First, there is this street that is just so different: Duxton Road in Singapore’s old Chinatown district of Tanjong, with its historic trading houses and restored facades of former opium dens. And all of a sudden, this portal materializes in one of the facades, as if it were a gateway to a different, ancient world. Everything is black and yellow, all you see are stucco works with lion heads, pillars, oriental sunshades and calligraphy on the walls. And on the ceiling, a big golden fan is twirling around the warm tropic air: The Six Senses Duxton in Singapore is swathed in this special time travel charm – and since June, it is the first Six Senses city hotel to receive its guests.

December 1^st marks the opening of the Six Senses Maxwell, which is just a few steps away and of very similar style. Both are situated in lovingly restored historic buildings and both have been awarded the ‘Architectural Heritage Award’ even before opening. Both help keep alive the old face of Singapore while simultaneously setting it into the present by implementing modern features. One comprises only 49 rooms and suites, while the other boasts a number of 138. They do not lack a thing, and then there is the atmosphere of old Chinatown for good measure.

Photo: © Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas