the hotel’s communal areas, which open onto outdoor areas clad in travertine marble, oak and bronze. Bedrooms – which start around £900 per night – are dressed in wholly neutral shades, with walls finished in ancient Roman lime plaster.

Guests can experience a taste of ancient Rome in the hotel spa’s baths or settle onto the rooftop to take in views of the city’s historic architecture and monuments.

P.za S. Marcello, 00187 Roma RM, Italy

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