Six Senses reveals plans for first Australian resort

Leading international hospitality group Six Senses will open its first Australian property at Burnham Beeches, a heritage mansion and 22-hectare estate in the Dandenong Ranges outside Melbourne.

Designed by architect Harry Norris in 1933 for the Nicholas “Aspro” family, the property is located 40 kilometers from Melbourne. The mansion is one of the finest examples of domestic Art Deco in Australia.

Burnham Beeches has been on the Victorian Heritage Register for over three decades and adjacent Alfred Nicolas Memorial Gardens are managed by Parks Victoria.

With an initial 43 guest accommodations and hospitality venues, the facility will include a restaurant with outdoor seating, a library bar, and a rooftop retreat.

The guest rooms will be spread over the mansion’s three main wings with the aim of creating a "decadent retreat" with quirky touches.

The vibe will be "rustic luxe" and there will also be a separate two-bedroom cottage with interconnecting one-bedroom suite within the site’s Hilltop Retreat.

Subject to planning applications, the masterplan will incorporate a premium glamping offer.

The Six Senses Spa will be on the lower ground level of the mansion with a tea lounge, treatment rooms, gym, hydro area and sauna, and relaxation spaces.

“For Six Senses Burnham Beeches to be regenerative, it will not be a static place,” says Six Senses CEO Neil Jacobs.

“We’ll evolve and respond to bring the rich heritage of Burnham Beeches to life, inviting moments of exploration, discovery, connection to nature, and delight through interactive gastronomy, wellness, and sustainability experiences.”

Trenerry Consortium announced its acquisition of Burnham Beeches in early 2021.

Subject to receiving the support of all stakeholders, Six Senses Burnham Beeches is slated to open in mid-2025.