The latest London spots to add to your must-visit list …
STAY: For an affordable base in posh Belsize Park, try Mason & Fifth’s boutique hotel that opens in May. This beautifully restored guest house is the group’s fourth location following its success in Primrose Hill, Westbourne Park and Bermondsey. These flexible home-from-home studio-style apartments all come with kitchenettes, complemented with spacious communal areas and a “help yourself” breakfast concept. Coinciding with the opening is a new Writer’s Residency, a two-month stay for budding writers with mentorship and publication opportunities, part of a collaboration with Port Magazine. @masonfifth
SEE: We’re on the countdown to RHS Chelsea Flower Show in May, one of the best times to visit London when installations and floral displays proliferate around the city. A favourite haunt is to wander around Belgravia where Elizabeth Street often has the best dressed windows (especially Philip Treacy and Jo Loves). Mayfair is always fabulous too, especially as Claridge’s is collaborating with The Newt in Somerset for a two-week partnership to bring its rural idyll to the famous Art Deco lobby. Pop in to see a special willow sculpture in The Foyer restaurant and pick up an apple – guests can help themselves to a Granny Smith from the Newt farm! A special Claridge’s X The Newt Stay includes bed and breakfast, lunch and welcome gifts. @claridgeshotel @thenewtinsomerset
SHOP: Hot news is the opening of the Louis Vuitton Hotel until June 21, a townhouse honouring 130 years of the House’s iconic Monogram. First created in 1896 by Georges Vuitton as tribute to his father, LV has become an emblem of savoir-faire and enduring elegance. From the Keepall Lobby to Bar Noé, Speedy room to the Café Alma, every corner of the townhouse is designed to bring the art of travel to life in unexpected ways. Avail of personalisation services including hot-stamping and distinctive patches. @louisvuitton
SEE MORE: Inside The New Louis Vuitton Hotel Pop-Up In London
SPA: Aesthetically and holistically exquisite, Six Senses London is one of the major global hotel openings this year, housed in former Art Deco department store, Whiteley’s. It not only offers haute hospitality, but also a special membership concept called Six Senses Place.
For wellness devotees, it’s worth the trek to West London to sample the Six Senses Spa housed in a space reminiscent of an old-fashioned London underground station (trains are trending!). Highlights include a magnesium pool to support muscular recovery in addition to an indoor swimming pool, a biohacking recovery lounge and an Alchemy Bar where alchemist Charlotte Pulver creates bespoke tinctures from foraged herbs. Treatments have been inspired by the Celtic calendar with rituals designed to align with the rhythms of the land.
You’ll also find HUM2N, a longevity clinic founded by D Mohammed Enayat that provides advanced blood testing, IV nutrient therapy, hormone optimisation and performance-focused health treatments. These are complemented by a hyperbaric chamber designed to simulate altitude conditions and support cellular adaptation in a clinically supervised environment within the hotel. All in all, a one-stop spa for a complete reset and overhaul. @sixsenseslondon
SIP: Is there anything better than dining al fresco or on a rooftop? Nowhere is more stylish than The Berkeley Rooftop Bar that will host “Capri in the City” from May 1. This poolside pop up, in collaboration with Acqua di Parma, is inspired by the island’s cove-studded coastline. Surrounded by lemon trees with great views of Hyde Park and the London skyline, visitors can savour a new Riviera-inspired menu. There’s also an interesting SW1 Sips menu at the Berkeley bar inspired by designers who live in the neighbourhood, from couturier Stewart Parvin to candlemaker Rachel Vosper and designer Anya Hindmarch. Fans should try her Sgroppino – a special sorbet served with leather coaster featuring Hindmarch’s signature googly eyes. @the_berkeley
