High-end shops, luxury hotels, elegant bars, posh neighborhoods — it’s time to don your ascot and see how the other half lives when you hit the chicest spots London has to offer.
The neighborhood
Belgravia: It’s hard to get more well-heeled than the Belgravia neighborhood of London, which is steeped with history and tasteful largess. Although you probably can’t afford a flat there (it’s one of the wealthiest districts in the world, with some homes going for the jaw-dropping price of £4,671 [$7,426] per square foot) you can afford to book the fabulous tour guide/journalist Sophie Campbell, who gives unique history lessons on the neighborhood as well as visits to charming area shops and restaurants (www.urbangentry.com).
The spa
COMO Shambhala Urban
Escape: Nestled in The Metropolitan is one of London’s newest, most ambitious spas: The COMO Shambhala Urban Escape, which offers Asian-inspired therapies as well as a resident acupuncturist. Among the treatments on the menu are Dr. Perricone facials (the only spot in the UK to offer them), a full spread of massages, reflexology, Shiatsu, as well as basics such as manicures, waxing, and paraffin treatments.
Where to stay
Metropolitan Hotel
The modern Metropolitan Hotel (www.metropolitan.london.como.bz) sets you smack dab in the Mayfair area of London and close to the city’s premier shopping district of Sloane Street (Christian Dior, Chanel, Prada, Gucci are just some of the designers who call the area home). The Metropolitan is also near such attractions as Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London and looks over the famous Hyde Park. At night, see if you can get a table at the still-booming Nobu London, located on the first floor of the hotel.
