A Traveller's Guide to Luxury London

If there was ever a city whose name runs synonymous with luxury, it would be London. 

 

The transient and culturally vibrant communities that live in London make it a city unlike any other city in England. Numerous celebrities like the Beckhams and the British Royal Family call London home, it is the site of numerous Hollywood movie premiers and boasts one of the highest number of luxury fine dining restaurants in the world. 

 

If you are looking for the ultimate luxury experience when in London, we have got you covered from every angle!

 

Stay at the Savoy

 

 

Image by the Savoy

 

If you are going to visit London in style, then the Savoy should come on top of your list of places to stay at. 

 

Located in the Strand in the heart of Central London (walking distance from Covent Garden, West End and the Royal Courts of Justice), its location is beyond compare. It was the first luxury hotel in Britain and continues to play host to a large number of celebrities and officials. 

 

Its very best suites - the Savoy Suite and the Royal Suite - adopt a residential styled accommodation that comes with 24-hours butler service and stunning views of the River Thames, the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben and the London Eye. You need never leave your room to have seen most of the landmarks of good old London!

 

 

Luxury Shopping at Harrods

 

 

Image by Harrods

 

Another essential must-do when in London is shopping.

 

There are endless opportunities to shop, from hipster grunge styles at Camden Town to posh boutique stores at Regent Street down to large English establishments like Harrods, Selfridges. Harvey Nichols and Liberty. But if you want to have the ultimate luxury shopping experience, make sure you visit Harrods!

 

 

Image by Bet Dames

 

The building that houses Harrods itself is an incredible place to explore. There are large Egyptian statues and fountains within this department store, as well as floors of luxury items ranging from travel bags to custom suits and couture. An all-time favourite is the ground floor where a tremendous assortment of confectioneries await and if your feet grow tired from all that walking, drop by the 3rd Floor Harrods Cafe. Their afternoon tea is pretty good! 

 

If you want to beat the crowd, come early in the morning. Most shops open at 10am and the Underground is already running way before then so you will have plenty of time to get to Knightsbridge Station (which is located right outside Harrods). Early mornings is also the best time to examine all of the luxury wares on offer without the pressure of a crowd and the assistants will have more time to attend to you and find the item that best fits your needs!

 

Top tip: If you are intending to visit the likes of Harrods and Selfridges, make sure to dress “appropriately”. A smart casual outfit is perfect, otherwise the doorman might turn you away!

 

 

Champagne Afternoon Tea at the Claridge’s

 

 

Image by Maybourne Hotel Group

 

The Claridge’s is an institution in itself and is beloved of many royals, movie stars, statesmen and fashion designers. Established in the 1800s, it is a hotel that is full of old world glamour. A visit to the Claridge’s is an experience and the ultimate education in luxury. If you are not up for staying at the Claridge’s, then we would recommend taking half a day out for the ultimate English experience - an afternoon tea. 

 

There are three types of afternoon tea sets on offer to meet the requirements of every guest: a traditional afternoon tea, a champagne afternoon tea and a children’s afternoon tea. The poached Scottish salmon comes on fine china and the sweet pastries are crafted under the care of Parisian pâtissier Jérôme Chaucesse, who won the MOF Pâtissier Confiseur (the highest accolade that can be achieved by a pastry chef). You can guess at the quality of this afternoon tea!

 

Feel and be treated just like royalty, while choosing from the ultimate list of teas (over 25 types!), coffees and champagne. Do a spot of celebrity watching. And leave wishing you could do it all over again!

 

Top tip: Afternoon teas are very heavy affairs, so come hungry! 

 

 

Attending a London Theatre Show

 

 

Image by the Theatre Full Stop.

 

A trip to London is never complete without attending at least one West End show. There are dozens of London theatres spread throughout Covent Garden, Leicester Square and Piccadilly Square, some showing long-term crowd-favourites like Les Miserable and Phantom of the Opera, and others giving out limited showings that sometimes include Hollywood actors as cast members! Benedict Cumberbatch, Dame Judi Dench, Keira Knightley and Tom Hiddleston are just some of the people you can watch in action when catching a show at the West End, depending on your luck (and budget). 

 

If you are running short on time, you’re in luck. Most theatres have showings almost every day, as well as matinees that tend to be slightly cheaper affairs. 

 

For the ultimate luxury experience, check out the respective shows for any special package deals. For instance, the Phantom of the Opera runs VIP Packages that include a champagne, luxury chocolate, top price seats, private table at the bar and ice-cream at the interval. For further information, visit https://uk.thephantomoftheopera.com/tickets/hospitality/

 

Top tip: Every theatre has different seats or use different terms for the seats being sold. The best seats in the house tend to be the stalls (ground floor) or the Royal Circle (first level). Avoid the first row of the stall seats as you tend to be right up close to the stage, which can make viewing a little hard! 

 

 

Fine Dining with Alain Ducasse at the Dorchester 

 

 

Image by Alain Ducasse at the Dorchester

 

London is a foodie city and has a high number of highly rated fine dining establishments. One of the most famous fine dining restaurants is none other than Alain Ducasse at the Dorchester - one of five restaurants based in the UK to hold three Michelin Stars. If you are looking for the ultimate dining experience, this is one place you want to secure a booking at before heading over to London!

 

 

Image by Alain Ducasse at the Dorchester

 

Alain Ducasse at the Dorchester offers plenty of options for its guests, including a three course meal for £105 (approximately RM 540), four courses for £125 (approximately RM 643), and a seven course tasting menu at £145 (approximately RM 746). We would strongly recommend the tasting menu as this is where the most exciting and innovative dishes make an appearance. It is the ultimate gastronomy experience that brings you on an exploration of a myriad of contemporary French cuisine consisting of French and British seasonal ingredients. Signature dishes include the Dorset crab with celeriac and caviar, the truffled chicken quenelles and “sauté gourmand” of lobster.

 

There are also special menus for vegetarians, a la carte options and even a lunch hour menu if you fancy a bite in between all your shopping. For ultimate privacy, make sure to book a private dining session. The staff are experienced and always willing to cater to your specific needs. Just let them know.

 

Top tip: Alain Ducasse at the Dorchester is very popular. Make sure you secure your table well in advance to avoid any disappointment. If dinner seats are hard to obtain, try the lunch hour menu as these spots tend to be easier to secure. 

 

 

Conclusion

 

 

London is a world of wonder that caters to the elite. It is a city that has already anticipated your every luxury need so come here ready to be pampered, rub shoulders with royalty and corporate elite, and indulge in some of the finest dishes you will ever taste. Oh, and make sure you purchase extra luggage space for your trip home. You are going to need it!

 

P/S: If you are looking for a luxury guided tour, head over to www.mayflower.com.my, the exclusive GSA for Insight Vacations & Luxury Gold, for further information. Why burden yourself with the bookings when you can let the experts plan your ultimate dream trip?

 

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Iuliya