Ah, London. One of the worlds most exciting, cosmopolitan, culture-rich and diverse cities. If youve never been, this sprawling mass of fun, fashion, food and high living should definitely be on your bucket list. But what to do when you arrive? Well, luckily for you, there are plenty of luxurious experiences to immerse yourself in. Heres our pick of the finest…
1. Shopping at Harrods
Based in the heart of Knightsbridge and oozing class, the worlds most famous (and largest) department store has a wealth to offer well-heeled shoppers. Heres where you can stock up on lush designer clothes, hard-to-find perfumes and high-end cosmetics – and dont forget to visit the Food Hall. If you could spend all day grazing at deli counters, be prepared to part with a small fortune here. Founded in 1834, the store has stood the test of time, and up to 300,000 people visit during peak shopping times. There are 330 departments to peruse and a number of haute services on offer, including a to-die-for personal shopping service called By Appointment, a tailor, a wine steward and a watch repair service. You can even buy gold bars off the shelf at Harrods Bank. Dont worry if you regret your purchase, though you can always sell your bar back to Harrods at a later date.
2. Picnic in Hyde Park
Were not talking about a rug laid on the ground and a hastily-assembled selection of sandwiches bought from a supermarket. Oh, no. To picnic in style, indulge in a Fortnum & Mason hamper and feast in style. The Belgravia Hamper will set you back a cool 500, but when it includes foods like wild Scottish smoked salmon, venison salami, organic Stilton, and a suitably outsized tin of Chocolossus Biscuits, not to mention vintage Champagne, how can you argue? If moneys no object and you fancy delighting someone you love during the festive season, for a cool 1,000 you can get your hands on The Windsor Hamper. It includes triple-smoked ham, salmon, preserves, a magnum of vintage Champagne, rich Christmas puddings and whiskies. Wed recommend picking a day when its fairly dry and wrapping up warmly if youre going to enjoy a winter picnic, but theyre just as romantic as summer ones, if not more so.
3. Stay at Claridges
This hotel is, quite simply, the best place to stay in London. Frequented by the creme de la creme of London society, referenced in American Psycho and the hotel of choice for honeymooning A-listers, this is the place where your every whim will be catered for. Expect unparalleled service and the softest bed youve ever encountered. If youre feeling lazy, you dont even have to leave the hotel to be entertained theres a state-of-the-art gym to enjoy, and theres even a spa. If you fancy really pushing the boat out, book the Deluxe King room; its 50 sq. m of unrivalled decadence. Theres a king sized bed, a marble en-suite bathroom and flatscreen TVs in each room. Fera, the hotels new restaurant, is run by Michelin-starred chef Simon Rogan, who offers a creative and natural take on modern British cuisine.
4. See opera at the Royal Opera House
From Madame Butterfly to La Bohme, the Royal Opera House is the only place to watch world-renowned performances. The best bit? Its located in the heart of Covent Garden, so youll be in the heart of the West End when the performance is over. Current performances include Don Quixote, Tristan und Isolde, and Swan Lake. A seat in the orchestera stalls will set you back around 115. Dont forget to watch out for the phantom that supposedly stalks the building in 1999, workmen on the site reported being hit by flying objects.
5. Enjoy a tipple at Kettners
This Soho restaurant boasts a Champagne bar that can obliterate any hangover in the blink of an eye. This stylish 1920s-themed bar will transport you back to a bygone age when glamour ruled, so make sure you dress appropriately. Dont be fooled into thinking Kettners is a one-trick pony; their traditional Sunday roast is spectacular (the saddle of Welsh lamb is especially good) and their afternoon tea is a wonderful post-shopping treat. Traditional finger sandwiches, homemade scones and a mouthwatering selection of sweet treats, including lemon meringue pie and coconut parfait, are on offer.
6. Make time for a spa
The Agua Spa at Sanderson, tucked away in the heart of Fitzrovia, is the last word in decadent relaxation and provides pampering, spiritual relief, and tranquility to all who enter. Sounds good to us. This 10,000 square-foot idyll has 14 all-white treatment rooms, a chill-out zone and meditation beds. Their specialities are their facials and massages – bliss. A 75-minute hot stone massage will set you back 135, and the Eve Lom Signature Facial, which lasts two hours, costs 270.
7. Enjoy Dinner with Heston Blumenthal
Dinner is Hestons London offering, and while the Fat Duck celebrates flamboyant, hi-tech dishes, the meals on offer here are historic dishes with a professional twist. Crowd-pleasing favourites include roast marrowbone, cod in cider and Hereford ribeye steak – and dont miss the brown bread ice cream. If youre looking to impress, book a seat at the Chefs Table, where you and up to five of your dining companions can observe Dinners inner sanctum and watch the chefs at work. Theyll even explain to you the methods theyre using and how each dish is created, so if youre looking to improve your culinary flair, pay close attention.
8. Leave the Tube for everyone else
Public transport can be a nightmare in London, and taxis nearly always have the aroma of boozy businessmen. Splash out and book yourself a chauffeur-driven car for the length of your stay – and dont forget to order some Champagne for the drive. Hic.
9. Shop till someone else drops
If your retail therapy is taking it out of you, you can hire personal shoppers to do the hard work for you. Harvey Nichols and Selfridges both offer this service – as do Westfield – so if youre looking for that perfect outfit for the opera, someone is sure to be able to help you. If youd like the man in your life to smarten up his act, Daniel Johnson, who has worked with Kate Moss, Naomi Campbell and Gerard Butler, works exclusively with men. Expect your other half to arrive back at the hotel looking totally transformed.
10. Get a sugar high on the London Eye
If youd like to indulge your love of fine chocolates, delight someone special and enjoy a few glasses of fizz, you can hire one of the London Eyes pods for a chocolate-tasting tour. Youll even be given a luxury goody bag to take home. If youre after something a little more intimate, book the Cupids Capsule. For 350, you can enjoy priority boarding, a 30-minute trip on the London Eye, a bottle of Pommery Brut Royal Champagne and a luxury box of Hotel Chocolat Pink Champagne Truffles.
