In a move that’s equal parts nostalgic and visionary, Six Senses is set to reclaim a cornerstone of Bangkok’s hospitality history, breathing fresh life into the once-glittering jewel of Silom—the revered Narai Hotel. In partnership with Narai Hospitality Group, the wellness-driven luxury brand will launch Six Senses Bangkok as part of Hatai, a bold, mixed-use development that’s giving the 1960s icon a decidedly 21st-century glow-up.
And what a glow-up it promises to be. Picture this: a boutique urban sanctuary steeped in lantern-inspired design, a wellness haven tucked into the city’s bustling spine, and a tip of the hat to Thai heritage, all with that unmistakable Six Senses signature of earthy elegance and sensory indulgence.
A Tale of Two Eras: The Narai Legacy Reimagined
Long before boutique hotels had hashtags or spas became “wellness experiences”, the Narai Hotel opened its grand teak doors in 1968 and helped usher in modern Thai hospitality. It became a gathering point for travellers, socialites, and the odd dignitary or royal. To Bangkokians, it wasn’t just a place to stay but a place to be. Fast forward sixty years, and the old Narai is being reborn—not erased, mind you, but reincarnated—under Narai Hospitality Group’s careful stewardship and the globally respected Six Senses brand.
Six Senses Bangkok won’t just replace the Narai—it’ll carry its torch. The name Hatai translates to “lantern” in Thai, and the development is set to become a beacon for Bangkok’s next generation of travellers.
Welcome to the Lantern Quarter
The design of Hatai is in safe and instead celebrated hands. Heatherwick Studio, known for their work on Google’s headquarters and the curiously sculptural Little Island in New York, are drawing inspiration from traditional Thai lanterns. The result? A glowing, modern-day chandlo of sorts—one that nods respectfully to the past while pointing confidently toward the future.
IHG Hotels & Resorts and Narai Hospitality Group signing photo
With Hatai being dubbed the city’s “lantern quarter”, Six Senses Bangkok will shine as its centrepiece. The new hotel will feature approximately 100 rooms and suites, offering a refined cocoon of calm amid the riotous energy of downtown Bangkok. But it’s not all scented candles and spa robes. This is Six Senses—a brand that doesn’t just pamper but revitalises.
Wellness, But Make It Thai
Six Senses Bangkok will be anchored by its renowned spa, offering a curious but marvellous hybrid of “high-tech, high-touch” wellness. Think biohacking, sleep consultations, movement therapy, and an honest-to-goodness invitation to slow down. If wellness is the new currency, Six Senses is already trading at a premium.
The interiors—curated by BAR Studio and Joyce Wang, known to design connoisseurs as a kind of fairy godmother of understated glamour—will draw on natural materials, including the Narai’s original timber foundation. That’s right. Instead of chucking out the old teak, they’re weaving it into the walls and furnishings. It’s an architectural reincarnation with a purpose.
A 700-square-metre penthouse suite and a signature restaurant will crown the property, delivering panoramic views and gastronomic thrills above Silom’s streetscape. Biophilic design elements—think greenery, daylight, and airflow—are set to feature prominently throughout, from the sky garden and lobby to the rooftop pool.
A Revival Rooted in Responsibility
Its sustainability credentials make this project more than just a pretty façade. Six Senses Bangkok is targeting LEED Gold and WELL Gold certifications, meaning this isn’t just a luxury address; it’s one that’s been built with both planetary and personal well-being in mind.
This is especially fitting given Six Senses’ DNA. Every property in its global portfolio—from the fjords of Iceland to the jungles of Bhutan—aims to be an extension of its natural and cultural landscape, not an imposition upon it. Bangkok’s concrete may not be as poetic as a Himalayan valley, but under the careful hands of Six Senses and Narai, it’s about to get a whole lot more grounded—and a little greener.
In Their Words
“It’s a privilege to honour the legacy of Narai Hotel in such a culturally significant and storied location,” said Neil Palmer, Chief Operating Officer of Six Senses. “Together with Narai Hospitality Group, we’re creating something truly special—a place that respects its history while embracing signature wellness, crafted experiences, and sustainable design.”
Meanwhile, Nathee Nithivasin, CEO of Narai Hospitality Group, couldn’t have agreed more: “Six Senses was the ideal partner for Hatai because of our shared dedication to emotional hospitality, sustainable design, and being part of the local fabric. This development continues our longstanding care for the community and reinforces our commitment to building thoughtfully for future generations.”
Silom: From Business Spine to Lifestyle Artery
Located on Silom Road, Bangkok’s original financial district, the hotel will be near some of the city’s most interesting contrasts—temples and tech towers, Michelin stars and street-side satay. Landmarks like Sri Maha Mariamman Temple and King Power Mahanakhon will be within walking distance. At the same time, the BTS and MRT networks connect visitors to everything from golden Buddhas to rooftop bars.
The Chao Phraya River flows nearby, lending its breezy charm to Silom’s heady mix of old and new. And let’s not forget the 6,000 square metres of retail, dining, and community space set to open alongside the hotel within Hatai. It’s not just about sleeping well—it’s about living well.
A Return to Thailand’s Roots
Though Six Senses now dots the globe from Portugal to the Maldives, this Bangkok venture is particularly significant. Thailand is, after all, where the Six Senses story first took root, with Six Senses Samui and Six Senses Yao Noi setting the standard for eco-conscious barefoot luxury.
Six Senses Bangkok joins the growing family of urban sanctuaries, standing proudly alongside Six Senses Rome and soon-to-open city hotels in Kyoto, Milan, Lisbon, and Dubai. As part of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ Luxury & Lifestyle portfolio, the brand continues to expand its global footprint without losing the bespoke character that made it iconic in the first place.
Looking Ahead
Scheduled to open shortly after the 60th anniversary of the original Narai Hotel in 2028, this project isn’t just a business decision—it’s a love letter to Thai hospitality, and a vision of what urban luxury ought to be: connected, conscious, and culturally rich.
So next time you’re wandering the bustling backstreets of Silom, cast your eyes upward. That warm glow you see might be the beginning of Bangkok’s lantern quarter—and a new era for one of Thailand’s most storied addresses.
By Kanda Limw
