The 14 three- and four-storey colonial-style heritage buildings constructed in the early 19th-century, which now house Six Senses Maxwell, is nestled on the corner of Cook and Tras streets to the south of Singapore’s downtown.
Just like its sibling – the nearby Six Senses Duxton – the hotel is designed by French interior designer Jacques Garcia. Upon arrival, you are greeted with a sophisticated European aesthetic: picture warm chestnut wood-framed reception desk as well as hand-woven silk rugs and velvet chairs with tassels in the lobby.
African wenge hardwood floors adorn much of the hotel, while other public areas feature recycled stone floors salvaged from medieval churches and cathedrals in Italy. A nod to the past, brass plaque-framed original property deeds are put on display throughout the hotel’s interior walkway.
There are 138 guest rooms and suites across seven categories in Six Senses Maxwell. What they lack in terms of size is appropriately made up by Garcia’s distinctive play into the splendour of the past as interpreted in a modern style with elements such as brocades and damask fabrics, lampshades in pleated silk and opulent minibars outfitted with brass, lacquer and marble.
You will also find tea leaves packed exclusively for the hotel by Yixing Xuan Teahouse, and yes, a Nespresso machine. In line with the Six Senses group’s Integrated Wellness philosophy, all of them come with ultra-comfortable handmade mattresses by Naturalmat, organic bed linens from Beaumont & Brown, and pillows and duvets from Hanse.
Photos of local areas from the property owner and luxury hotelier Satinder Garcha’s personal collection are mounted on the bathroom walls to offer a sense of charm and quirkiness.
At the rooftop of Six Senses Maxwell, there is a 25-metre long lap pool. In just a couple of weeks (from the day of our visit), there is where the Max’s Rooftop Bar – with an edible garden used by the hotel’s food and beverage team – will open. In case you’re wondering, guests from both Six Senses properties have full access to all facilities, including the spa pods.
There are more than sufficient food and drink options on site to make you want to stay in the whole day. The Cook & Tras Social Library, which offers Straits heritage-inspired cuisine, metamorphoses into a sleek cocktail under the helm of award-winning mixologist Ricky Paiva in the evening.
Murray Terrace Brasserie serves up true southern European dishes such as seafood platters, beef tartare, French onion soup and lobster bisque, as well as an á la carte breakfast menu.
Not into cocktails? You can always drop by Garcha’s for its impressive collections of whiskeys, tequilas, gins, rums and vodkas; or Rose Lounge & Bar for a glass of champagne, white or rosé wine, spritzer or the signature Rose Bellino.
The core factor which sets the low-slung Six Senses Maxwell apart from the rest is not just because it is an artful design masterpiece, but also because of its back-bending style of hospitality.
Visit here for more information.
