Australia is set to experience its first unique taste of Six Senses luxury and it’s likely not going to be where you’d expect.
Melbourne travellers have won the luxury jackpot! Plans to open the Six Senses Burnham Beeches in 2025 have been announced, and we are pleasantly surprised.
When you think of Six Senses resorts, it’s easy to dream up a tropical beachfront stay, but that’s not quite what the luxury brand has in mind for its Australian debut.
Less than an hour out from Melbourne, a historic 1930s Art Deco Mansion in Victoria’s Dandenong Ranges will set the scene for what will be one of the country’s most luxurious accommodation offerings.
While the hotel is a while away from opening and plans are yet to be approved, Six Senses have painted a very idyllic picture of what we can expect.
A sight to behold: The building
Led by the Trenerry Consortium, which recently refurbished the InterContinental Sorrento Mornington Peninsula, Six Senses will open its first Australian property at the 22-hectare Burnham Beeches heritage mansion.
Originally designed by architect Harry Norris for the creators of ‘Aspro’ (aspirin) family in 1933, the dreamy property is set deep in the forest and neighbours the lush Alfred Nicholas Memorial Gardens.
Contradicting its location in the forested hills, the original three-storey mansion is said to resemble an ocean liner and stands as one of the finest examples of domestic Art Deco in Australia.
Historic charm aside, the building itself has been neglected, more recently used as a fitting canvas for local street artist Rone. As such the $100 million development, which will be led by architecture extraordinaries, Woods Bagot will likely showcase art amongst other unique features.
Serving as community liaison consultant, Sophie Paterson, great-granddaughter of the original Alfred Nicholas said the family is excited to see their home restored. “Sitting neglected for far too long, this beautiful heritage home needs to be shared, and we could not be more pleased with the involvement of Six Senses as its new custodians,” Ms Paterson said.
The complete makeover will transform the mansion’s three main wings into 43 rooms where classic elegance is expected to be at the forefront of all design decisions.
A ‘rustic-luxe’ vibe is set to evoke understated elegance with no compromise to the indulgence one would expect in the wings where champagne once flowed in abundance.
Subject to applications, the masterplan also includes plans for a luxe glamping experience, which could create an additional 39 guest accommodation offerings – and possibly a slightly more affordable way for guests to enjoy a Six Senses experience (emphasis on the possibly!)
A taste of the property
As the name suggests, the plans for Six Senses Burnham Beeches involve a total taste immersion, with a glass-walled restaurant complete with outdoor terrace creating somewhat of a sensory feast.
Fruit trees, herb and vegetable gardens on the expansive property will be harnessed to feed guests in an environmental effort showcase local produce.
After all that delicious indulgence, guests can meander various picturesque walking trails that connect Burnham Beeches and the enchanting Nicholas Gardens.
Breathe in: Relaxation in its purest form
Six Senses places a quintessential emphasis on wellness, meaning we have high expectations when it comes to the spa offerings at Burnham Beeches.
Guests can expect nothing less than a sensory escape, with the ground floor Six Senses Spa housing a welcome lounge, treatment rooms, hydro aera, gym and sauna – just some of the boutique regenerative experiences to melt into.
In the name of wellness, the property will also maintain a mindful connection to nature, with the rich Burnham Beeches ecosystems set to invite a series of interactive gastronomy, wellness and sustainability experiences.
Summary: Yes, we’d stay here!
With promising plans in the works, Six Senses Burnham Beeches has certainly appealed to our uncanny sixth sense for all things luxury. Here’s hoping the plans are approved for a 2025 opening!
As a member of the InterContinental Hotels & Resorts family, Six Senses currently has 20 ultra-luxe listings in some of the world’s most breathtaking locations.
Six Senses is expected to more than double its offerings in the coming years, with a further 34 properties in the works, including the epic Six Senses Svart in Norway, which is scheduled to open in 2024.
Not an IHG One Rewards member yet? Six Senses Burnham Beeches is reason enough to start racking up One Rewards points. Check out our definitive guide to all things IHG.
Will you be adding Six Senses Burnham Beeches to your luxury accommodation bucket list?
While you’re here: Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest tips, deals and news. It only takes a few seconds and we respect your privacy:
