Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London – Knightsbridge, SW1

The celebrated Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group is a byword for luxury and exceptional service. Its London outpost, in an exuberant red-brick Edwardian building, is no exception, having completed a comprehensive, multimillion-pound renovation to stunning designs by Joyce Wang. Citing the natural beauty of Hyde Park, the hotel’s royal heritage and the glamour of the early 20th- century’s golden age of travel as her inspiration, the finished look is fabulous. The reception areas have striking glass chandeliers that represent the different stages of an opening flower, and carpets that recall fallen leaves. The revamped art deco- influenced bedrooms are sanctuaries of calm, with curated artwork and bespoke furniture. Two sumptuous penthouse suites have private terraces and park views, while the new spa features express treatments as well as all-day cosseting packages. Highlights of the fitness centre are a 17m pool and a swish pilates studio devised by personal trainer du jour, Hollie Grant.

SEE

Beautiful Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens on our doorstep. Founded by King Henry VIII and opened to the public by King Charles I, Hyde Park offers abundant playing fields, pleasant strolls, and a most diverse flora and fauna all the way to its western end of Kensington Palace. Queen Caroline and King George II moulded the gardens in 1728 and created the Serpentine lake. For most of the 18th century the gardens were closed to the public. They were opened gradually but only to the respectably dressed. In the 19th Century Queen Victoria did some redesign to feature the Italian Gardens and a spectacular memorial for her late husband Albert. Later in the 19th century, writer J.M. Barrie took inspiration for the writing of Peter Pan, where a statue that he commissioned still stands today. Extensive statues and memorials adorn the royal park, such as the Diana Memorial Fountain which was opened by Her Majesty in 2004.

EAT

Discover a quintessentially British experience at The Rosebery Lounge, renowned for its award-winning Afternoon. Guests can now sit and enjoy a selection of small bites and warming cocktails overlooking fashionable Knightsbridge whilst listening to live music ranging from blues, jazz and swing as well as soul and funk.

BUY

Any abundance of luxury items at Harvey Nichols, Harrod’s, the boutiques of Sloane Street and all of the local boutiques that the Concierge have created special relationships to the benefit of guests.