Monthly Archives: August 2024

Dorchester London, Remarkable and Royal!

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One of London’s most respected five-star hotels, The Dorchester, story began in 1931, and continues to evolve. The Grande Dame top of the five-star list of London properties, the legendary Dorchester is now even a more glamorous destination. The noteworthy head-to-toe or crown to velvet slipper makeover, is an awe-inspiring transformation!

The Promenade Restaurant. Dorchester Hotel, London

Do I always feel like Royalty here, yes! I’ve always loved the splendid entrance, gazing toward the vast corridor of the dazzling, now flooded with light, Promenade Restaurant. The lobby invokes luxury from the moment you arrive! Towering leafy palms tufted lavish banquettes, the massive, elegant room has been brightened in delicate white, with gold leaf accents. Museum quality artwork decorate the walls, lingering is encouraged and if you inquire, there is a lovely journal with full descriptions. Details are important!

Still, the Promenade is one of the best people watching locations in all of London, sip your tea, nosh on petite sandwiches or a sumptuous breakfast; gaze about, it’s an elegant playground of grand international sightseeing. Discrete doors lead to the three-Michelin Alain Ducasse; the celebrated and pioneering French chef Alain Ducasse holds a total of 21 Michelin stars, three of which adorn his restaurant at The Dorchester. And one of my London favorites, China Tang the legendary 1930’s inspired Cantonese bar and restaurant. Be transported back to the opulent, golden age of Art Deco splendor where a cocktail bar and traditional dim sum menu add to the ambience. Tom Booton’s, The Grill serving updated fine British fare and the brilliantly redone Vesper bar, aglow in gold, cozy and elegant. It’s all in the name, The Vesper Martini first starred in the James Bond novel, Casino Royale, differing from Bond’s usual martini in that it uses both gin and vodka instead of dry vermouth, and lemon peel instead of an olive. Elegant cozy and lively, begin your evening here!

  • Vesper Bar, The Dorchester London
  • Vesper Bar, The Dorchester London
  • Vesper Bar, The Dorchester London
  • Vesper Bar, The Dorchester London
  • China Tang The Dorchester, London

A new addition, The Artist Bar, at the far end of The Promenade, come for the Champers, stay for the Art! Plop under the stunning Lalique chandelier, sparkles in abundance. Ravishing collection just past the mirrored original Liberace piano, and yes, there is a pianist all day to set the mood! My favorite art piece was Ann Carrington’s hand stitched mother of pearl piece, a replica of a Queen Elizabeth postage stamp. If fresh oysters and caviar don’t entice, I recommend asparagus barquettes with pea and truffle cherry tomato, olive tapenade or yummy Lobster and almond tartlet!

Did you know Prince Philip hosted his bachelor party at The Dorchester? History has been made here on many occasions. First impressions are important!

The Artist Bar, Dorchester Hotel, London

Steeped in history, many of the suites have views of Hyde Park. The 241-room hotel consist of 56 suites and three penthouse suites, nestled in Mayfair across from Hyde Park. The Dorchester rooms and suites are still old school elegant; everything splendid and flawless and extremely comfortable! My bed was cloud-like, with the right number of fluffy pillows – did I mention details?! The newly renovated rooms are QUIET and plush and include the latest in technology: touch panel controls for lighting and temperature, modern conveniences amid light and bright sophisticated design, unparalleled luxury, truly a Royal Retreat! I love the brilliant blue suites and the pale-yellow suites – hard to choose a favorite.

  • The Dorchester, London
  • The Dorchester, London
  • The Dorchester, London
  • The Dorchester, London
  • The Dorchester, London

Oh, the bathrooms, have always been quite divine, over-size soaking tubs, acres of marble and polished chrome, two sinks for sharing. I also had a small window that opened for fresh air. I felt like Royalty during my stay, granted, my gorgeous Dorchester suite was destined for a Queen! No matter the size of your room or suite, there are always comfy chairs or sofas, everything you would expect for refined living!

The Spa – Pure delight, revamped and revitalized. Glamorous with decadent touches, the deep navy-blue walls set the stage for 1930’s glam. Enormous ballet photographs line the hushed space, luxurious blue velvet sofas invite relaxation.

Recover from the transatlantic flight in the Welnamis relaxation beds, an enhanced feature of the spa. Power nap or jet lag recovery on the computer-controlled beds which use acoustic and vibrational therapy that trains the brain to relax and benefit from deep relaxation techniques. Using vibrations and audio frequencies to quiet the mind. It’s a spa treatment without touch, enhancing the benefits of other therapies like massage, but also a therapeutic experience. The bed offers four different levels of relaxation (Touch, Gentle, Deep and Energy), in 30- or 60-minute sessions, ranging from a light meditation to a sleep-like state. Select the far corner beds for quiet comfort, although, I got the giggles, it was very relaxing!

Everyone needs a different kind of spa treatment. Some want to pop in for a moment of luxury, to enjoy a treatment and get on with their day. Others long for a private, soothing space in which to find some therapeutic calm amid the roar. Here you are free to find your own way to take time for yourself, whatever that may be.

Facials, nail care, exotic body scrubs and massage and every day of the week, reserve an appointment for a blow out or hair trim – this spa is totally full service. Gentleman’s barber, including a shave, steam room, professional trainers for a workout – this is one of the hotels you could call home!

New and yummy! Just outside the hotel entrance doors is the sweet Cakes & Flowers boutique. A unique blend of a sophisticated florist and luscious patisserie. The Dorchester’s cherished offerings of delicate fragrant flowers, an opulent selection of sweet treats. Wines, bubbles, lavish gift hampers – both to pre-order and in-person selection. Elegant gifts and travel accessories, i.e. I always forget a Champagne stopper, now there is a Dorchester imprinted stopper tucked into my leather case filled with plugs and cables! Details!

Cakes & Flowers, The Dorchester
Cakes & Flowers, The Dorchester

Need a modern change of pace – cross the tree lined street to visit the Dorchester second London property – 45 Park Lane. Love Cut restaurant and the cozy art filled upstairs bar.

Five-star accommodations, dining and oh, such exceptional service tops the multiple reasons to live like Royalty at The Dorchester in London! Upgrade your life, our clients are exceptionally spoiled by my Dorchester peeps. Diamond Club Amenities as our guests.

Highly Recommend The Dorchester, London!

Exclusive Yves Saint Laurent, Dar el-Hanch – Marrakech

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Join us for an Exclusive Journey in Marrakech, to the original home of Yves Saint Laurent and his partner Pierre Bergé, Very few visitors are allowed in this private home, but we are! Last winter, an utterly serendipitous meeting in Morocco led me directly to the lacquered red door of the captivating owner, an American woman who owns the first home of YSL and his partner Pierre Bergé. I was giddy with excitement and enchanted after spending the morning sipping tea on a sun-filled terrace in the magical historic home. We are pen-pals and I hope to see her again in Marrakech or in the states. She is an absolute delight and a superb conversationalist.

Waiting to visit Dar el-Hanch, Marrakech!

Explore the first home of YSL, Dar el-Hanch, with our exceptional Moroccan team. It’s possible to meet the owner, it’s possible to spend a private morning sipping tea, it’s possible to organize a private sunset cocktail event or a decadent evening absorbing the energy of Yves Saint Laurent. We are thrilled to share this Exclusive Experience in Marrakech.

The Story.  It’s well-known by fashionistas that Yves Saint Laurent and his partner Pierre Bergé, lived in Morocco, enjoying many happy years in Marrakech and Tangier, leaving tangible homes and gardens infused with the dazzling style and color known to YSL.

In 1966, they arrived Marrakech and for many years, lived at the now famed La Mamounia before buying their first home. La Mamounia was a much humbler, yet slightly luxurious hotel at the time.

Marrakech was an inspiration, YSL was in lust with the colors, the light and the culture. He was raised in Algeria, and some say he was reminded of the Maghreb of his youth. Marrakech was a place to recharge his batteries, an exotic city with endless inspiration. He has been quoted:  “Marrakech has opened me to colour.”

Our Exclusive Story. What most travelers are unaware of, is the story of their first modest home in Marrakech, Dar el-Hanch, Arabic for ‘House of the Serpent‘. Last winter, I had the serendipitous good fortune of spending half a day at this charming home in the Marrakech Medina with the current owner. She has lived here for years, with the original hand drawn and painted coiled serpent painting on the dining room wall, painted by YSL. A ubiquitous symbol in his work, in jewelry, note cards and fashion. The painted serpent is mesmerizing. Gardens infused with climbing vines, melodic fountains, exotic colorful tile terraces and staircases. Moroccan architecture reflecting the history of the country, even in this humble home, include open arches gazing down on colorful mosaic tile-work floors. Moroccan style isn’t lost at Dar el-Hanch, intricate patterned brick fireplaces, colorful tiled walls, a typical Moroccan home is centered around a center tiled or marbled courtyard. A cooling breeze floats through the top floor terrace, covered in blooming vines, stately palms feather in the neighbor gardens. Interior windows are framed with the intricate carved wood lattice panels, known as Mashrabiya screens, providing privacy and a cool breeze.

Dar el-Hanch, was unpretentiously furnished by YSL and Pierre Bergé. Yet it provided a true sense of liberation behind the high walls, a small garden filled with orange blossoms, flowering vines and towering palm trees. It became a meeting place of creatives: Andy Warhol, Mick and Bianca Jagger.

  • Dar el-Hanch, Marrakech
  • Dar el-Hanch, Marrakech

Make a YSL pilgrimage to Marrakech, visit the rarely open to the public, Dar el-Hanch and continue onward with a private guide for a tour of the Yves Saint Laurent Museum. The museum opened in 2017 to much fanfare, as the French designer regularly celebrated his love for Marrakech and the inspiration it gave his work.

You and your guide will then go next door for a tour of the famously blue Jardin Majorelle, a botanical fantasy designed by Jacques Majorelle in the 1920s. It was given to Yves Saint Laurent and his partner Pierre Bergé by the city of Marrakech when they purchased Villa Oasis. The couple spent much of their time devotedly restoring the space, we can also arrange this as a private experience.

This colorful corner of Marrakech also includes the small but equally important, Pierre Bergé Museum of Berber Arts. Celebrating the heritage of the original nomadic Moroccans.

Next, experience an exclusive, private visit to the exquisite retreat of Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé: the Villa Oasis. The former home of the French expat artist Jacques Majorelle, Villa Oasis was acquired by the couple in the 1980s, and they spent part of every year at their treasured sanctuary until their deaths.

YSL Serpent
YSL Serpent
YSL Serpent

The villa interiors include pieces that Majorelle painted, as well as many traditional Moroccan elements such as hand painted tiled floors, coffered ceilings, and intricate stencil and metalwork and arched doors. The rooms are also home to an incredible private collection of books, paintings and works of art amassed by the couple over the years.

Linger on a hidden bench in the breathtaking Jardin Majorelle, a glamorous space decorated with rare plants in the iconic blues and yellows that are synonymous with YSL’s  life in Marrakech. Surrounded by the soft reverberations of dribbling fountains and birdsong, we can arrange a private lunch in the garden for you and your friends. We may have other local professionals who can join and share their direct knowledge of this fascinating couple.

More here, A Moroccan Passion translated by my new friend, José Abete.

In this handwritten, personal memoir, Pierre Bergé recalls his life with Yves Saint Laurent in Morocco. He remembers their arrival in Marrakech in 1966, their first home purchased together, and their exploration of Morocco and its fascinating light. Bergé awakens the past with personal photographs, many published for the first time, and drawings and watercolors by Lawrence Mynott that evoke the magic of Morocco. Photos of Dar el-Hanch are included in this beautiful book.