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VIP
ShoPPIng
Unlock the doors
to exclusive boutiques
RoomS to
RemembeR
The best suites
in the city
London 2015
luxury shopping, supercar experiences,
elite suites, spas and Michelin-starred dining
A SUITE VIEW OVER LONDON
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London I 2015 Edition
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Welcome
If you think you know the lively
British capital, think again. From
curated luxury shopping and
supercar experiences to elite
suites, spas and Michelin-starred
dining, this inaugural edition
of Destinations of the World
News’ London uncovers the
city’s most incredible and
exclusive experiences. We
hope the 2015 edition
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home to the Shangri-La Hotel
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5
LONDON STAY
London
Colour, Kit Kemp textiles and
irreverent style are the hallmarks
at the Ham Yard Hotel
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Contents
08 rooms to remember
With 24-hour butlers and
chauffeur-driven Jaguars, stay in
one of London’s top-tier suites
24 vip shopping
A luxury retail safari can unlock
the doors to London’s most
exclusive boutiques
28 spas in the City
Treat yourself to a massage or a
day-long pampering experience in
one of London’s luxurious spas
18 City bites
Where to eat, from Michelinstarred tables in Soho to lavish
baroque dining rooms
34 london Calling
From architecture to edgy cocktail
bars, here’s how to make the most
of 24 hours in the British capital
38 britain in style
Channel your inner 007 (and
choose your own supercar) with
this James Bond-themed intinerary
Real-time online booking confirmations for more than 100,000 ground services in over 7,500 cities.
Net wholesale rates for hotels, resorts, apartments, villas, transfers, sightseeing tours and excursions worldwide.
FOR TRAVEL PROFESSIONALS ONLY
DOTWNEWS.COM
7
The Sterling Suite
LONDON STAY
LONDON STAY
roomS To
re m e m ber
London travellers are spoilt for choice when it comes to superior
accommodation – particularly in these top-tier suites, where chauffeur-driven
Jaguars, butlers and even Burberry trench coats are part of the package
8
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9
LONDON STAY
LONDON STAY
SUITE
DREAMS
With curated artworks, rare antiques and
plum locations, here’s a round up of the most
spectacular suites in London’s hotels
Penthouse suite - Marylebone Hotel
tHe top-tier suite Has soMetHing
few london Hotels could MatcH:
a 40 square Metre private terrace
fitted witH a fireplace
Urban, chic and modern without straying too far into
minimalism, the top-tier suite at Marylebone Hotel has
something few London hotels could match: a 40 square
metre private terrace fitted with a fireplace and a flatscreen
television. The terrace is the suite’s pièce de résistance but
the 80 square metre interiors are equally as alluring, with
a separate dining room, an open-plan lounge, dining room
and bar, and a sophisticated marble bathroom, fitted with
a monsoon shower and whirlpool tub. Guests can simply
totter downstairs to dine at the elegant 108 Brasserie for
exemplary farm-to-fork British fare, while the famed West
End district is minutes away.
From £670 (US$980) per night
www.doylecollection.com
spend The evening
soaKing liKe royalTy
in The suiTe’s clawfooTed roll-Top
vicTorian baTh
The KensingTon suiTe,
The KensingTon hoTel
British luxury meets classic French elegance in this 180
square metre sanctuary, which includes not one, but two
separate living rooms and three bedrooms, all featuring
floor-to-ceiling windows. The exclusive boutiques of
fashionable Knightsbridge are a mere coin toss away,
while culturalists will appreciate the hotel’s location close
to the Victoria & Albert Museum and Royal Albert Hall.
10 DOTWNEWS.COM
After you’ve spent a day soaking up the 19th century
charm of South Kensington, you can spend the evening
soaking like royalty in the suite’s claw-footed roll-top
Victorian bath. The elegant tub is just a taste of the suite’s
antique furnishings, which includes decorative fireplaces,
a lacquered cocktail cabinet and 1930s Murano and
Waterford Crystal chandeliers.
From £1,632 (US$2,385) per night
wwww.doylecollection.com
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11
LONDON STAY
LONDON STAY
bronze accents, the suite is fitted with stateof-the-art integrated technology, a Poggenpohl
kitchen and dining room seating up to 10
people, along with an eco-smart fireplace.
Special mention must go to the bathroom:
made entirely from solid marble, it spans an
enormous 28 square metres. Unsurprisingly,
guests can expect an experience that excels
on every level, from the personalised Rivolta
pillowcases and robes to the Burberry trench
coat, which you can borrow for the duration of
your stay, should London’s grey skies prevail.
£14,000 (US$20,916) per night plus VAT
www.maybourne.com
Opus suite
the Berkeley
This lavish suite affords a 270-degree view over
Hyde Park and Wilton Place in Knightsbridge,
but the interiors are a visual feast in their
own right. Designed by world-renowned
interiors architect Andre Fu, responsible for
Singapore’s Fullerton Bay and Hong Kong’s
The Upper House, the aesthetic blends
symmetry and understated elegance, along
with bespoke furnishings and a curated series
of commissioned artwork – handpicked by the
designer himself. With muted earthy tones,
bamboo, limestone and hammer-headed
TheRe’S a powdeR Room peRfecT foR
Red-caRpeT pRepaRaTionS
Cinema Suite
Taj 51 Buckingham gaTe SuiTeS & ReSidenceS
Lights, camera, luxury. The Cinema Suite is an opulent – if not
eccentric – tribute to film history, the 170 square metre space
designed by acclaimed Indian couture designer Sabyasachi
Mukherjee. An atmospheric boudoir of Chesterfield lounges,
stag heads and gold-gilded frames featuring all the cinematic
greats like Pedro Almodovar and Francis Ford Coppola, the
suite has two bedrooms and a study artfully crammed with
books and antiques. There’s also a powder room (perfect for
those red-carpet preparations), but film buffs staying in for the
evening can watch movies on the 85-inch 3D television with
a Steinway Lyngdorf surround-sound system. As for popcorn?
Simply summon the butler to order your ‘cinematic platter’.
£5,100 (US$7,465) per night
www.taj51buckinghamgate.co.uk
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13
LONDON STAY
LONDON STAY
Sterling Suite
The Langham
ROYAL SUITE
this suite features furnishings befitting
of buckingham Palace
Jumeirah carlton toWer
With a name like Royal Suite, it’s no surprise
this suite features furnishings befitting of
Buckingham Palace, fitted with every regal
amenity under the sun from a free-standing bar
and kitchen with a 10-seat dining room table
to 24-hour butler service and a Bang & Olufsen
audio visual system. There’s even a Swarovski
crystal-studded ceiling in the bathroom, which
comes kitted out with a jacuzzi, under-floor
heating and REN amenities. The 155 square
metre suite overlooks the vista of Cadogan
Gardens and the high-end boutiques on Sloane
Street, and along with a private entrance,
tech-savvy features abound, including remote
controlled curtains and lights and a door video
security system. Listen to the soothing sounds
of a resident harpist while having afternoon
tea at Chinoiserie, or dine on British cuisine at
the three AA Rosette restaurant, the Rib Room.
Fitness buffs will adore the Peak Health Club &
Spa, which, along with a gymnasium, has a golf
simulator, an award-winning spa and a 20-metre
indoor stainless steel swimming pool.
From £6,995 (US$10,621) per night
www.jumeirah.com
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Sterling by name, pure gold by nature, the
Sterling Suite at The Langham will be unveiled
later this month after the hotel’s final stages of
renovation, and it’s not only tipped to be the
most luxurious stay imaginable, it’s the city’s
largest at 450 square metres with a possible
six bedroom configuration, making it ideal as
a family stay (for those with deep pockets).
With three master bedrooms and three deluxe
rooms, the suite is inspired by the heritage
of English pageantry and precious materials.
Designed by Richmond, the attention to
detail and design is consummate, with hand
blown Murano glass light fixtures by Barovier
& Toso and Baroncelli, and more than 60
fabrics and textiles from luxurious suppliers,
among them Rubelli and Dedar, Pierre Frey
among The ampLe LisT of Luxuries, The
drawing room feaTures a unique duaL-Tone
piano, a bespoke firepLace and a buTLer’s bar
and Townsend leathers. Artwork by revered
British artists and photographers lines the
walls, while custom-made furniture features
exquisite gold and silver leaf hand-painted
finishes, and marble and antique mirror work.
Among the ample list of luxuries, the drawing
room features a unique dual-tone piano, a
bespoke fireplace and a butler’s bar, while the
expansive dressing room has delicate, handpainted chinoiserie on silver leaf panels and
verre eglomise glass with gilded age details.
Suite guests can enjoy the hotel’s exclusive
facilities (such as the new member’s club, The
Langham Club), and enjoy a private lift via
Langham House, a private dining area and a
separate home theatre lounge. Along with a
24-hour butler service, this suite really is the
cream of the crop.
From £24,000 (US$35,818) per night
www.langhamhotels.com
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15
LONDON STAY
LONDON STAY
Belgraves – The PenThouse
With interiors masterminded by rock-chic
Brit designer tara Bernerd, the Belgraves has the
sophisticated aesthetic of a private member’s club with a
distinctly masculine edge. With rich textures and sleek,
contemporary lines, the hotel’s moody dark hues are offset
by bold artworks – a signature style that carries over to
the premium pad: the Penthouse suite. spread out over 70
square metres, the suite has all the luxurious trimmings
to warrant its name, such as a king-sized bed fitted with
sferra linens and a leather headboard; a colossal solid
marble bathroom with Frette terrycloth robes and ren
amenities and a step-out terrace. there’s also a guest
bedroom, which could prove rather useful when your
friends refuse to leave. You can mix up a drink at the suite’s
wet bar, cosy up in front of the fireplace, or explore the
hotel’s other offerings, from the cigar terrace, where you
can sample a vintage Cuban cigar and a cocktail, to Pont
st – overseen by chef sophie Michell.
From £2,000 (US$3,006) per night
www.thompsonhotels.com
boutique beds
London’s boutique hotels fuse art, textiles and designdriven interiors with pure, unadulterated luxury
roYal SUIte – Baglioni HoTel london
Wake with a sense of La Dolce Vita to a leafy view over Hyde Park from the
most prestigious suite at the Baglioni Hotel London. The Italian owned
hotel is a favourite among visiting A-listers, and it’s only a short saunter
from the city’s historic and cultural landmarks and nightlife, including the
Royal Albert Hall. With Murano chandeliers, silk and velvet upholstered
furnishings, a marble fireplace and the hotel’s signature striped fabric
walls, this three-bedroom suite is luxuriously appointed and spans 240
square metres with two living rooms and an expansive terrace. You
can soak in the tub of the sumptuous black marble bathroom (stocked
with Italian made Ortigia amenities) or book in for a leisurely
afternoon at the on site Baglioni SPA, which has Turkish baths
and Natura Bissé beauty treatments. Expect classic Italian
hospitality and finesse throughout, from the Mediterranean
cuisine and Sassicaia wines at Brunello Restaurant, right down
to the Illy espresso machine in your suite. Naturally, you’ll have
a chauffeur-driven Jaguar service for the duration of your stay,
along with a private butler.
From £6,000 (US$9,110) per night
www.baglionihotels.com
Ham Yard Hotel - Terrace SuiTe
Bright, bold and beautiful– the interiors of
this luxury boutique hotel conceptualised
by Firmdale Hotels designer Kit Kemp and
hotelier husband Tim, are gorgeously vibrant
with Kemp’ eye-catching textiles scattered
throughout, from hand-embroidered Suzani
curtains from Kit Kemp’s Chelsea Textiles
collection to brightly patterned headboards.
The 145 square metre Terrace Suite is the
hotel’s plum stay, with a living room, dining
area, powder room and an Italian Boffi kitchen,
it affords views over a tree-filled courtyard and
of London’s skyline from the terrace. With
two king-sized bedrooms, the granite and oak
bathroom has a walk-in shower, a freestanding
tub and Kit Kemp’s range of Rik Rak amenities.
There’s a butler to take care of any requests,
a minibar filled with British treats, and even
a personal iPad or Macbook to use for the
duration of your stay. The hotel is a mere
amble from Piccadilly Circus, but for evenings
in, there’s plenty to entertain with a restaurant
and lounge, a rooftop garden, a drawing room,
library, 176-seat theatre and even a four-lane
bowling alley.
£4,080 (US$6,095) per night
www.firmdalehotels.com
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17
LONDON TASTE
LONDON TASTE
ciTy
bites
London’s booming dining scene shows no sign of
slowing down. Georgina Wilson-Powell has the
score on where (and what) to eat, from Michelinstarred openings to history-soaked dining rooms
18 DOTWNEWS.COM
The Domino at Hotel Cafe Royal
DOTWNEWS.COM 19
Smoked black Angus tartare and
radish at Social Eating House
LONDON TASTE
LONDON TASTE
YauaTcha
yauatcha
While the Michelin-starred Chinese restaurant in Soho has
recently celebrated a decade in dim sum, Yauatcha is about
to open a third branch in the City of London. Sumptuous
dark blues and blacks envelop you as you walk in; this is
a jet gem of a restaurant that manages to balance being
open plan with being intimate and makes diners feel at
ease regardless of whether it’s lunch or evening time. Its
delicately flavoured sharing plates have found a real home
among London’s A-listers with an expansive menu that
takes in everything from Lobster dumplings with tobiko
caviar to Violet macrons. Almost as big is the tea menu and
signature cocktail list (try the Lychee Martini).
MuST Try
The Taste of Yauatcha tasting menu includes a baked
venison puff and mushroom spring roll with black truffle.
15-17 Broadwick Street W1F 0DL
Tel: +44 20 7494 8888
www.yauatcha.com
Social Eating HouSE
In the heart of London’s buzziest district, Soho, the tables
are perennially filled at Social Eating House, which has
a modern, casual take on a British menu, full of seasonal
produce. Exposed brick, weathered leather banquet seats
and quirky signs really bring this place to life; it’s full of
refined character. The same can be said of the food, which
starts with jars of nibbles to share, such as truffle salami or
duck rillet, before serving up British delights including wild
mushrooms (served from a bag), Cornish mackerel, smoked
Lincolnshire eel and Kentish saltmarsh lamb. Save room for
Social Eating House Chef’s Table
dessert though, as there’s a range of boozy sundaes, some
seriously lavish puds, like white chocolate ice cream mousse
with Yorkshire rhubarb, passionfruit and vanilla crumble,
and an impressive British cheese selection.
MuST Try
Don’t miss the five-course tasting menu, which builds dishes
around the star ingredients of mackerel, artichoke, turbot,
lamb and chocolate. Delish.
Social Eating House
20 DOTWNEWS.COM
58 Poland Street, Soho W1F 7Nr
Tel: +44 20 7993 3251
www.socialeatinghouse.com
The Domino
The Domino, Hotel Café Royal
Continuing Hotel Café Royal’s reincarnation as a sumptuous,
heritage-soaked stay in central London, its baroque dining
room, The Domino, will celebrate its 150th anniversary
by collaborating with different Michelin star chefs. Each
month will see bespoke menus created under the banner
The Domino Effect. May will see the hotel’s Chef Andrew
Turner work with New York’s Delware and Hudson, a
Michelin star restaurant that’s been lauded as the city’s best
new eatery, and Chef Ryan Tate who has pioneered Modern
American cuisine. The newly revamped space is a lesson in
less is more with clean lines and muted tablecloths, under a
ceiling of restored cartouches. The whole space just breathes
with history; Hotel Café Royal has been where it’s at for the
last century.
MuST Try
During May, book in for a four-course menu accompanied
with cocktails inspired by the café’s original cocktail
handbook from 1937.
68 regent Street W1B 5rH
Tel: +44 20 7406 3333
www.hotelcaferoyal.com
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21
LONDON TASTE
LONDON TASTE
Kurobuta
Kurobuta by Scott HallSwortH
One of the most in-demand chefs in London, Scott
Hallsworth has reinvented Japanese cuisine as something
quirky and fun with his informal but celeb-packed
Kurobuta restaurants (one in Chelsea, one in Marble
Arch), which have just won awards for being London’s best
new restaurant. They’re small but perfectly formed, with
a relaxed canteen style vibe, perfect for a pit-stop lunch
in between shopping or meetings. Try out tuna sashimi
pizza with truffle ponzu, red onions and green chillis
from the Japanese Junk Food menu or the finger-licking
steamed buns with spicy peanut soy. The group has also
just launched a members-only, more upmarket restaurant
and bar in South Kensington called Ramusake, which has
set London’s fashion pack aflutter. To become a member,
fill in the form on the website and wait for a call.
MuST Try
Where to begin? Order the Kombu roasted Chilean seabass
with spicy shiso ponzu and sweet and sour snow crab with
yuzu kosho mayo maki and go from there.
312 King’s road, Chelsea SW3 5uH
17-20 Kendal Street, Marble Arch, W2 2AW
Tel: +44 20 3475 4158
www.kurobuta-london.com
Novikov
Novikov
Asian black cod
This new opening from Arkady Novikov, Moscow’s most
successful restaurateur, is a sleek, glam affair with three
dining options; grab a table in the Italian room, Asian room
or nibble on a more international menu in the Lounge,
which has its own DJ. The Italian room has suede wall
panelling, gorgeous mirrors in solid oak and a serious Italian
wine cellar to match the robust, mouth-watering menu. The
Asian room is calm, elegant and uses bamboo chandeliers
and a lacquered ebony bar to conjure the mysteries of the
East. Tuck into Pan-Asian cuisine that ranges from King
crab in penang sauce to delicate sushi and the globally loved
Miso black cod. Private dining is also available and takeaway
orders for those on private jets is no bother for these world
class chefs. You’ll find London’s in-the-know crowd already
at the bar.
MuST Try
Work your way through Wagyu tacos and tuna, foie gras and
truffle carpaccio or a lip-smacking caviar selection.
Kurobuta
22 DOTWNEWS.COM
Novikov
50A Berkeley Street, Mayfair W1J 8HA
Tel: +44 020 7399 4330
www.novikovrestaurant.co.uk
DOTWNEWS.COM 23
LONDON SHOPPING
LONDON SHOPPING
v
i
p
SHOPPING
Whether it’s a rare Chanel bag, a vintage piece from Liberty or a
private viewing of Louis Vuitton’s latest collection, luxury shopping
specialists in London can make every retail wish come true
Floris fragrances, British
24
familyDOTWNEWS.COM
perfumers since 1730
W
ith access to the most
exclusive
boutiques
in
London, luxury shopping
specialists are in the business of making
shopping dreams come true – particularly
for connoisseurs and fashionistas searching
for elite, money-can’t-buy experiences.
In London, the growing demand for
curated, exclusive experiences led Global
Sinclair founder Jill Sinclair to launch a
range of highly-personalised luxury retail
safaris, unlocking the doors to boutiques
in London’s top-tier shopping precincts
and curating bespoke, behind-the-scenes
experiences at Selfridges and Fortnum &
Mason and Liberty, among others.
Designed for VVIPS searching for
something more, the safaris are led by
incredibly well-connected experts who go
the extra mile to fulfill an array of customer
requests, from ladies-only safaris that
include trunk shows and personalised gifts
to gentlemen's safaris including tailoring,
cigar and watch experiences.
Catering to what Sinclair describes as
“global sophisticates”, every safari is tailored
to include out-of-the-box experiences
around gourmet, shopping, art and culture
in London and the UK. “So many clients
coming to London want more of an in
depth shopping experience – not the cookie
cutter typical round of the same shops but
an unique and enriched experience,” she
says. “We have personal shoppers and art
curators, and will work with the top brands
to provide an exclusive access that no one
else has. Access to products that aren’t even
on the market yet.”
From ‘behind the scenes at Burberry’ and
bespoke hat making to a private perfume
experience in Liberty’s heritage room or
advanced exclusives from Prada, Chanel
or Dior, nothing is impossible. One recent
experience saw a famous French boutique
in Sloane Street closed to the public for
an exclusive birthday party and a pre-edit
consultation, with an artist personalising
luggage and bags. “We have seen more and
more collaboration with art," says Sinclair.
"One client wanted their race horses'
portraits painted onto a set of china and
ceramics from Halycon Days. We've also had
Liberty do a preview of their new Flower
collection with a talk from the designer and
access to their archives of prints, and couples
wanting to buy a five-carat diamond and
look at the stone, so we arranged a diamond
safari and a De Beers diamond talk.”
DOTWNEWS.COM 25
LONDON SHOPPING
LONDON SHOPPING
Liberty
Fortnum & Mason
Cartier
Tiffany & Co
Selfridges
uNLOCKiNg LONDON’s shOppiNg seCrets
LOnDOn hAS A MAGic of its own, says Sinclair, its secrets and exclusives not always on view
but “deep with the famous roads, in little pockets and secret destinations within destinations”.
A luxury retail safari takes shoppers behind the scenes of the flagships of the iconic stores and
boutiques, meeting the master experts and designers. here’s just a taste of what’s on offer.
◗ CheLsea & KNightsbriDge
London’s most fashionable place to shop (and be
seen) with more than 100 stores representing
revered designers; among them the recently
refurbished Dior and Valentino.
◗ Liberty
Synonymous with luxury, design and iconic
Liberty products since 1875, Liberty’s is also
home to the world’s largest range of Manolo
Blahnik shoes. www.liberty.co.uk
◗ FOrtNum & masON
Favoured by British Royalty, the store is famous
for its afternoon tea and hampers.
www.fortnumandmason.com
◗ seLFriDges
recently opened a men’s personal styling
lounge. www.selfridges.com
◗ harrODs
One of London’s most famous shopping
experiences, the upmarket department store
has added a superlative perfume department
on the top floor. www.harrods.com
Floris perfumes
◗ bOND street & mayFair
Explore the wealth of elegant
stores, exclusive brands
and British flagships
with ‘Bond Street by
Appointment’ –one
of Sinclair Global’s
bespoke services.
Chanel
Harrods
www.sinclair-global.com
The iconic London department store has
Alexander McQueen
26 DOTWNEWS.COM
DOTWNEWS.COM 27
LONDON REL AX
sspa
pa
LONDON REL AX
in thE city
Whether you suffer from jet lag, stiff shoulders or
simply seek a day of indulgent pampering, there’s a
London spa to suit, writes Georgina Wilson-Powell
DOTWNEWS.COM
28a dip
Enjoy
in the pool after your
treatment at ESPA Life at The Corinthia
DOTWNEWS.COM 29
LONDON REL AX
LONDON REL AX
Take a dip in The 60 meTre ionised
pool and be sooThed by The
CasCading waTerfall
ESPa life at The Corinthia
The ionised pool at aman Spa
AmAn SpA
The ConnaughT
One of Mayfair’s most prestigious hotels, The
Connaught simply oozes old school glamour
and European elegance. The first Aman Spa
outside the famous Aman resorts is a sleek and
simple space that will recharge even the most
weary batteries. Take a dip in the 60-metre
ionised pool, be soothed by the cascading
waterfall or sweat it out in the crystal steam
room. Treatments are inspired by Asia, India
and the Americas but personalised to your
needs, pulling out all the stops to restore
balance and bring back peace and harmony to
your body and mind. There are also free daily
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mindfulness classes. The spa’s traveller menu
will be of special interest to jet-setters, covering
massages, body scrubs and facials or the fitness
centre also offers combined yoga and pilates
treatments to realign your spine and mind.
ThE SigNaTurE: Jet Lag recovery
A
two-and-a-half
hour
restorative
programme can reduce the effects of jet
lag and help your body clock adjust. An
invigorating body brush, detoxing body
mask, personalised facial and soothing
massage will leave you feeling human again.
TEL: +44 20 3147 7305
www.the-connaught.co.uk
The Bulgari spa
espa life
Bulgari Hotel london
tHe CorintHia
You wouldn’t expect anything less from
Bulgari, but this sleek and minimalist twostorey spa offers everything from a pick me
up massage to long-term ‘life-improvement’
programmes tailored for each guest, such as
naturopathy, reflexology and acupuncture. The
Advanced Clinic offers non-surgical beauty and
skincare treatments for those that want to get
red carpet ready. Gentlemen are well catered
for with an extensive grooming menu as well
as skincare treatments, massages and facials.
Glide through this urban oasis under the hotel
and feel the big city stress just slide off. A
25-metre pool inspired by Italian architecture,
a relaxation room with a dramatic vertical
fireplace and a fully appointed luxurious hair
and beauty salon are just some of the facilities
on offer here, all ready to attend to any wellness
need you might have.
Even for spa regulars, The Corinthia’s ESPAbranded spa takes wellness to the next level.
Spa treatments, alternative therapies, fitness
and beauty are combined in this four-storey,
marble clad, chic modern oasis. An ice fountain,
amphitheatre sauna, vitality pool surrounded
by sumptuous day beds and private sleep
pods grouped around a real fire all await your
presence before and after your treatment. Or
a Rush Hour treatment can revive or beautify
even the most jet-lagged traveller in just one
hour, perfect for the time poor. ESPA Life can
help with lingering issues like sleep problems
and stress with its Lifestyle Programmes
and has a world-class team of naturopaths,
traditional Chinese Medicine acupuncturists,
herbalists, osteopaths, personal trainers and
spa professionals on standby to ease you back
to optimum health.
ThE SigNaTurE: 24k gold Naturalift antiageing facial
ThE SigNaTurE: gentleman’s Topiary Day
Harness the luxurious beautifying powers
of gold to provide a natural alternative
to Botox. Combined with acupuncture,
it gives visible results, lifting and toning
facial muscles and smoothing fine lines.
TEl: +44 20 7151 1010
a treatment room at aman Spa
www.bulgarihotels.com
Don’t be put off by the name; you don’t need
a hipster beard to book in. A Daniel Galvin
haircut and blow try, traditional cut throat
wet-shave, personalised facial, manicure
and pedicure and optional wax will leave
you looking sharp and suave.
TEl: +44 20 7321 3050
www.espalifeatcorinthia.com
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LONDON REL AX
LONDON REL AX
Spa, Four Seasons hotel london
asian tranquility at Mandarin Spa
Mandarin Spa
Lobby and retail area at Como
Shambhala urban Escape
Modern and understated, this two storey
spa will put a real spring back in your step.
A range of massage and skincare treatments
and longer rituals all begin with a soothing
foot bath or if you’re really in need, book a
half or full day of relaxation with multiple
treatments for total indulgence. To stay fit
as well as relaxed, the spa is home to a twin
lane 17-metre pool, and state-of-the-art fitness
centre, which also offers personal training,
meaning you don’t have to miss a structured
workout away from home.
Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park
ThE SigNaTurE: aroma Shell release
Just steps away from the luxury stores of
Knightsbridge is this absolutely stunning
haven of Asian tranquility. Each guest is
treated to five-star service with a personalised
consultation before any treatments are
decided upon. Arrive early to take advantage
of vitality pools, amethyst crystal steam rooms
and a Zen colour therapy relaxation room.
This unique experience for men and women
combines hot lava shells with cold glacial
shells to ease muscle tension and allow
for a deeper massage. The temperature
differences invigorate the lymphatic
system, essential when you travel often.
Tel: +44 20 7838 9888
www.mandarinoriental.com
CoMo SHaMbHala urban eSCape,
Spa, Four SeaSonS Hotel
MetroPoLitan London at oLd Park Lane
at Park Lane
COMO Shambhala’s ethos is to practice
holistic wellness, so think modern techniques
with ancient healing rituals. Its spa at the
Metropolitan London really does live up to
its name as an ‘urban escape’. The calming
white tones will soothe your soul as the fivestar therapists get to work. The spa also has
reiki practitioners, energy therapists, yoga
instructors and even counsellors on its staff,
ensuring all your needs are met. Two double
suites are available for couples’ treatments,
one with its own steam room and beauty and
grooming facilities are also on site. Pick from
individual treatments, day packages to revive,
relax and purify or ‘wellness paths’ that can be
tailored for one or two people. And once you’re
back on top form, pop upstairs into Nobu for
celeb-spotting and cool cuisine.
There aren’t many spas in London that are lucky
enough to have such glorious views like the one
at Four Seasons Hotel London. Sat on the 10th
floor, this gorgeous rooftop sanctuary has nine
treatment rooms which all have floor-to-ceiling
windows (darkened when you’re in there)
overlooking the skyline in the heart of London.
Each room has its own private relaxation pod
so you can immerse yourself completely in
unwinding. In addition to expertly-executed
massages and facials, the spa’s rituals are
something special. The Hyde Park Awakening
includes a foot soak, an organic bamboo and
calendula body scrub and a personalised
massage. Men are also well catered to with an
extensive menu that covers grooming as well as
relaxation. This sleek and welcoming spa will
make you feel at home, whoever you are.
ThE SigNaTurE: Japanese Detox at The Met
ThE SigNaTurE: The Blue Sky Suite
Experience
This luxurious, deep detox uses an ancient
Japanese technique, Moxibustion, which
uses mugwort (a type of aromatic plant) to
heat meridian points of the body, assisting
with purifying and balancing the body, and
aiding sleep and back pain.
TEl: +44 20 7447 5750
www.comohotels.com
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A private suite with your own relaxation
room and a view over London sets the
mood for three hours of treatments for two
people, followed by a spa lunch with a glass
of Prosecco to finish off.
TEl: +44 20 74990 888
www.fourseasons.com
DOTWNEWS.COM 33
LONDON TASTE
LONDON TASTE
london
c a L L iN g
Photo: Getty Images
london’s famous landmarks are known all over the world, but there are
plenty of ways to get a new perspective of the city in a 24-hour stopover,
if you know where to look, writes Christian Sylt
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DOTWNEWS.COM 35
LONDON TASTE
LONDON TASTE
Trafalgar Square
View over London
U
nlike many major capitals, London
lacks wide, straight streets. The
roads that twist through the city are
lined with buildings dating back to the 18th
century. They are so tightly-packed that their
foundations prevent London’s underground
rail network, affectionately known as ‘The
Tube’, from following the streets close to the
surface. Instead the rails are buried deeper
underground than in most other capital cities
meaning that the 1.3 billion travellers who use
it every year miss the majesty of this royal city.
The best way to see London is to take to the sky.
09.00 Most flights into London arrive into
Heathrow on the west of the city, which is the
busiest airport in Britain and Europe by traffic.
On a clear day you can get your bearings before
you even touch down, as planes tend to circle
over London and follow the river Thames on
descent. Pressing your face against the window,
you can see the Thames snaking through the
city and spot the skyscrapers towering over the
The National Gallery
Square Mile - London’s financial district in the
east. The pyramid-shaped Shard is the easiest
to see, as at 306 metres, it is Europe’s tallest
building. As you descend, you might even catch
a glimpse of the Queen’s official residence,
Buckingham Palace, the biggest single building
next to Hyde Park in West London.
10.00 After passing through customs your
chauffeured car awaits to take you to The Savoy
(+44 (0) 20 7836 4343; www.fairmont.com/
savoy-london) on the Strand right in the middle
of the city. The hotel opened in 1889 and is
proud of its heritage. It is split into Art Deco
and Edwardian sections, which are themed to
the heydays of the hotel. The Art Deco rooms
are filled with teak furniture and lined with
sumptuous leather wallpaper – the Great
Gatsby himself would be proud of its luxurious
touches including soft leather holders for the
television remote controls and bedside photos
of famous guests from Frank Sinatra to Bob
Dylan. After unpacking ask the concierge to
make a reservation for 7pm at the Chiltern
Firehouse in Marylebone (+44 (0) 20 7073
7676; www.chilternfirehouse.com). For now it’s
time to explore the local area and the most wellknown sights are all within walking distance.
10.30 Strolling down the Strand you hit Trafalgar
Square, which is famous for its centrepiece
Nelson’s Column. It commemorates the Battle
of Trafalgar in 1805 and is crowned by a statue
of British naval officer Horatio Nelson looking
towards the Big Ben clock tower. Across the
square from Big Ben you will find Westminster
Abbey (+44 (0) 20 7222 5152; www.westminsterabbey.org), the 700-year-old building where
Prince William and Kate Middleton got married
in 2011. It is also the burial place of numerous
important British figures, so look out for the
graves of Sir Isaac Newton, Geoffrey Chaucer
and Charles Dickens.
12.00 Walking back and through Trafalgar
Square will take you to Leicester Square,
an entertainment spot filled with cinemas,
nightclubs and casinos. Some of London’s
most renowned shops are next door on Regent
Street. The flagship is Liberty’s (+44 (0) 207
734 1234; www.liberty.co.uk), a department store
famed for its craft ware and graphic prints.
It’s also a good place to get a blow-dry and
manicure as it is home to an atelier of celebrity
colourist Josh Wood (+44 (0) 20 3393 3358;
www.joshwoodcolour.com).
13.30 Head back to the Savoy via Fortnum &
Mason on Piccadilly (+44 (0) 20 7734 8040;
www.fortnumandmason.com) to grab one of
their famous hampers to snack on later. Then
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ask your driver to take you to the South Bank
where street artists perform by the river. Forget
the 135-metre tourist trap that is the London
Eye observation wheel and instead make your
way to Royal Festival Hall (+44 (0) 20 7960
4200; www.southbankcentre.co.uk/venues/royalfestival-hall), Europe’s largest centre for the
arts. More than 300 free events take place in
its foyer every year but the main event is found
by taking a lift to the top floor where a terrace
gives perhaps the best view in London: a clean
sweep down the Thames from the spires of the
skyscrapers in the Square Mile all the way down
to Buckingham Palace and beyond. Admire the
view over lunch from Skylon restaurant (+44
(0) 20 7654 7800; www.skylon-restaurant.co.uk)
which has floor-to-ceiling windows and a threecourse lunch menu featuring cauliflower soup,
braised beef and ice cream.
15.00 Time for your car to take you a little
further afield to St Paul’s cathedral (+44 (0) 20
7246 8350; www.stpauls.co.uk) on the fringe of
the financial district. Statues of silver dragons
mark the entrance to the Square Mile and St
Paul’s is one of its most prized assets. Climb
steps up its historic dome to try its whispering
gallery where ingenious acoustics allow sound
to travel around its circumference.
17.00 London is dotted with peaceful little parks
and one can be found just north of St Paul’s. It
is known as Postman’s Park because a sorting
office used to stand across the road. A minute’s
walk away is Christchurch Greyfriars, a rose
garden laid out in the original floor plan of the
nave which once stood there. Time to break
open the hamper from Fortnum & Mason.
station re-opened in 2013 and unless you have
the Savoy concierge’s black book, you will need
to wait six moths to get a reservation. Customers
include Naomi Campbell, Kate Moss, Gerard
Butler, Lindsay Lohan and even Britain’s Prime
Minister David Cameron. The Grade II listed
Gothic Victorian building has high ceilings,
large mirrors and a busy open kitchen.
18.00 Ask your driver to take you back to the
20.30 Head to The View from The Shard (+44
Savoy to drop off your swag. Then take a short
stroll to the Thai Square Spa Covent Garden
(+44(0) 20 7240 6090; www.thaisquarespa.
com) for some pre-dinner decadence. The
warm jacuzzis, fragrant bathrobes and soothing
lighting will soon make you forget how much
you shelled out in the shops.
(0) 344 499 7222; www.theviewfromtheshard.com)
at the top of the 87-storey tower, arriving before
darkness descends to take in the panorama and
other landmarks for your next trip. For one last
chance to get an up close and personal brush
with London’s royalty, dance the night away at
Prince Harry’s favourite nightclub Boujis (+44
(0) 20 7584 2000; www.boujis.com) or Mahiki
(+44 (0) 20 7493 9529; www.mahiki.com) where
Kate Middleton’s sister Pippa could be out in
force with her entourage.
Be warned: after all that high-flying, it could
be hard to come back down to earth when your
whirlwind adventure in London finally comes
to a close. ■
19.00 Now it’s time for your driver to whisk
you to the Chiltern Firehouse where that allimportant date awaits. The restaurant is an
event in itself and is the latest offering from
hotel impresario André Balazs who owns the
luxurious Chateau Marmont in Hollywood
and the Mercer in New York. The former fire
Fortnum & Mason
Leicester Square
caption caption caption
caption
caption
16.00
Stcaption
Paul’s is
one of the most photographed
caption caption
landmarks in London but shots of it usually
have other buildings in the frame. The best
way to avoid that is to nip across the road to
the One New Change (+44 (0) 20 7002 8900;
www.onenewchange.com) shopping centre
and head to Madison’s bar (+44 (0) 20 3693
5160; www.madisonlondon.net) on the roof.
It has an uninterrupted view of the dome of
St Paul’s and a wide tapas menu. Sipping a
cocktail while admiring Christopher Wren’s
stunning architecture is a calming experience.
It perfectly prepares you for more retail therapy
in the boutiques down below.
DOTWNEWS.COM 37
LONDON PL AY
LONDON P L AY
B R I TA I N I N
STYLE
ST YLE
Polished, suave and mysterious – the iconic international
agent James Bond would feel right at home during this
four night, five-day experience, which is certain to leave
you shaken – and stirred.
38 DOTWNEWS.COM
Get behind the wheel of a
supercar to explore London
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39
and the city outskirts
LONDON PL AY
LONDON P L AY
McLaren 12C
Starting off the second
day with a proper English
breakfast, it’s time to get
behind the wheel of a supercar.
after a briefing with the Motor
Experience Director, you will be introduced
to a bevy of beauties certain to make any
automobile aficionado feverish with desire.
the range includes the aston Martin DB9,
a finely-tuned piece of English machinery
boasting a 299 km/h top speed as well as
reaching 0-97 km/h in 4.7 seconds. then
there’s the McLaren MP4, now simply known
as the McLaren 12C, with an impressive V8
engine which sits inside a featured carbon
fiber composite chassis. Wrapping up the
selection of hair whipping fun is the Bentley
Continental gt Speed. Unveiled at the
2014 geneva Motor Show, it is described
as the successor to the older model; the gt
Speed now has increased engine power, an
entirely new design, and incorporated new
technologies developed by Bentley. it’s a tough
Day
2
Coworth Park
decision, but the choice is yours, and after
picking your wheels, you’ll be free to explore
the winding, tranquil roads of the English
countryside, before pausing for an exquisite
lunch. afterwards, take your supercar for one
last lap before arriving back to the hotel for
some more relaxation.
that night, you will be transferred to the
five red star Stoke Park Hotel for a very special
James Bond themed dinner. a black tie outfit
is optional, but no matter what you wear, the
catered seven-course menu wouldn’t look out
of place in a Bond film. following dinner, you
will be given an exclusive tour of the hotel’s
country club where the Bond films, goldfinger
(1964) and tomorrow never Dies (1997),
were filmed. the epic duel between James
Bond (Sean Connery) and goldfinger (gert
frobe) is considered to be the most famous
game of golf in cinematic history.
toDay iS yoUr exclusive
James Bond film location
tour. guided by an expert in
everything Bond, experience
life as an Mi6 agent aboard a
high-powered speedboat. Whizzing along the
famous river thames like Daniel Craig in the
upcoming 2015 Spectre Bond movie, you will
have the chance to explore some of the most
memorable Bond locations. Making your way
back to dry land, you will be transported to
your next home for the night: the Dorchester.
the epitome of timeless glamour, it is one of
the world’s most iconic hotels, and since its
opening in april 1931, it has been a favourite
choice of celebrities, world leaders, royalty
and high society. after some well-earned
suite time, the buzz of London’s nightlife is at
your fingertips. Whether you want to dine at
one of the city’s fabulous restaurants or make
an entrance at an exclusive club, you have a
private chauffeur at your disposal.
Day
3
I
ncorporating only the best vehicles, boats and
helicopters, you can channel your inner 007 on
a curated British adventure with Vesperience,
which takes in the best of London’s city and countryside,
glamorous cars, sophisticated stays and oh-so exclusive
Michelin-starred private dining. James Bond wouldn’t
have it any other way.
Your Bond JourneY begins in London,
where staff will escort you to Coworth
Park, a late 18th-century country house.
With enticing spas and saunas, you can
settle into your accommodation and hit the
relax button, enjoying an evening filled with drinks and
dinner prepared by world-renowned chefs at the two AA
ranking rosette restaurant.
Day
1
Coworth Park
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Stoke Park Hotel
The Dorchester
DOTWNEWS.COM 41
Upperclass 235x335mm.ai
LONDON PL AY
The london Eye
your Mission ToDAy,
should you choose to accept
it, is to take to the skies in a
helicopter, capturing every
remarkable view london has to
offer. from buckingham Palace to the london
Eye, you will be given the chance to see the
city from a perspective few can brag about –
except bond, perhaps.
After your skyhigh jaunt, you will be
transferred back to The Dorchester to enjoy
a leisurely lunch followed by a spectacular
private tea tasting put on by the world famous
East india Company. ranging from delicate
infusions to headier, robust flavours, there’s a
tea to suit every palette, and to aid your choice
and answer any questions, you will have your
very own tea sommelier.
At dinner, you can dine on a sumptuous
seven-course chef’s table tasting experience at
the hotel’s three Michelin-starred restaurant,
Day
4
42 DOTWNEWS.COM
Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester
Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester, hosted in
in an exclusive, private venue.
Enjoy
onE
lAsT
brEAkfAsT, before you are
whisked back to the airport
with private transportation.
from supercars to highflying
helicopters, your bond journey has come to
an end, but one thing is for certain: it’s as
close as you will ever get to serving in Her
Majesty’s secret service. ■
Day
5
The important bit
priCE: Britain in Style is priced at US$10,000
per person based on two sharing and US$10,758
per person for single occupancy at The
Dorchester in Mayfair.
WhEN: From August 6-10
TEl: +44 (0) 1753 836 600
vesperience.com
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Upperclass 235x335mm.ai
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1 PM