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I’m passionate about travel and unique experiences; interested in meeting local people,studying architecture, discovering and learning as much as possible about every city I visit. I adore Paris, yearn to see more of Africa, a recent visit to Istanbul reminds me that there is much more to see in Turkey. A passage to India allowed me to explore the rich and diverse culture, and I barely scratched the surface of this amazing country.
Love to sail, discover music and indigenous food of each region, seek out the best markets and design, and of course dine at the local restaurants. I particularly love roaming Africa, recently explored Argentina and India, which deserve another visit. A devoted Francophile, love all things Parisian, world music, excellent wines & champagne.
Discovery, it’s always about Discovery and Sharing. An appetizer post on my recent stay at the newly opened five-star Raffles London at The OWO. Day nineteen of travel and an extremely early Venice departure return to London didn’t prevent me from relishing several meals, spa sojourn, property site inspection and a late night covert visit to the Secret Spy Room at Raffles! Yes, it’s work, sleuthing, sipping and eventually collapsing at a five star spa!
When I travel, there are often little surprises at almost every turn, I’ve mentioned the underground Silver Vaults in London, and who knew that deep in the bowels of a new hotel and down a secret passageway there is a SPY BAR? It’s Classified!
In a previous post, I shared my extraordinary experience at the stunning Raffles OWO in London, the property brimming with charm, history, and an urban sanctuary, a Guerlain Spa.
Located in the secret corridors, so secret, a guest must be transported by hotel staff to the private door marked 007. Multiple hotel elevators to specific destinations, the ethereal spa, famed restaurant Kioku by Endo and the speakeasy Spy Bar. As a Special Request, our clients enjoyed cocktails at the Spy Bar and a celebratory dinner at Kioku, which is sold out months in advance – London city views from the terrace are sensational and the exclusive dining in the private tower is phenomenal, Chef’s Table, why yes!
Spy Bar Raffles OWO LondonSpy Bar Raffles OWO London
Deeply atmospheric with a hint of the illicit, a former interrogation room, The Spy Bar pays homage to the plethora of spies whose secrets were guarded by the walls of the Old War Office. It is in two former rooms that were numbered 006 and 007 in the early 20th century and functioned as top secret interview rooms of the Special Operations Executives of MI5 and MI6 agents.
Exclusive Tower Table Kioku by Endo Raffles OWO London
The entrance lobby to The Spy Bar was once a guard room while other rooms along this corridor were used for briefing, debriefing and interrogating spies before and after going into the ‘field’. The history is palpable.
Raise a cocktail to the spies who once occupied these corridors, the clandestine and tiny bar is as appropriate, quite dark, cloaked in red velvet banquettes and underscored with half of a gleaming silver DB5 Bond car mounted on the wall, see No Time To Die for a prompt.
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 DorchesterCakes & 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.
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