Five-star hotels are like palaces, they all have that different feel, smell and atmosphere about them, but yet visiting Mandarin Oriental, Hyde Park, London, it has that wonderful mystic eastern presence the moment you walk through the doors.

The site of Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London, is the site of the oldest skyscraper in London.  When the concerned residents of the area raised building objections, they said it would block the views over famous Hyde Park.  I would hate to think what the residents would say now about Knightsbridge, London’s landscape has changed beyond all belief in the last ten years.

In any city in the world, especially London or New York, space is a premium. When designing a spa, gym or pool, Mandarin Oriental, Hyde Park, London, has probably the largest area of any spa in London.  The reception is about 15 years old.  It is a spa of timeless design; it is in no way, compact.  It is what you would find in an out of town location, a destination spa that makes it special.

THE GREAT FIRE OF KNIGHTSBRIDGE

In 1899, a dramatic fire struck the property, watched by thousands the fire damaged the top three floors of the Knightsbridge wing and destroyed part of the roof, including the central iron glass turret.  All the residents made a successful escape, despite the fire brigade’s ladders only reaching halfway up the building.  After the fire and all the necessary renovations were complete, the building was reopened in 1902 as London’s newest and grandest hotel.  The ceilings and marble floors had survived, and period fireplaces in the style of Louis XV and XI were installed.  Furnishings were chosen in the eighteenth century style of Shearaton and Hepplewhite.

Between 1911 and 1912 the Ballroom was redecorated in a style reminiscent of Louis XI in 1925 Mews and Davis, who also remodeled some of the principle rooms in a traditional Louis XV style.  The hotel has most certainly had many famous visitors including The Queen, as well as Philip and the late Queen Mother.  1992 was the year of the production of Pavarotti in Hyde Park, one of the largest ever open-air concerts.  Most recently the hotel was proud to host the 80th birthday party of the late Baroness Thatcher.

A few of the North American hotels include: Mandarin Oriental, Atlanta at Buckhead has 127 rooms and housed in a 42-floor skyscraper.  The one in Boston is a Forbes five-star AAAAA five-diamond hotel.   Las Vegas has a Forbes Triple five-star, 392 guestrooms and suites non-gaming, also ones in New York and Washington DC.

A SUITE FOR A ROYAL

The Royal Suite sets a new standard in London, provides a home away from home for the world’s travelling elite. Following an extensive renovation by RPW Interior Design, this prestigious suite opened in August 2010. Remaining true to its elegant Victorian architectural heritage but introducing a fresh, contemporary style, the expanded suite of 242 square meters has a distinctly residential feel, it includes a master bedroom and bathroom, separate living room, dining room and kitchen and two adjoining additional bedrooms all of which evoke a feeling of staying in a chic city apartment. The raised ceilings and streamlined furnishing encourage a light and spacious atmosphere, complemented by a sweeping balcony of a further 70 square meters that runs the length of the magnificent suite and is large enough to entertain up to 40 guests in the summer months.

A unique partnership with the Halycon Gallery allows for original artworks to be showcased throughout the Royal Suite. These pieces, including a very impressive Sculpture in the living room which mimics the one in Hyde Park and tribal African sculpture on the terrace.  These pieces will be exchanged regularly and guests will also have the purchase any desired artwork.

In Mandarin Oriental’s true, signature style, the finest quality is apparent in the detailing of the suite. From the ornate Maya Romanoff wallpaper in deep aborigine in the lobby area to the bespoke, a double-tiered rock crystal chandelier in the dining room, a feeling of warmth and opulence resides throughout.

Bar Boulud, London and Dinner by the internationally well-known Heston Blumental, the first London restaurant for one of UK’s most innovative chefs, Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park stands at the culinary center of London.

It is regarded as a French inspired, bistro and wine bar and is directly accessible from Knightsbridge and follows the successful format of Bar Boulud in New York, which has achieved significant acclaim and awards.

Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group and The Fat Duck Group joined forces to create Dinner by Heston Blumenthal; it was Chef Heston Blumenthal’s first London restaurant, which opened at the award-winning restaurant.

Focusing on dishes inspired by Britain’s historic gastronomic past Dinner by Heston Blumenthal features a menu with recipes dating as far back as the 16th-century such as Meat Fruit of mandarin, chick liver parfait and grilled bread, Spiced Pigeon with Ale and Artichokes and Tipsy cake made with spit roast pineapple and served with Jersey cream, that sounds the tops.

HAVEN OF TRANQULITY

The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, London, is a haven of tranquility within Knightsbridge, using Mandarin Oriental’s signature product line developed specially for the group by the award-winning UK based company Aromatherapy Associates. The spa tailors treatments to the specific needs of each guest, very much a bespoke spa.

The Spa offers a series of innovative and restorative treatments known as Time Rituals what were regarded as precious time rather than a specific treatment, each ritual begins with a recommendation by the spa manager to arrive 45 minutes ahead of the actual treatment, the period of preparation enables all guests to fully immerse themselves in the philosophy of the spa by relaxing within the separate male and female areas.

A Vitality Pool has been designed to aid the release of tired and aching joints; it contains a selection of hydropthaery body jets, a floor jet as well as reclining lounger with jets to gently massage the body.

The spa menu eclectic combination of Mandarin Oriental’s own signature therapies, together with treatments and journey by Aromatherapy Associates and Linda Meredith, consistently rates as one of the leading urban day spas.

A new Fitness Centre is fully equipped with latest cardio and resistance training, this includes a Kinesis Vision Unit, that is programmed with a time-efficient and results-orientated training for beginners, intermediate and advanced levels. A really extensive treatment menu is available, with many bespoke treatments.

IT’S TIME FOR US GUYS

There are plenty of choice for us guys to choose from, TIME FOR MEN is a Mandarin Oriental’s bespoke Time Ritual treatment to encouraged guys to book time rather than specific treatments, so that services can be tailor-made to meet ones requirements, an in-depth consultation will determine your needs and create an experience.

AROMA SHELL RELEASE

Combining hot lava shells and cold glacial shells to ease muscular problems and inflammation, this treatment focuses on deep tissue work to ease tension. The radiating heat soothes muscular aches and pains and allows for a deeper massage, while the cold shells provide relief from muscular discomfort and swell thus preventing inflammation. The 3 differing degrees of temperature also invigorates the lymphatic system and assist in healing and mobility.

There are a number of Mandarin Oriental Signature Spa Therapies.

ORINETAL HARMONY

Four hands work in perfect unison in a remarkable experience that inspires a harmony of the senses. The treatment begins smoothing footbath in purifying waters, leaving the feet soft and supple and the mind relaxed. Next, two therapists work together in time and movement, first providing a warm scrub that smooth’s and replenishes the skin and later a harmonious massage that balances the body. The treatment concludes with a simultaneous head and foot massage leaving the mind uplifting, the body energized and the skin exotically fragrant, a wonderful two hours of relaxation.

JEWEL IN THE PARK

A wonderful healing and regenerating treatment, starting with a welcoming foot ritual and a full-body scrub with a warming ginger, uplifting Mandarin and sacred frankincense to prepare the body for the crystal body massage. A crystal will be chosen by the guest to determine which area of tension the therapist will concentrate on.

COUTURE FACIAL

The reputation of Linda Meredith’s beauty treatments and expertise has become a focal point with famous people across the world for over 20 years. The therapist will thoroughly assess your skin and selective unique combination of products for an immediate improvement. A luxurious massage will feed the skin with encapsulated vitamins and essential nutrients to increase hydration, leaving your looking fresh and flawless.

Travelling home from the West of London, I have visited the Orient in London, what the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London offers is a feeling of the East in London.

Learn more at The Mandarin Oriental website

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If you are visiting London for business or pleasure, what do you have in mind of a typical London hotel? The Connaught Hotel in the fashionable Mayfair area, just north of Berkeley Square where they say in the song a “Nightingale Sang”, (boy that shows my age) is where the Connaught can be located.

The hotel is what I call a British institution.  It is where James Bond would feel right at home, ordering his cocktails.  British life runs through the veins of the hotel, offering this to the guests from around the world.  Which is one of the reasons why this hotel is so unique, with an old and modern twist.

As you approach the hotel, it is hard not to be impressed with the water feature called “Silence” outside, designed by Tadao Ando from Japan.  This is his first exhibit in London.  Within the water feature the water flows into a mist.  In the development there are two horse chestnuts that seem to frame the entrance of the hotel.

Icelandic design artists Kiristjana S. Williams (who went to the world-famous Central St. Martins School of Art, in London) was also asked to come-up with ideas for the hotel.  Looking to blend new with traditional.  When re-designing the Connaught, Kristjana S. Williams was asked to be involved in creating a new image, at the same time keeping the old image.  It was joining two worlds together.  Within the hotel there are hundreds of maybe even thousands of layers of 18th-century engravings, photographs, paintings and drawings.  She says she went out to create something extraordinary, something modern out of a traditional illustration style.  What’s is important she says is to create an artwork that you can look into, so rather than viewing it just once, you’re able to look at it again and again.  The hotel is named after Queen Victoria’s seventh child Prince Arthur Duke of Connaught.  There are lots of portraits of him throughout the hotel, so Royal connections abound.  There is a great deal to complement the period including the ornate oriental drinks cabinets in each of the Connaught rooms, to give the rooms a period feel.

SUMMER DAY ON RECORD DEGREES GREET ME AT THE CONNAUGHT

The day I visited the hotel it was a truly wonderful British summers day.   33 degrees, never normally heard of in London, with the Wimbledon Tennis and fresh strawberries in full swing, new balls please, was the cry.  I have walked passed the Connaught many times, never having walked in to view the hotel. The hotel group which consists of the Art Deco showpiece of Claridges, which I have featured in The Berkeley in Knightsbridge, which I hope to feature next year.  All with very distinctive identities, yet they complement all in many diverse ways.

HISTORY EVERY STEP YOU TAKE

Inside the reception is a wood-paneling staircase you would image in a British stately home.  This is very unique to the hotel and you feel like you are standing in a National Trust property, an old piece of British history.  (At the end of the article I will give you explanation about the National Trust.)  Ralph Lauren wanted to buy the staircase and ship it to his store in New York.  The hotel would not sell, so, now there is a replica in his store in Madison Avenue, New York.  This is a staircase with steps of history to tread.

A CHANCE FOR LESS KNOWN ARTISTS TO EXHIBIT

One of the paintings I personally like is by William Wilde 1828-1898, a Capriccio view of Venice with a Prince being shown in a Gondola.  The most striking painting is located in the corridor to the elevators.

William Wilde exhibited mostly in France and 1852.  Queen Victoria invited him to Balmoral Castle in Scotland.

Another contemporary artists with exhibits, is Rachel Nee.  Her smoke drawings are made from the carbon traces of candle frame.  Exhibited throughout the Connaughts corridors is carbon forms a series of five original pieces.   Nee produced with smoke, laser-cut card and graphic pencil in 2007.  They are exclusive for Connaught.  She is a graduate of the fine art from the University of the West of England in Bristol.

Sax Impey is becoming another featured artist, who is talked about a great deal. There are six paintings and silk-screen reproductions hinging in The Connaught, which are part of the Voyage Collection of works.  He conceived upon returning from a trip by sea from Eastern Australia to Singapore, the paintings are very different.  There is a beautiful walkway to follow down the corridor where many of the paintings are hung, to the Moon Tree in the Garden of Illusion by Tom Stuart-Smith, another contemporary water feature.

The walls of the hotel are like a living gallery.  Masterpieces adorn the walls.  I am finding more and more hospitality and the arts are colliding together to give a new outlook on both aspects of life, as you can see from my article.  There is a great deal to talk about.  Connaught is situated on Mount Street a bespoke street to where luxury is …well….luxury.   The brands include Dior, Pringle, Marc Jacobs and Scotts restaurant.  This particular area of Mayfair is not so well known.  To capture the tranquility of London across the road in Mount Street is a peaceful garden, dating back to 1889/1890, which use to be an ancient burial ground.  This is not only a haven for wildlife, but for all to be able to enjoy the quiet part of London.  Within the hotel there are 121 rooms and 34 suites of all different styles.  You can keep coming back and not have the same stay twice.

MEDITATION IS THE CONNAUGHT WAY.

Aman Spa is a lifestyle spa not so involved in the world of beauty, but rather looking at how your lifestyle is. Each day you can join local people and hotel guests and relax and let your thoughts vanish and take a journey of tranquility away from the hustle and bustle of London.  In the world of meditation, all is free.  I squat in on two mediation gatherings.  I feel relaxed and would not have believed this is taking place in the center of London.  It is a first for a London hotel.  It’s like “Spring Cleaning your mind”, getting rid of all the old thoughts and trouble, sand letting the sunshine in, a great experience.  The spa decor has a lovely relaxing feel with creams, browns and pastel colors.

Aman Spa offer many treatments, including the signature experiences that are from around the world, ranging from India a Chakra balancing treatment where a subtle meditative practice is used to release emotional tension.  From Thailand a unique massage and herbal compresses are used to release deep seating muscular tension, from China is restorative treatment that improves the body’s QI energy, and finally from North America, a sage and cedar wood smudging followed by a grounding hot rive stone massage, used to turn over a new level. There are a number of other treatments from Reflexology, Osteopathy, and Traditional Chinese Medicine Acupuncture.  It most certainly is a spa to look after your mind and body.

HOW TO SHAKE YOUR COCKTAIL, NOT STIRRED

The Cocktail Bar is a perfect way of mixing your cocktails.  The Director of Mixology (that is a great title for a job) is, Agostino Perrone.  He is running four mixology master classes at the world-renowned bar, so you can learn this wonderful art.  You learn how to discover information about cocktails, and how best to mix them.  I told you James Bond would be at home.

Helen Darroze’s two Michelin starred restaurant is also a must to visit.  Helen is an amazing chef and selects the very best and freshest ingredients from the network of suppliers.  She has spent a lifetime gathering and cooks with precision honestly and passion.  The result is a journey of expression of French culinary craft, a mouth-watering feast to try.

The Coburn Bar perfectly brings together the mix of the traditional and contemporary in the hotel.  It feels like it has been there for hundreds of years, yet it is a new extension where you may view modern artworks on the walls.   The Connaught from the moment you arrive is a special journey.  It is that difference that makes your experience.  So let the “Silence” be broken and your stay commence.  Hotels are like living creatures of hospitality, including many senses of life.  Connaught has combined with the old and the new.  The Champagne Bar to the Aman Spa, which is a real lifestyle, it is all about being able to change but still keep your identity.

Not very often do I find a spa and hotel that have a real feel of peace that art may bring.

National Trust is a charity with 3.7 million members that look after 350 historic homes, gardens and ancient monuments and are open to the public. There are many artists exhibited at the Connaught, I have just mentioned a few.

To find out more please visit The Connaught Hotel’s website.

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