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.
As a child we didn’t go on many overseas holidays, but I remember avidly watching movies about the golden age of flying, and being in awe of the fabulous British Airways adverts where beautiful air-hostess greeted passengers and the whole experience of flying was imbued with a sense of luxury and glamour. Not to forget the iconic BA Face advert created by Saatchi and Saatchi in the late 80s. I grew up as a huge fan of the brand, British Airways was solid and reliable, and it evoked for me all that I loved about being British.
And, although for a price, that feeling of luxury is still available, with the rise of budget airlines, tortuous airport security not to mention strikes and cancellations causing untold chaos to holidays and business trips, the former excitement and experience of flying seems to have got somewhat lost. Our beloved UK flag carrier, BA, beset with a succession of bad news stories, frequent cancellations, tired looking interiors and sub-par customer service, also seemed to have lost its charm, and I admit that I stopped flying on my favorite airline when there seemed to be much better alternatives.
Recently however, I accepted a job in the Cayman Islands, and since BA was the only airline which flies there direct from London, I was re-introduced to the airline and was so delighted with the experience, both at London Heathrow Terminal 5 and in the air that I wanted to explore more.
As it celebrates 100 years in the skies this year, BA has appeared to find its voice and regain its status on the world’s stage embodying what puts the “Great” into Britain. BA’s forerunner, Aircraft Transport and Travel Limited, launched the world’s first daily international scheduled air service between London and Paris on 25 August 1919. And the centenary celebrations come at the perfect time, with the doom and gloom in the country around Brexit (and have been saddened at how the country I love has been affected so badly by the prospect of us leaving the EU). We definitely need more good news in this country, and have been delighted to learn about the fantastic ways in which BA have celebrated this very special birthday, including a visit to their headquarters from Her Majesty The Queen in May and the launch of a special edition Aston Martin car, the DBS Superleggera Concorde Edition, made from reclaimed metal from Concorde planes.
Firstly, the airline has committed to investing £6.5 billion over five years, including the installation of better Wi-Fi and power in every aircraft seat, fitting 128 long-haul aircraft with new interiors and taking delivery of 72 new aircraft. This year the airline is also introducing its Club Suite, a new business class seat with direct aisle access and luxurious flat bed seats, which is scheduled to be in all long haul BA aircraft flying from Heathrow by 2025.
This cash injection, and the excellent leadership of Alex Cruz, who took over as CEO in 2016, was undoubtedly much needed and a step in the right direction, to put the airline back in the major leagues in which it deserves to be.
Business aside, it has been heartwarming to follow the #BAMagic100 stories which form part of British Airways’ commitment to 100 acts of kindness across the world to celebrate its centenary, including making 96 year old former RAF and commercial pilot Frank Dell’s wish to get back into a cockpit come to true.
British Airways also stepped in to fly a special four-legged friend to the UK to receive an ‘Animal OBE’ at the House of Lords in October. Ex-US Secret Service dog, Hurricane (also known as Cane), had been awarded a PDSA Order of Merit for protecting former President Barack Obama and his family from an intruder who attempted to gain access to The White House. BA flew Cane and his former handler, and now owner, Marshall, in Business Class along with personalised dog bed and bowl to London.
I was also pleased to learn of BA’s general commitment to supporting animal welfare. Earlier this year, British Airways Holidays announced its partnership with international wildlife charity Born Free as part of its new Animal Welfare Policy, as well as funding the creation of a new enclosure in South Africa, BA flew two neglected lionesses, Alpha and Cora, rescued from a failed zoo in Spain to their new home. And even more exciting as part of the new Animal Welfare Policy, BA have commited to never promoting the captivity of wild animals for entertainment purposes and discouraging its hotel partners from doing so, which is huge news and I look forward to hearing more about this in the near future.
And even more importantly, in line with the rest of the airline industry, BA have expressed their commitment to combating climate change. In the last year there has been a lot of negativity around flying with Greta Thunberg famously refusing to fly because of the effect on the climate. And whilst I am a huge fan of what she advocates and am very interested and involved in climate issues personally and professionally, I personally don’t think the solution is not to fly. Rather, we need to re-evaluate our travelling, perhaps investigating ways where we don’t need to fly as frequently (eg virtual conferences and meetings). I also think it is important to remember that flying allows us to experience different cultures and places as well as bringing people together, which in a world that is increasingly becoming more xenophobic is even more important. And to again mention the iconic Saatchi and Saatchi 1980s BA Face advert, apart from being stunning visually, what I loved about this ad was that it put the emphasis on coming together. In the voice over to the ad, Tom Conti says “Every year the world’s favourite airline brings 24 million people together.”
Notwithstanding the reasons why we will still wish and need to fly, it is essential that airlines recognize the part they play in issues surrounding climate change and the responsibility they have to tackle this. British Airways’ parent company, International Airlines Group (IAG), became the first airline group this year to commit to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050, contributing to both the UK Government’s commitment to a net zero carbon economy by 2050 and the United Nations’ objective to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees. IAG’s emissions’ goal will be achieved through numerous environmental initiatives, including investing more than US$400m in the development of sustainable aviation fuels over the next 20 years.
And indeed BA have started to play their part by taking delivery of a dozen new modern and fuel-efficient aircraft, including A350s which emit up to 40% less carbon than the aircraft they replaced. In addition as of January 2020, British Airways will become the first UK airline to offset carbon emissions on all its flights within the UK and invest in carbon reduction projects around the world. Those travelling further afield can also reduce their impact on the environment by using British Airways’ carbon offsetting tool via charity Pure Leapfrog.
Finally, a big shout out to the fabulous and talented people behind the brand, from the CEO to the CSR advisers, cabin designers, PR teams getting these good news stories out there, and above all the amazing crew both on the ground and in the air who make the customer experience so outstanding. Congrats to you all on winning the CAPA’s 2019 Airline of the Year and as Alex Crux said in his thank you speech “British Airways has a proud history of taking Britain to the world and bringing the world to Britain, and that is set to continue for years to come.”
Happy 100 years British Airways! Here’s to your next centenary and to leading the way for the airline industry in our changing world. I look forward to flying with you and championing the brand!
Love Sangeeta x
Picture credits : all British Airways Media Centre (apart from last two).
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.
For the final post in my honeymoon series and before I relaunch my lovely little wedding blog into a new luxury lifestyle blogzine, is a homage to one of my favourite destination hotels, The Residence on the gorgeous Indian Ocean island of Mauritius.
On an island replete with luxury hotels, the Residence stands on its own with an old-school luxury and understated colonial-style charm. Even now, two years after my last visit, the smell of ylang ylang, which is used to generously scent the rooms and public areas, takes me back to this magical place. Inspired by plantation houses, the hotel boasts a mile-long beach and every room comes with butler service.
Situated on the east coast, which boasts the islands best beaches, I think the five star Residence would make the perfect luxury honeymoon destination. Well-appointed rooms and suites with views of either the gorgeous tropical gardens or the ocean, this hotel remains one of my firm favourites for total relaxation.
On my last visit I travelled with one of my best friends and we each stayed in ocean-view room, which was elegant and comfortable, but I think if you were staying here on honeymoon it would be worth upgrading to a suite with muslin-draped four poster beds and other thoughtful amenities including your own Nespresso machine. And as mentioned above, each room comes with your own personal butler to help with unpacking after the long flight and even running a bubble bath complete with rose petals.
We had opted for the all-inclusive basis so were able to choose between the the hotel’s three restaurants. Our favourite for lunch was definitely the beachfront Plantation restaurant for its spectacular views of the ocean and delicious fresh seafood and curries.
With plenty to see and do both in the resort and on the island, our seven night stay just flew by. And for the ultimate recharge of those city worn batteries, there is also a fantastic spa and gym in the hotel which I visited several times during my visit.
For me, the Residence retains the charm of a bygone era and although you are staying in a luxurious five star accommodation, there are no airs and graces and you truly feel like you are one of the family.
Longing to return! Maybe next time, will be on my own honeymoon!
With love,
Sangeeta x
Note: We travelled with Elegant Resorts (approx £3,500 pp on an all-inclusive basis and including single room occupancy supplement) flying on British Airways. The flight from London takes just under 12 hours. Transfer time from Mauritius airport: 50 mins.
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!
After the months (maybe even years) of planning your wedding, the honeymoon is time for the bride and groom to finally relax and celebrate their union and new life together. Mini-moons have been really popular in the last few years and I loved featuring three fantastic London hotels which would each be a wonderful way to start married life together, but what about the much anticipated honeymoon?
Over the next few weeks, I would like to share with you three hotels which I have personally visited, and the reasons why I think each would make for the perfect romantic honeymoon destination without breaking the bank.
First up the uber stylish Miramar in Barcelona, Spain (short-haul)
Then next, is the one where you get a luxe Caribbean beach feel without the long flight and at a fraction of the price, the fabulous Club Jandia Princess in the Canary Islands (mid-haul)
And finally, the grande dame, a personal long-time favourite The Residence in Mauritius (long-haul) where personal butlers come as standard!
As more and more couples take their honeymoon a few months after their wedding day – arise the popularity of the mini-moon! And where better than the capital itself, packed with designer shops, theatres, galleries and amazing restaurants to try. There are countless fabulous hotels to stay in but here are my top three – each offering something unique and special.
Pure luxury – the one and only Corinthia
The Corinthia has a special place in my heart – its one of my favourite places in London for family celebrations, and last year we were thrilled to shoot our 2014 collection there.
This breathtaking 5 star hotel, the flagship for the Corinthia brand, combines traditional grandeur with modern freshness, and is ideally located near the Embankment, a short walk from many of the city’s major attractions, with two fantastic restaurants, Italian inspired Massimo and the Northall, plus the most gorgeous and intimate cocktail bar, Bassoon, featuring live music.
The hotel’s sumptuously appointed rooms, averaging 45m², are among the largest in their category in London’s luxury hotel market and the hotel also boasts a spectacular collection of exclusive two-storey penthouse hotel suites. Rooms start at £355 plus VAT.
The Corinthia also houses award-winning ESPA Life which I was lucky enough to try recently – and can definitely verify it has the wow-factor! Set over four floors, with vitality pool, amphitheatre sauna, ice fountain, marble heated lounges and the most gorgeous private sleep pods – you are guaranteed the ultimate in relaxation.
In short, what a perfect hotel to kick start your married life in luxury and style. Visit Corinthia London’s website for more information.
Hip & Cool – Sanderson
I recently discovered Sanderson when I had a meeting in their fabulous bar, aptly named the Long Bar.
The unassuming exterior hides a fabulous surprise with an art lovers dream of a reception featuring the iconic Dali-esque plump red lips sofa and other surreal delights. There is also a gorgeous courtyard where I saw people partaking in their famous Mad Hatters Afternoon Tea.
Sanderson is part of the Morgans Hotel Group which is widely credited as the creator of the first “boutique” hotel and a continuing leader of the hotel industry’s boutique sector. Sanderson’s 150 guest rooms have recently had a fabulous refurb and the new rooms have a sense of the modern, while paying tribute to the baroque era with elaborate wood oak carvings and hand-blocked scenic wallpaper. Room start at £239 plus VAT.
The hotel’s on-site Malaysian restaurant, Suka, the Purple Bar and African inspired reception room are also destinations in their own right. Sanderson has the perfect mix of beautiful boutique hotel coupled with a cool and quirky vibe. See Sanderson for more information.
Uber stylish and modern – ME Hotel London
I first discovered this stunning hotel at an event I organised in its Rooftop Radio bar. With panoramic views over London the bar has fast become one of London’s hotspots – but I was pleasantly surprised on a later tour of the hotel how much more the ME Hotel has to offer. First – The Atrium, a reception area like no other I have ever seen – almost futuristic. Arriving guests pass through the ground floor Marconi lounge, and ascend to the dedicated hotel lobby and champagne bar on the first floor housed within a nine-storey high pyramidal space, clad entirely in white marble with impressive light shows bringing the space to life.
And the guest rooms follow the trend – cutting edge and simply stylish. The hotel has 157 rooms, including 30 rooms with private balconies, 16 suites and a duplex ME Suite with rates starting at £340 plus VAT.
ME London is also home to one of the most fantastic steak restaurants – the world famous STK brand – the modern steakhouse and chic lounge all rolled into one. Steak is obviously the main attraction here, but don’t miss out on signature items including Parmesan Truffle Fries – beyond delicious! More information can be found at ME London.
All three hotels are perfectly situated in London’s west end, but with luxury on tap and so much to do in each one, would you even want to leave!
The White Diaries
