I absolutely love discovering new hotels, and was recently invited to a corporate breakfast seminar at L’oscar hotel near Holborn tube in London. Now I admit it wasn’t a hotel which had passed across my radar, and hotel conference rooms in the past have not really blown me away, but as soon as I walked into the lavish reception area at l’oscar I was impressed.
Our seminar was set in the splendid Library, and afterwards I was kindly given a tour by the Head Concierge and was fascinated to hear the story of how a previously dilapidated English heritage building had been lovingly restored in all its Baroque glory into this gorgeous 39 bedroom boutique hotel with exquisite and unique spaces for private dining as well as business meetings and seminars.
Built more than a hundred years ago, the building was the former London headquarters of the Baptist Church. Architect Arthur Keen mixed ‘Wrenaissance’ style with Arts & Crafts influences, working with some of the best artists and craftsmen of the time to create much of the exterior and interior design: ornately plastered ceilings, carved fireplaces, oak panelling, and finely worked plaques.
Sadly, the building’s fifth floor was damaged by a bomb in World War II and over the years the church’s congregation dwindled. It closed in the 1960s as a place of worship and was taken over by London Transport until 2012 when it was bought by the Triangle Hotel Group and under the creative direction of L’oscar CEO Duncan Shakeshaft its revival began with many of its features beautifully restored by master craftsman from across the world.
With lavish interiors created by French designer Jacques Garcia, of Hotel Costes in Paris and La Mamounia in Marrakech fame, there is a real sense of decadence and luxury, but also heritage and culture. Respecting the Grade II historical building, partitions in bedrooms cannot touch the ceilings and many of the original features have been lovingly restored.
All rooms and suites are decorated with commissioned arts & crafts period artwork, but of course provide access to modern technology such as flat screen TV and complimentary non-alcoholic mini bar and daily newspaper.
Attention to detail is breathtaking with Lalique style birds used as light fittings, Roja Dove perfume providing a L’oscar signature smell and stunning hollow stem crystal champagne coups made in Poland. However I was also impressed to learn that there were many elements which had been recycled including the doors leading into the bar which CEO Mr Shakeshaft had found in a metal scrapyard in France, the restaurant napkins rings which were bought at Kempton Park antiques market and former church collection trays refurbished to be used to present clients with their bills.
Dining options are just as beautiful with the main restaurant, sparkling L’oscar, an all-day brasserie next to the main lobby, inspired by the famous Venetian Café Florian, lined with with mirrors and gilded panels. There is also a private events space for sit down and standing receptions set under the resplendent original church dome with an intimate bar, The Baptist Bar, open to the public and with live entertainment on Thursdays and Fridays, set on the level below.
With Valentine’s Day approaching, I can’t think of a more romantic setting to have dinner or escape for a mini-break. And for those of us who are still dealing with the sadness, that we are no longer part of Europe, L’oscar provides a little bit of Parisian chic in the capital.
I launched this blog to share wonderful venues and inspiration of places to to visit, however have often been faced with a dilemma, what do I do when I come across something so special that I want to keep it to myself. Grecotel Corfu Imperial, on the idyllic island of Corfu, is one such venue, which is is so sought after that it is always booked up well in advance, that I have hesitated in sharing my secret Greek paradise more widely, but that is the purpose of this blog so here you go!
Set on its own private peninsula, it used to be the vacation getaway for Greek nobility, and you still get that sense of exclusivity and privacy. With a fabulous selection of room types from the stunning guest bedrooms and suites in the main building to beachfront villas and extensive villas, it caters for a wide variety of holiday makers, and does it all with style and panache.
One of the flagship luxury hotels in the Grecotel collection which states that all 32 of its hotels are “a paradise of opulent amenities, gourmet restaurants and luxurious, well thought-of details, all embodying the essence of the genuine Greek hospitality.” I hope to visit more hotels in the Grecotel collection one day, but I can wholly agree that Grecotel Corfu Imperial totally embodies all of these qualities and more.
I have stayed at this exquisite hotel twice now. First in October 2016, then again in September 2017 (both times booking with Tui) and am hoping to return later this year. There is something so magical about the setting, which overlooks the Ionian sea and the calmness of the cove, not to mention breathtaking sunsets that require no Instagram filters, and a general feeling of creativity in the air where you can’t help but paint, write and rejoice in the beauty of nature.
For me, Grecotel Corfu Imperial offers a retreat where you can totally rest and and recharge in the most breathtaking surroundings, and with a small nature trail to explore, gorgeous private beaches and coves plus 15 restaurants overlooking the Ionian Sea, you don’t even need to leave the hotel.
And what’s more, even though I have only been twice, you really feel like they understand the concept of guest experience, as many of the staff have been working at the hotel for many years, you are welcomed back as part of the family and the warm atmosphere and adherence to excellence is led from the top by the amazing General Manager Mr Efstathios Savvidis and his incredible management team.
Grecotel Corfu Imperial really stole my heart. I hope to return again and again ….
Love Sangeeta
Photo credits (except final image) courtesy of Grecotel Hotels.
In the second instalment of my new honeymoon series, I am thrilled to feature the Jandia Princess hotel in Fuerteventura in the Canary Islands. I have visited this gorgeous island and hotel several times on holiday and think it would make a fantastic mid-haul honeymoon destination. Only four hours from London, Fuerteventura boasts white sand Caribbean-esque beaches and luxury accommodation but at purse-friendly prices.
The 4 star Club Jandía Princess is located in the south of Fuerteventura about an hour from the airport. It is an all inclusive hotel and has two separate areas, one for adults-only and one for families, with the adults-only section focused on privacy, relaxation and tranquillity. And as Canary Islands resorts go, it really is stunning. The perfect place to switch off and recharge your batteries: beautiful white low-rise buildings, an incredible location perched on a cliff with breath-taking views from every angle and incredible sunsets and delicious food to suit all palates; in short all the ingredients for the perfect honey or mini-moon.
My favourite spot at the hotel was the Chill Out Bar with its cool vibe music, and white chairs to just relax and enjoy the views below.
We also rented a Balinese bed, not once but twice, which came with fresh fruit and cava, and was our own little private cocoon for the day from which we could go for walks on the beach, swim in one of the pools or just take a nap.
Am already dreaming about my next visit ….
Until next time.
Sangeeta x
Information: We travelled with First Choice, prices start from £414 for 7 days and covers flights and all-inclusive package in the hotel.
There is no longer a one size fits all for honeymoons. Gone are the days when it was just about selecting an expensive tropical destination, newly-wed couples nowadays choose to use this time to do something they have always wanted to do or which fits their respective personalities. A honeymoon is about quality time together and the world is literally your oyster!
In my new honeymoon series, I wanted to showcase three different types of holiday to cover varied interests and budgets and am starting with Barcelona which has always been a place very close to my heart. I lived in this gorgeous city almost eighteen years ago and am still wowed each time I go back, and think it would make the perfect European honeymoon destination. Offering lovely beaches, architecture and culture plus a vibrant nightlife, there is plenty to see and do in this gorgeous city and a wealth of fabulous hotels to suit all tastes and budgets. And it is just over two hours flying time from London.
A personal favourite is the Miramar Hotel up in the Montjuic hills away from the hustle and bustle of the city, but still only a ten minute taxi ride away from all the action. I stayed at the Miramar last August for a short weekend and was struck then at how perfect it would be for a European honeymoon.
Luxurious, elegant and relaxing are all words that come to mind, but there is also something very special about this fabulous hotel, which was built on the site of a former palace and gives you the feeling of a private residence – a real home from home but with all the amenities of a larger hotel (gym, spa, restaurant and bar). And with just 75 bedrooms you feel like you have discovered a secret gem and able to enjoy Barcelona from your own little idyll. I loved being able to explore the city during the day, before returning to the calm of the hotel up in the hills.
And for honeymooners, cocktails by the pool, breakfast on your own private terrace overlooking the harbour, or relaxing in the privacy of your suite in the oversized marble beds listening to classical musics. My idea of bliss and the perfect way to start your married life.
Thank you to Lucia at Life in Motion Group London who helped me organise my trip to Barcelona and who suggested the Miramar Hotel. Fabulous service and a simply sensational hotel!
The White Diaries
