History

The Grade II-listed building operated as the Marlborough Street Magistrates’ Court from the 1800’s and had many a famous name frequent it, including John Lennon, Johnny Rotten, and Oscar Wilde, who stood trial there and Charles Dickens, who worked there as a reporter. It was then converted into a hotel, with careful consideration to maintain many of its original features. The hotel is independently owned and a family-run business.

Location

The hotel is located on Great Marlborough Street, where Mayfair, Soho and the West End meet, making it a great choice for visitors who love the buzz of a bustling city yet want a quiet place to which to retreat.

The world-renowned department store Liberty London is almost directly opposite the iconic Carnaby Street and Oxford Street, just a moment or two walk away, so shoppers will be in their element!

The London Palladium theatre is next door, with other West End theatres within short walking distance, and Oxford Circus station is only 3 minutes’ walk away, offering convenient and easy access to explore the rest of the city.

The day I visited, there was a tube strike, and as it was such a beautiful day, I walked from Kings Cross train station, which took me approx. 40 minutes. I thought the location of this hotel was brilliant!

Arrival and Check-In

I looked up and took the international collection of flags blowing in the breeze as my signal that I’d arrived. Upon entering the narrow corridor that leads to the main reception (on one side and on the other an entrance to Soho Wala) it is evident that this hotel is brimming with original character. The original tiles and dome ceiling depict days of old; I could easily imagine a constable marching a defendant along here. And true to these words, a member of the hotel team confirmed that this was the corridor that led the accused to the waiting room before trial. 

Through the double doors into the main reception area, there is an entirely different vibe.

The space is styled with creative furniture, vibrant artwork, and a collection of curios that pay homage to the historic past of the building and to the Indian roots of the current owners. A smart concierge stands proudly at his desk.

Check-in is an efficient process, with my bag whisked away to my room before I even notice. The reception team strike the perfect balance between professionalism and a friendly disposition, and I’m introduced to the Guest Relations manager, who clearly leads by example and takes me on a tour of the hotel, where I learn more about the original features of the hotel that have been maintained or restored, giving them a modern-day use. You’ll learn more as you read on.

I’m also introduced to the hotel’s GM who is also very friendly  – everyone I meet who works here has a genuine smile on their face and can’t do enough to help attitude.

Rooms & Suites

There are 116 rooms and suites (at the time of writing) ranging from a Classic Twin or Double at 25sqm, Superior Queen at 28sqm, Superior King at 32sqm, Deluxe King at 38sqm with a sofa or Chaise Longue. The Magistrates Suites are 55sqm and are individually designed with a separate living space, Robert Adams fireplace, marble bathroom and flat-screen TV. These are housed in high-ceiling Judge’s chambers within the original part of the building. The Lalique Penthouse Suite is the hotel’s premium accommodation option, named after the Lalique pieces of furniture and art it features. There are two bedrooms within this spacious suite, both with en-suite bathrooms, a living room, dining room and kitchenette.

My Room

I was hosted in a Superior Queen, which was extremely spacious offering ample hanging and storage space. My favourite aspects were the wooden clothes stand and suitcase bench.

Dressing table, workspace, robes, slippers, hairdryer and a good selection of Skin Essentials bathroom amenities were all conveniently on hand. There was a small selection of tea bags with a kettle but no coffee machine or mini-bar. There is a fridge, should you wish to keep your own snacks cool. 

I also received a lovely handwritten welcome note from the team along with some choccies, a bottle of wine and a bowl of fruit.  Décor follows a minimalist colour palette, which combines seal grey wood panelling, and is complemented by bold golden soft furnishings, like the ripple-effect headboard, which adds texture and warmth. This colour palette runs through the carpet and other soft furnishings too.

The bed was superbly comfortable with convenient light controls, a selection of reading lamps and power sockets on each side of the bed.

Facilities

The Courthouse Hotel is a deceptive hive of entertainment treasures. Boasting one of the biggest private cinemas in central London, it seats up to 100 people, and its rich aubergine carpet and suede walls create a dramatic ambience. Each of the luxurious mauve leather seats has armrests and fold-out tables so guests can enjoy a truly relaxing and authentic cinema experience. The cinema hosts regular classic-collection film nights for hotel guests and locals, along with exclusive-use hire options for private functions.

The Lumi Spa is found on the ground floor of the hotel and is the place to go for peace and pampering. Featuring a small pool, sauna, steam room, relaxation area and a variety of treatments too. I didn’t use the spa facilities during my stay; however, the pool did look very inviting!

There is also a very small gym with two treadmills, a cross-trainer, a seated cardio machine, and a weights bench with dumbbells up to 10kg and Rocky Balboa pictures hung on the walls to motivate guests as they work out. Remember to take your own towel and water, as these aren’t provided.

Food and Drink: Bars

The bar on the ground floor embraces the history of the building and is aptly called ‘The Bar’ with prison doors at the entrance. The vibe is cool, and the décor is modern, which complements its stylish drink offering. The refined space boasts some truly unique seating spaces with three former holding cells converted into distinctive private spaces where guests can enjoy a relaxed drink…..the original doors remain with the ‘hatch’ and lavatories still intact – such a fun way to bring the past to life.

The Soho Sky Terrace is, on a sunny day or evening, the hotel’s crowning glory. I was fortunate enough that when I stayed, the sun had made an appearance, so I enjoyed a pre-dinner drink amongst the city’s rooftops. I ordered a Margarita, which was superbly refreshing with a gentle kick, and the bartender had left a small gap in the salted rim so I could sip away without a salt overload… a thoughtful detail. Considering the bar is in Central London, it is unbelievably quiet, with only the sound of Ibiza-style beats softly playing in the background. Sheltered seating spaces, outdoor heaters, blankets and cushions enhance the relaxed Mediterranean vibe.  Vibrant orange trees, table flowers, faux grass and flora (which cleverly disguise the toilets) add colour, fun and personality to the elevated space. A range of wines, cocktails, spirits and light bites are served, and during the summer months, DJ nights and BBQs are frequently hosted here. The space can also be booked for private events.

Food and Drink: Dining

Breakfast is served daily in the ‘Waiting Room’ which is where defendants used to sit before their trial. It does carry an intangible weight which is hard to describe, and you can really imagine the scenes here from years gone by. Breakfast comprises a hot and cold buffet, which sadly I didn’t have time to try out. The team did kindly offer me a takeaway bag, but time wasn’t on my side.

The Silk Room is the private dining restaurant and retains many original features of the classic courtroom, English Oak benches still embossed with legal titles and a stunning vaulted glass ceiling. It’s a unique space which lends itself perfectly to intimate weddings and exclusive use gatherings.

And I’m sure if walls could talk this room would have some fascinating stories to tell. Notable cases (and people) trialled here include Mick Jagger in connection with cannabis possession allegations, Keith Richards, who was fined in 1973 for possession-related offences and unlicensed firearms, and Oscar Wilde’s celebrated Queensberry case started here too.  Photographs of such cases hang on the walls outside the restaurant and reaffirm the building’s position of authority and historic value.

Soho Wala

This is the hotel’s restaurant, which is directly opposite the legendary Carnaby Street and open to non-hotel residents too. Head Chef Rajesh Parmar and his team have built a good reputation for serving delicious and fresh Indian street food.

The menu comprises an excellent choice of small plates and platters ideal for sharing with options including chicken, lamb, prawns, cheese, lentils and side salads so it caters for most dietary requirements. Curries, dishes from the clay oven and a ‘special’ section are the main stars of the menu.

I dined with two others, and the helpful waiter suggested that two or three dishes each should be sufficient. We opted for the Tandoori Sizzler Platter (half Tandoori chicken, tiger prawns and lamb sheikh kebab). This was served on a bed of spicy, sticky onions and peppers, which were just as delicious as the leading meaty characters. The chicken pieces were tender with a pleasant mix of tandoor spices; the prawns were juicy, and the lamb kebabs were delightfully fragrant.

Another winning dish was the Walnut Paneer Tikka served with roasted onions, pomegranate and crushed walnuts. The Paneer was firm, not rubbery, with a slightly smoky flavour that paired perfectly with the Tikka spice and the crunchy texture from the walnuts and pomegranate.

One of the house specials is the Kali Dal with Choor Choor Naan. The dal was so creamy and moreish, and the overnight cooking process really enhanced the smoky, warming flavour. It was served with a Delhi-style street naan bread, which at first glimpse looked a bit like a caramelised cinnamon swirl – for me, this was a standout part of the meal, with a crisp edge and soft centre and a not-sweet but not-salty type of bite – it went down a treat.

The Butter Chicken Curry was very tasty too, with a deep, rich sauce covering tender bite-sized pieces of chicken. We mopped up the sauce with our side of roti, and I could have easily spooned the rest of it like soup had I not been ready to burst! 

We also ordered a side of Par desi raita (yoghurt served with cumin and pomegranate) along with a small plate of Chatpata Corn Chaat, which is steamed corn kernels, finished with lemon, coriander and chilli. These were excellent palate cleansers and brought a zing and freshness to the other deeper spiced dishes we’d chosen. This was more than enough for three of us, and we even left a few small morsels. All the dishes were presented in either steel dishes, wooden boards or colourful plates adding a sense of fun to the sharing dining experience.

As tempting as the desserts were, especially the Gulab jamun cheesecake (dumplings of sweetened milk solids with malai crème) we didn’t have room to squeeze one in – a good excuse to go back!

The drinks menu is not hugely extensive, but it presents enough choice to cover all preferences. We all enjoyed a glass of the white wine from Argentina.

Décor is colourful and playful with dark walls and ambient lighting, contrasting bold chairs and Indian inspired artwork on the walls add pops of colour. The overhead lights are a mix of various bird-cage style shades, and the table lamp light is constantly but seamlessly moving through a spectrum of colours – another playful design aspect. Funky Indian music plays in the background, helping to transport diners to the streets of Delhi.

I thoroughly enjoyed my meal here, and it exceeded expectations.

Final Thoughts

The location of the hotel, along with its treasure of a rooftop bar and interesting history, really adds a unique element to it. It’s an ideal base from which to explore the city and come back to a comfortable place to rest your head.

The post Courthouse Hotel, London – Hotel Review appeared first on The Luxury Editor.

Leave feeling better than when you arrived

Westin Hotels are built around a single concept that you should leave better than when you arrive, and following an $80 million investment within the property, this is visibly clear. The 807-room hotel offers a contemporary hotel experience structured around the six pillars of sleep, eat, move, feel, work and play.

Sleep Well, with the Westin’s iconic Heavenly® Bed and rub your temples with their complimentary lavender and chamomile balm, complimentary in every room, Eat Well with Root & Vine’s locally sourced menu and biodynamic wine programme and complimentary Westin WELL station in the lobby whcih include still, sparkling, and alkaline water on tap Move Well at the hotel’s fitness studio, the largest in DC and curated RunWESTIN routes across the city. Feel Well through their powerful rainshowers and White Tea Aloe bathroom amenities, Work Well in their customisable work spaces. And Play Well by simply being in one of the best locations in the city, the Penn Quarter.

The newly designed interiors take inspiration from biophilic design. Potomac stone, native to the region, covers the floors and walls in the communal area, a light-filled central atrium sits at the heart of the property, with its large glass ceiling held up by a lattice work of raw metal, while abundant greenery and water-inspired artwork, along with residential format furniture, create a calm and relaxing space for a hotel of this size.

The atrium is split into two uses, one half given over to a lounge space with clusters of seating arranged around low tables. The other side flows into Root & Vine. During the day, with natural daylight pouring in through the roof, the space buzzes with the energy of breakfast and the comings and goings of a busy city hotel. By evening, it takes on a chameleon-like transformation, the lighting dims, and the space becomes intimate, making it the ideal place to linger over a glass of wine, which I did – the Albariño is a delight.

Location

The hotel’s location couldn’t be any more convenient, right in the heart of the Penn Quarter, the Capital One Arena and Chinatown are minutes away on foot. The National Mall and Smithsonian museums are around a 20-minute walk, and two metro stations are within easy reach, taking you across the city and connecting you with Ronald Reagan Airport and Dulles International Airport.

Directly across from the hotel, the relatively new CityCenterDC shopping mall is packed with designer shops and dining outlets.

The hotel is also very easy to spot at night, its exterior lit in vivid purple, making it a landmark in the area.

Rooms & Suites

The 807 guest quarters are divided across a choice of categories. King and Queen City View offer Heavenly beds and signature interiors with views across the DC skyline. Premier and King Corner View offer enhanced views with their wraparound windows, and for those wanting more space, the Superior and Premier One Bedroom Suites offer a separate living area or go all out with the Presidential Suites, ideal for longer stays.

For wellness enthusiasts, Peloton Rooms are worth knowing about. In-room bikes allow you to workout entirely on your own schedule.

The Potomac stone-inspired palette runs throughout all room categories, with room interiors or soft neutral tones, natural textures and clean geometric lines. The Heavenly bed is now legendary, and for anyone who sleeps badly on the first night in a hotel or suffers from jetlag. The hotel offers a Sleep Oasis Package, developed by Dr. Whitney Roban, to help combat “The First Night Effect”. The package includes:

• Hushh® Compact Sound Machine
• Happy Ears earplugs
• The Herbal Zen aromatherapy shower steamers
• Nodpod sleep mask
• Westin Sleep Well Tea Blends and in-room tea service

King Park View

During my stay, I was hosted in a King Park View room. Rooms are very generously sized, a stone-inspired headboard runs the length of the bed, creating a focal point, a chaise lounge sits by the window, and there is a small desk area to work at, too. The bathroom features more floor-to-ceiling stone tiling, and a large walk-in shower features a powerful rain shower.

A refillable PATH water bottle is complimentary in rooms (and yours to take home with you), with water-filling stations on each floor and also down at the lobby Westin WELL station. A coffee machine is replenished daily, and at turn down lavender balm is left on your bedside table. It is worth noting that the daily destination fee includes credit for the restaurant along with Uber credit and other guest benefits.

The view lived up to the room category name, looking out over treetops with the Carnegie Library sitting directly below.

Breakfast

The next morning, after a thoroughly refreshing sleep, I headed down to Root & Vine for breakfast. The menu takes its provenance seriously with local suppliers highlighted throughout. Ivy City Smokehouse supplies the smoked salmon along with Martin’s cage-free eggs, Lyon Bakery breads, Noble Star Ranch bacon, and Stachowski’s sausages.

The first morning of my stay, I opted for the avocado toast loaded with Martin’s jammy eggs, puffed quinoa crunch and Aleppo oil, and the second morning, I tried the smoked salmon bagel, which was generously stacked with Ivy City gravlax on Izzy’s plain bagel with cream cheese, capers, watercress and pickled onion.

Grab & Go

The hotel also has a grab-and-go shop, where you can buy coffee and a large range of snacks (try the cookies, which are baked fresh in the hotel), along with a range of Root & Vine menu options to eat on the go.

Wellness & Fitness

My excuses for not visiting the hotel gym while travelling are well-versed, ranging from late nights to early mornings. However, here the reason is more straightforward: the city simply offers too much! So instead, I laced up my trainers each day and headed out to explore the surrounding neighbourhoods. However, if you are gym inclined, the hotel has the largest hotel gym in the city at 10,000 sq ft, it packs in an Olympic weight room, yoga room, Peloton bikes and flexible studio space.

Final Thoughts

The Westin DC Downtown delivers on its wellness promise without it ever feeling like hard work, and in a city that makes for a great city break destination, the property puts you front and centre of everything the capital has to offer.

The post The Westin DC Downtown – Hotel Review appeared first on The Luxury Editor.

History

Originally the site of a medieval deer park, The Cottage in the Wood sits on land that was once part of the Blackmore Park estate, a former country estate and landscaped park owned by one Thomas Charles Hornyold in Georgian times and later by John Vincent Gandolphi. It’s rumoured that ‘Lord of the Rings’ author J.R.R. Tolkien drew inspiration from the Malvern Hills and invented the name Gandalf after hearing the name Gandolphi! The estate was put up for sale in 1919, and the property then opened as a tearoom. The hotel’s restaurant is named after this date, as it was the official opening of the property as a hospitality destination. In the 1920s, composer Edward Elgar came to perform for a private audience at the Coach House, having lived in and around Malvern for much of his life. Then in 1947, the hotel began to run as a guest house, welcoming walkers and travellers exploring the hills. Gradual expansion followed, with additional buildings – the Coach House and Beech Cottage – increasing capacity.

In the 1980s and 90s, Baroness Margaret Thatcher was a regular guest at the hotel, always staying in room 35, which was then also known as The Blue Room. In addition, musicians Charlie Watts, Adam Ant and The Who have had links with the hotel, either from staying, playing or visiting the area. In 2015, the ‘Cottage’ was acquired by husband-and-wife team Nick and Julia Davies, former management consultants based in London, who left their corporate careers to move into hospitality. They embarked on a three-phase refurbishment – completely redesigning the ‘Cottage’ properties throughout and establishing the hotel as a fine-dining destination. The result is a unique, heritage boutique hotel – wonderfully romantic and sensitively curated – with an aesthetic that strikes a confident balance between contemporary design and relaxed country-house comfort. 

Location

Perched high on the wooded slopes of the Malvern Hills, The Cottage in the Wood occupies a setting that feels wonderfully remote – just the ticket for a rural reset and temporary switch-off from high-tech life. Elevated above the Severn Valley and surrounded by mature woodland, the property offers a true sense of escape. Walking routes begin almost immediately from the hotel’s doorstep, leading through ancient woodland, across open hillsides and along the dramatic ridge that defines the Malverns. Routes vary from gentle, contemplative strolls to more demanding climbs, including the ascent of Worcestershire Beacon, the highest point, where expansive views stretch across Herefordshire, Gloucestershire and beyond. Yet the hotel is surprisingly well-connected, being just a short drive from the picturesque, heritage town of Great Malvern with its Victorian architecture, independent boutiques and cultural landmarks such as the Malvern Theatres.

From here, regular rail services provide direct links to London, Birmingham and other major destinations, making it an easy transition from city pace to countryside calm. Road access is equally straightforward, with the M5 within comfortable reach. A short drive east from the hotel leads into the rolling landscapes of the Cotswolds, where picture-perfect villages unfold at an unhurried pace. Among them, Broadway stands out for its broad, honey-hued High Street, antique shops and long-standing artistic connections. It is this effortless interplay between immersion and accessibility – wild landscape on the doorstep juxtaposed with culture and connectivity within easy reach – that is just one of the reasons this hotel is truly unique.

Check-in

It felt rather like I’d gone back in time as I made the winding ascent through the Malvern Hills leading to this quietly elevated retreat. Discreetly sign-posted, the final turn revealed an elegant hillside sanctuary that blended seamlessly into its wooded surroundings. It was easy imagining myself to be a guest at a 1920s country house, weekend party – even more so when the reception area revealed itself to be located in a cosy, library-like space complete with an open fire.

Following the warmest of welcomes and ease of registration, I browsed the floor-to-ceiling shelves flanking the fire, delighted by the distinctly local character of the vintage books available for guests to enjoy while curled up in one of the jewel-coloured velvet armchairs. There was ‘The Cottage in the Woods’ by Mary Baldwin, works by C.S. Lewis – who drew inspiration from the Malvern landscape during childhood visits said to have shaped his fiction – and a biography of the local composer Edward Elgar. I could easily have lingered there myself but I was too eager to see my bedroom.

Rooms

The hotel offers bedrooms in five categories across the three properties – Cosy, Classic, Very Good, Great, and Best, in addition to self-catering spaces, the Studio and the Chapel. On the first and second floors, the Best Rooms deliver an elevated experience – both literally and metaphorically – being generous in scale and bathed in natural light as large picture windows open onto sweeping vistas of the Severn Valley, Vale of Evesham and gentle Cotswold Hills. Uber-comfortable interiors are calmly considered, featuring beautiful fabrics and soft textures that feel effortlessly refined rather than showy – relaxed luxury, in short. The bathrooms are equally sumptuous with freestanding tubs, walk-in rainfall showers, and beautifully finished stone and tile details that echo the surrounding landscape.

The Great Rooms strike a balance that combines quiet luxury with comfort and often feature private terraces or balconies that invite the outdoors in. Bathrooms are spacious, bright and contemporary, typically offering walk-in showers or shower-over-bath combinations. The Very Good Rooms continue the decorative narrative with their well-proportioned spaces, thoughtful finishes and the signature ‘Cottage’ blend of comfort and quiet elegance. The sleek, modern bathrooms are designed for practicality without losing style.

The Good Rooms provide a compact yet considered retreat, paired with neat, well-appointed en-suites that deliver everything required in a streamlined space. Meanwhile, the Cosy Rooms – the most intimate – create a warm, cocoon-like feel, complemented by compact but cleverly designed bathrooms. Beyond these categories, the Studio, which sleep up to four, offers a more private, apartment-style escape but with the same aesthetic as the rest of the hotel – soft, textural layers; a calming yet chic colour palette; beautiful linens, understated design and, not least, an incredible view. While bathrooms maintain that same quiet luxury with generous showers and refined finishes. Ditto the atmospheric Chapel, sleeping up to six.  Retaining touches of its original architecture, this characterful, converted space blends heritage with contemporary comfort. 

My Room

I stayed in one of The Best Rooms on the second floor of The Main House which offers one of the Cottage’s top experiences. The view from the large sash window opposite the bed took my breath away as soon as I entered the very spacious room – a magnificent, far-reaching vista across the Severn Valley. Expansive, ever-changing and so quintessentially English, I found myself humming Vaughan Williams’ ‘The Lark Ascending’. This landscape felt almost part of the room itself – drawing my eyes outwards to scudding clouds across a wide sky, a verdant valley and undulating terrain on the far horizon. The light created a constantly changing backdrop. The room itself was just as pleasing with a muted, dove grey palette and contrasting cream tones. Nothing was overworked or excessive. I loved the selection of images adorning the walls – sartorially perfect, classic black and white photos of early 1960s models which lent the room a curated, almost gallery-like feel.

Then, to my utter delight, I discovered a record player – complete with a collection of carefully curated vinyl albums which added such a personal touch as the artists were connected to the hotel in some way. This being a British hotel, there was, of course, a well-stocked hospitality tray complete with a selection of teas, proper coffee and sweet treats made on the premises.

A generously proportioned, incredibly comfortable bed adorned with fine, crisp linen, marshmallow-plump pillows that were a dream to lie my head against and a cosy throw to cuddle under made it very hard to move once I was in situ. The bed faced the large sash window and therefore the ever-changing skyscape but I eventually roused myself and settled into one of two cosy armchairs set either side of a small table by the window and continued drinking in the view while nibbling on home-baked goodies and listening to an Elgar LP.

My bathroom was also a delight to spend time in – especially the freestanding bath-tub, perfect for an indulgent soak using complimentary, luxury Bramley products. Meanwhile, the walk-in, rainfall shower, gorgeous tiling and elegant stone finishes brought a spa-like quality to the spacious ensuite. 

Dining

Dining at The Cottage in the Wood offers two distinct yet equally considered experiences, both shaped as much by their surroundings as the food itself. The restaurant spaces are quietly elegant, soft, nature-inspired tones, woodland-patterned wallpaper and natural textures subtly echoing the landscape beyond the floor-to-ceiling windows. At the heart of the hotel is the 1919 Restaurant – an award-winning, three AA Rosette eatery and Malvern’s only restaurant of its kind, also featured in the Michelin Guide 2025. Here, a seven-course tasting menu, crafted by Head Chef Mark Potts and his team, unfolds with creativity and precision, each dish rooted firmly in seasonality. In contrast, The Brasserie offers a more relaxed but no less refined setting with the same attention to quality. Light-filled by day and softly ambient by evening, it serves elegant, seasonal dishes that celebrate local and British ingredients, whether through small plates, classic favourites or a more indulgent five-course option. An intimately-lit cosy yet stylish bar and lounge with adjacent outside terrace complete with tables and seating overlooking the incomparable view, and a welcoming book-lined reception area make up the public areas. Whichever you choose, the atmosphere greatly adds to the experience. Quintessentially English in feel, it’s a setting where exquisitely prepared, quite delicious dishes combine effortlessly with beautiful surroundings.

Breakfast

Breakfast at The Cottage in the Wood was impeccable. Seated by one of the picture windows, I found myself alternating between perusing the menu and lingering over the view beyond the ever-changing sweep of the Malvern Hills. It was a pleasure to discover that breakfast was not presented as a buffet but as a thoughtfully curated à la carte offering. Coffee arrived promptly – rich, smooth and restorative – setting the tone for what followed. On one morning, I chose smoked salmon with scrambled eggs – the eggs impossibly soft and creamy, the salmon delicately silky with just the right hint of salinity, all brightened by a scattering of fresh green leaves. The dish was as visually appealing as it was delicious -simple, elegant and beautifully composed.

The following day, the vegetarian cooked breakfast proved equally good. Avocado was fanned with precision across the plate, accompanied by a perfectly grilled tomato half, a richly flavoured field mushroom, wilted spinach and baked beans served neatly on the side, alongside a well-cooked vegetarian sausage and the same luxuriously soft scrambled eggs. Once again, it was a plate that delighted as much in presentation as in flavour – each element distinct, harmonious and executed with care. On both mornings, I chose to finish with toast, butter and thick-cut marmalade, and a pot of English breakfast tea: traditional, comforting and somehow entirely fitting. Just as it would have done at my imaginary 1920s country house weekend away. 

Lunch 

For Lunch in the Brasserie, I was seated once again by the windows and immersed myself in the stunning view. The menu struck a confident balance between comforting classics and more considered dishes. Alongside options such as mushrooms on toast and a neatly pressed ham hock to start, and mains including pork belly, spiced cod, and a brie and cranberry croquette, there was a sense of thoughtful and seasonal variety without excess. I began with the haddock fishcake – delicately crisp on the outside, giving way to a soft, flavourful centre of perfectly seasoned fish. It was paired with finely shaved fennel and ribbons of cucumber, which brought a welcome freshness, while a quenelle of tartare sauce added a gentle sharpness that tied everything together. The dish felt clean, balanced and tasted absolutely delicious. For the main course, the coq au vin was deeply comforting yet refined – the chicken tender and richly infused with a glossy, wine-darkened sauce. Herb polenta provided a soft, fragrant base while baby carrots and a hint of tarragon lifted the dish with subtle sweetness and aromatic brightness. To finish, I chose a selection of three British cheeses, served with crisp biscuits and a spoonful of homemade chutney. It was simple, satisfying and perfectly judged, though desserts such as chocolate delice and tiramisu offered a more indulgent alternative.

Seven Course Tasting Menu with Wine Flight in 1919

The softly-lit dining room of 1919 created an immediate sense of occasion, but it was the seamless interplay between food and wine that truly defined the experience. From the outset, there was a feeling of careful curation with each element designed to complement and elevate the next. The opening ‘Amuse-bouche’ trio was smoked eel with a bright lift of Granny Smith, a delicate cheese sablé enriched with black garlic, and a precisely balanced beef fillet tart which arrived alongside a light, refreshing glass of English sparkling wine that awakened the palate without overwhelming it.

Warm sourdough with butter is followed before the first of the more structured pairings of salt-baked beetroot served with goat’s curd and pumpkin seeds, accompanied by a crisp Sauvignon Blanc. The wine’s lively acidity and citrus notes cut cleanly through the earthy sweetness of the beetroot, lifting the dish with precision and clarity. As the menu progressed, the wines deepened in character. A mineral-driven Albariño, with its saline edge and gentle stone-fruit notes, worked in perfect harmony with the grilled Cornish mackerel, amplifying both the richness of the fish and the brightness of lime and dukkah. The transition to the honey-glazed duck breast brought a shift to red – a supple Carignan, layered with dark berries and subtle spice, which echoed the depth of the dish while balancing the bitterness of chicory and the softness of gnocchi and celeriac.

At one point, Head Chef Mark Potts made a brief, unassuming appearance in the dining room – quietly checking in with guests, his manner warm and understated. It was a small but telling touch, reinforcing the sense of care and personal investment that ran through the entire experience. The final stages were no less considered. A pre-dessert of rose geranium, lychee and coconut offered a fragrant pause, before a glass of golden Monbazillac – honeyed yet finely balanced – paired beautifully with the Chocolate Délice, its richness lifted by clementine and a delicate note of olive oil. Petit fours brought a final, elegant flourish. Throughout, the wine flight felt intuitive rather than instructional with each pairing enhancing without overshadowing. It was a quietly confident expression of both kitchen and cellar. A marriage made in gourmet heaven! 

Final Thoughts

The Cottage in the Wood is a truly distinctive retreat, shaped as much by its setting as its design. Interiors are tastefully composed, with woodland-inspired wallpaper, soft textures and carefully chosen furnishings that echo the landscape beyond. Expansive views are ever-present, drawing the outside in and creating a constant sense of calm. Dining is exceptional, from the relaxed elegance of the Brasserie to the precision of 1919, each offering a memorable, seasonal experience. What makes it so special, though, is its atmosphere: intimate, unforced and quietly unique with a strong sense of place that lingers long after you leave.

The post The Cottage in the Wood Malvern – Review appeared first on The Luxury Editor.

The Arrival

The drive from Palma airport takes around half an hour, an easy ride on the highway heading southwest, with the last five minutes dropping down a pine-clad hillside past residential villas to the hotel. It sits right on a rocky outcrop on Platja Palmira, with sweeping views across the entire bay, from the crescent of the beach to the rocky island of Isla Malgrats on the far side.

As soon as you walk in, the vibe is immediate. Mellow DJ tunes on the terrace, soft chatter and laughter, the clink of glasses. General Manager Javier Saavedra has built a young, multilingual team who are attentive without being formal. Reception is on the third floor, which is street level, and from here you look down across the Ikat Pool Club, its sun terraces, infinity pool and out to the bay. A corner gym on the same level lets you work out with the Calvía hills and the broad beach as your inspiration.

The Room

I opened the door, and my eyes went straight to the view beyond the terrace doors. It’s pure Mediterranean. The interior décor captures the island entirely, with the bleached woods, white linens, contemporary prints with bold brushstrokes, a wooden bench and a desk chair woven with natural threads. On the table, a welcome tray of nuts, cheese, Mallorcan ham, relish and a bottle of Ayala champagne, a house favourite across the Aethos collection.

The accent colour throughout the hotel is a rich aubergine, picked up on the low cast-iron terrace tables, the crescent floor tiles, the pale patterned sun loungers and the pink parasols. Against the bone-coloured stone and the green of the pines, it works beautifully.

The bathroom had soft natural stone tiles, with hand-thrown ceramic pieces in mustard and green for the toothbrush holders and plant pot. Amenities are by Woods Copenhagen, organic and aromatic. Good lighting, including a mood light integrated into the shower niche. The towels, bathrobes and slippers are all considered, with the slippers being plastic-free, in unbleached fabric with cork soles. Small details, but they say a lot about how the hotel thinks. The minibar stocks Tramuntana gin miniatures in three flavours, and the in-room coffee is Simpli, 100% Arabica in compostable capsules.

The Pool & The View

This is really what defines Aethos Mallorca. The infinity pool on the sun terrace, the aquamarines and blues blending and merging with the bay below. The colours are pure Mallorca, with the shallow aquamarine of the water shifting to indigo as the bay gets deeper. On the west side, twisted pines cling to the rocky cliff, a natural contrast to the stone, concrete and wood of this contemporary building.

Late afternoon, I sat on the room terrace with a glass of champagne as the sun began to set, the evening tunes drifting up from the deck below. Cinematic.

The Brand

Aethos is a relatively young hospitality group, founded by entrepreneurs Benjamin Habbel and Jeff Coe, who assembled a team of hotel veterans, designers and chefs to build a collection of boutique properties across Europe. The portfolio now spans coast, city and country, with hotels in Sardinia, Ericeira, Milan, London Shoreditch, Monterosa and Saragano, and Lisbon on the way. In Palma, they have also opened an Aethos private members’ club. The brand has a strong sustainability focus and a Mediterranean sensibility that runs through the design, the food and the general attitude to hospitality.

Onda

Onda is the hotel’s restaurant, with a pergola-shaded terrace overlooking the bay. The menu is Mediterranean with a strong Mallorcan accent and a genuine commitment to sustainability. There is no avocado on the menu, for example, because the kitchen does not consider it a sustainable ingredient. Seasonal, local produce leads everything.

We were greeted by Araceli, the F&B Manager, friendly and professional. We ate in a half-moon banquette with the bay darkening beyond the terrace. Fran, the restaurant supervisor, looked after us throughout the evening, knowledgeable about every dish and wine on the menu.

To start, charred carrots with wine reduction and herb-infused Mahón cheese cream. A superb dish. The creamy Balearic cheese with the intense sweetness of the carrots is deeply Mediterranean. Then, the amberjack carpaccio with courgette, fermented lemon and soy dressing. The sauce looked heavy but was light and well-balanced, and the fish was sliced against the grain for texture.

For the main, we shared a Galician chuletón. Fran carved it tableside, and the presentation was memorable. The meat arrived on a hot slate resting on a wooden board, with sea salt on the side and a sprig of smoking rosemary set against a piece of charcoal taken from the grill, filling the air with an intense, aromatic warmth. Artichokes and buttery roast potatoes were the side orders.

With dessert, we tried the Dolç des Port from Vins Miquel Gelabert in Manacor, a port-style sweet wine made from Syrah and Callet, the indigenous Mallorcan grape. A lovely pairing with the Sóller orange mousse, made with the local island oranges, and the Flaó Aethos, a light contemporary take on the traditional Balearic mint and fresh cheese tart.

Breakfast is in Onda too, on the terrace with the view. A small but well-designed buffet with great produce, particularly good tomatoes, alongside an à la carte menu rooted in the island’s larder. The Golden Island Porridge with Tramuntana honey and flame-baked banana, the Shakshuka de la Serra with Mallorcan butifarrón, and a forest sourdough made with carob and hazelnut-reishi butter were just some of the choices.

Raig Rooftop

Raig sits at the top of the building with panoramic views across the bay, the pool below and the coastline beyond. I visited during the first week of the new season in late March, so it was not yet open for service, but the setting from up there is spectacular. In full season, I understand it serves cocktails and Nikkei-inspired snacks from late afternoon to midnight.

The Spa

The spa has a relaxation room overlooking the bay, a wet area with an indoor pool, steam room, sauna, cold plunge and jacuzzi, and calm treatment rooms. The amenities are by Woods Copenhagen, and their balms and creams are available to purchase and take home.

The Location

Peguera is not really known for luxury hotels. It is a traditional family resort area on the southwest coast, and that’s part of its appeal. The bay is relaxed, established, and not showy. Aethos is shifting things up a gear here, bringing a contemporary barefoot five-star sensibility to this corner of the island. Among the guest experiences, the Aethos yacht charter stands out, offering a way to see the coastline and its coves from the water.

Final Thoughts

Aethos Mallorca is a smart, soulful hotel with a strong sense of what it wants to be. The sustainability credentials are genuine, the food is thoughtful and local, the team are switched on and relaxed in equal measure, and the setting on that rocky bay is hard to beat. For the beginning of its first full season, it feels remarkably assured.

This property is included in the best boutique hotels in Majorca

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The Arrival

The ground floor lobby is set to become a coffee shop, a welcome addition that will bring the hotel further into the daily rhythm of the city. For now, the arrival space is dominated by striking, large-scale canvases by Hermann Nitsch, the legendary Austrian Actionist painter. They are bold, visceral and unapologetically confrontational. This feels like a contemporary statement that conveys Vienna is more than just imperial nostalgia.

Up one level, the elegant lobby is a series of intimate salons rather than a single reception space, with curved velvet sofas, sculptural light fixtures and shelves arranged with books and carefully chosen objets. The effect is residential, warm and quietly glamorous. Salon Aurelie, the lobby lounge, is the jewel. Hand-painted murals of palm fronds, tropical flowers and butterflies by Austrian artist Marie Hartig wrap the walls, an homage to Vienna’s magnificent Palmenhaus conservatory. Crystal chandeliers by Lobmeyr cast honeyed light onto Backhausen textiles. A ceramic vase installation offers an elegant nod to the Danube.

The Room

We stayed in a Deluxe Junior Suite on the fifth floor, a generous space up to 57 square metres with twin windows overlooking the Peterskirche. Swing them open and you hear the clip-clop of horse-drawn carriages on the lane below and the bells ringing in the belfry next door. It is one of those wonderful sensory moments that immerses you into the fabric of a very old and very beautiful city.

The room was immaculately furnished, every element bespoke. Alexander Waterworth’s interiors blend Art Deco curves with mid-century warmth, with plush velvets and gilded touches set against a soft, muted palette.  Above the bed hung contemporary art, while in the entrance, a handsome walnut-framed bar console offers a full cocktail setup with fine glassware, a cocktail recipe book and a trolley ready for serving. Even the Nespresso machine was custom-bound in leather from a Parisian atelier. On the coffee table, a Taschen volume on the Wiener Werkstätte, Vienna’s revolutionary early 20th-century design school. A plaster bust of Mozart sat under a small glass dome, beside a delicate lilac hydrangea bloom on the table.

The details kept revealing themselves. Like the art and design board games made exclusively for Rosewood Vienna, and our pillowcases embroidered with our initials. At turndown, my iPhone charger cable had been tidied with a bespoke leather cable tie, and left on the bed was a fun little nighttime story that cleverly inspired a city itinerary for the following day.

In the wardrobe thoughtful touches like wooden shoe trees, while in the bathroom there were sustainably sourced amenity items like bamboo combs and toothbrushes, a natural loofah for the shower, and Angeli di Firenze amenities in elegant porcelain dispensers.

No two rooms here are the same, and ours felt less like a hotel room and more like a beautifully curated private apartment in the grandest quarter of the city.

The Design

This is where Rosewood Vienna truly soars. The interiors are ravishing. Backhausen textiles, the firm that powered the Vienna Secession, appear throughout. The fabrics, curtains and upholstery are all bespoke, with patterns that reference the buildings’ own histories. Even the leather coasters and the grills on the air conditioning ducts are custom-made.

The art, curated by Atelier 27, is one of the hotel’s great pleasures. Historical etchings of Viennese architectural landmarks have been reimagined with bold contemporary colours, textural cross-stitch and mixed media. They are inventive, playful and unexpected.

Soft floral elements and murals reference regional Viennese history, including nods to Schönbrunn Palace. The Hoffmann House, the presidential suite, features a chandelier with hand-cut Swarovski crystals. At every turn, the design tells the story of the city, connecting you to its creative and architectural heritage while somehow also feeling contemporary and relevant.

THE1835 Bar and Neue Hoheit Restaurant

We started our evening at THE1835, the rooftop bar named after the year the building was constructed. You climb a few steps from the bar and emerge onto a terrace that stops you in your tracks. The copper-green dome of the Peterskirche fills the foreground. Beyond it, the spires, domes and gilded flourishes of Vienna’s extraordinary skyline reach to the Gothic silhouette of St. Stephen’s Cathedral spire.

Dinner was at Neue Hoheit Restaurant, which sits beneath sloping contemporary glass roof windows that frame the views beautifully. The menu takes an international approach alongside Viennese classics. We had the burrata salad, the veal schnitzel and a steak. The sommelier was knowledgeable and enthusiastic, steering us towards two Austrian wines, a Wieninger Wiener Gemischter Satz and a Nikolaihof Wachau Riesling. The signature Gugelhupf cake is the dessert to order. Service throughout was attentive. The dining was pleasant, though the menu plays it safe where a hotel of this calibre might, in my opinion, push harder.

Breakfast is served in the same room, morning light streaming through those generous angled windows. Service was à la carte and attentive, together with a small buffet of treats like handmade chocolate pralines, chia fruit bowls and a tempting spread of local cheeses and chutneys, including a delicious local spicy mustard jam.

Asaya Spa

Asaya Spa is on the hotel’s higher floors. It is said to be the first in Austria to partner with Augustinus Bader. We used the sauna and steam room rather than booking a treatment, but the spaces are beautifully composed. The relaxation room is particularly striking. Chaise longues sit beneath an emerald-hued ceiling that mirrors the colour of the Peterskirche dome across the square.

The Location

Petersplatz sits at the very centre of Vienna’s Old Town, and stepping outside the hotel puts you immediately into one of Europe’s most glamorous shopping districts. The Graben pedestrian boulevard and the Goldenes Quartier are steps away, with flagship boutiques from Louis Vuitton, Prada, Saint Laurent, Bottega Veneta and more. St. Stephen’s Cathedral is five minutes on foot. The Albertina, the Hofburg and the vibrant Naschmarkt are all within easy reach. Vienna Airport is 30 minutes by car or CAT train.

Final Thought

Rosewood Vienna is a masterclass in what happens when a hotel brand truly understands its city. The bespoke design, the layered art, the residential warmth of the rooms, the thoughtful details like the Wiener Werkstätte book, the leather-bound espresso machines and the embroidered pillowcases. AS a guest, you feel connected to both Vienna’s creative heritage and the city’s vibrant modern scene. The dining could be sharper, but everything else operates at the very highest level.

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The Arrival

We took a morning flight and arrived before lunch under clear blue skies. Our transfer limousine swung through the tall archway off the street into the building’s enormous courtyard, light bouncing off the white walls. Tomasz Rachwal, the head of rooms, came out to greet us. Immediately, we felt welcome.

General Manager Sebastian Naumann leads a smart, young team where senior staff get involved in operations alongside their colleagues. The lack of hierarchy creates a genuinely relaxed, welcoming atmosphere that you feel from the first minute.

The Apartment

We stayed in a Wilde Retreat, a two-bedroom apartment set in the double-height eaves of the building. The steep roof had been fitted with large, high-tech windows that followed its slope, with electric blinds for shading or blackout. Open them and you see the tops of the belle époque neighbouring buildings and blue sky. Below, original blond wooden beams supported the roof, adding real character.

The galley kitchen had everything you might need for an extended stay, with the Smeg kettle and toaster to a Nespresso machine, stove, microwave, dishwasher, fridge, and good-quality silverware and chinaware. The water tap was fitted with a filter and there was a reusable water bottle so you can enjoy Vienna’s famous Alpine water. Coffee was from Workshop, a house blend called Article with tasting notes of dark chocolate, maple and raisin, the perfect accompaniment to the Manner Neapolitan wafers, left as welcome gift.

The principal bedroom felt like a proper boutique hotel room. Good linens, well-designed lighting, a reading area with complimentary Oscar Wilde stories, a nod to the writer who lends his name to the brand. Early morning, I made coffee and took it back to bed with sunlight streaming through the roof windows.

In the evening, we enjoyed the large living area with a corner with writing desk, a sofa under one of the windows and an adjacent dining area. We sipped a glass of bubbles, relaxing on the sofa before heading out. The second bedroom worked well as additional space, useful for families.

Oscar’s

Oscar’s is the property’s lobby restaurant and bar, set beneath vaulted double-height ceilings with a bold wall mural by Vienna-based artist Max Freund. A large semicircular bar anchors one end of the room. We ate breakfast here. The chive toast was a local favourite, so much finely chopped chive on top you could barely see the bread underneath. The Alpine breakfast was a hearty sharing plate of cold cuts, local cheeses, and pickles. The signature soda bread, baked especially for Wilde, was excellent.

Rascal Wien

Rascal Wien, the destination brasserie housed in the same building, is a beautiful space designed by Stephanie Barba Mendoza. Sparkling brass along the long bar, vintage mirrors above wooden tables, warm lamps, and the young team in designer Rascal t-shirts. Throughout dinner, a light installation by Austrian media artist SHA. is projected onto the vaulted arched ceiling, a subtle, shifting visual that evolves with the seasons and adds atmosphere without demanding attention. The energy is relaxed and you cannot help but have a good night out.

We started with a Rascal Negroni, made with Franz Wermut, and a Campari Spritz. The steak tartare, prepared tableside, was excellent. So was the Rascal sausage with apple mustard, a collaboration between Head Chef Tamas Kiss and the Eder family’s Fleischerei Leopold Eder, made exclusively for the restaurant. Mains were Wiener Schnitzel with lemon and anchovies and the 500-gram ribeye with red wine and green pepper. The menu is a contemporary take on Viennese classics, and the young team are enthusiastic and genuinely fun to be around.

The Light Show

Each evening, the Museum of Change transforms the 1,500-square-metre main courtyard into a free open-air spectacle. More than 50 projectors map abstract imagery by Austrian media artist SHA onto the white Baroque walls, while overhead a laser light show plays against fog released into the air. Music plays from 120 speakers. We stepped out with other guests and locals as passers-by walked in through the archway, drawn by the music and coloured light.

The Gym

The building is also home to a 2,800-square-metre destination gym, open to Wilde guests. This is a proper city gym with a huge cardio area, group fitness, weights, sauna, and relaxation spaces.

The Location

The Stubenviertel district and Fleischmarkt area are a delight. Genuinely historic, with non-touristy coffee shops like Wiener Söhne opposite, and churches like the neighbouring Basilika Maria Rotunda. St Stephen’s Cathedral is an 8-minute walk. Sebastian, the GM, recommended lunch at Trześniewski, the legendary Viennese sandwich bar near the cathedral, open since 1902. Hand-spread open sandwiches on dark bread with toppings like carrot paste, pâté and egg, washed down with a Pfiff, a tiny eighth-of-a-litre tankard of beer. We strolled through the Ringstraße, took in the National Library, and on one day caught the train for the hour-long trip to Bratislava for lunch.

Final Thought

Wilde Aparthotels Vienna completely exceeded expectations. The atmosphere, the team, the apartments, and the way the building brings together a boutique aparthotel, a destination restaurant, and a city gym make it feel like a genuine part of Vienna’s contemporary urban culture. I loved the space and flexibility of the apartment and the feeling of being part of the city’s dining and cultural life.

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The Arrival

The ground floor makes an immediate impression. Plush pink sofas and original crystal chandeliers bought at auction from Vienna’s former Ritz, and walls hand-painted by Andrea Ferolla with playful scenes of city life. At the bottom of the magnificent staircase that flows up through the entire property is a striking art installation. There is a lot going on, but it is fun rather than fussy. The lifts continue the theatrical mood with classic bronze interiors and an old-fashioned arrow above the exterior doors that swings from floor to floor, channelling the spirit of the fictional Grand Budapest Hotel.

Check-in is streamlined if you use the online pre-arrival service, so it is simply a case of verifying ID and accepting a welcome glass of bubbles or a G&T. The team dress in bespoke uniforms designed by Styrian fashion designer Lena Hoschek, using prints lifted directly from the hotel interiors. It is a gloriously eccentric touch.

The Room

We stayed in a Deluxe room. It was compact, and with so many bold design elements, it felt just a little busy. Heavily fringed lampshades, fabric-covered walls, richly coloured velvet furniture. A cocktail trolley stocked with gin, vodka and Negroni on a vintage brass table, with fresh lemon and lime ready to mix. A Roberts vintage radio sat on the desk, all wood casing and warm sound, adding a nostalgic touch that suited the room perfectly. The bathroom opens into the main room, partitioned by curtains if you want privacy, with the WC in a separate space behind a proper door. The shower was well designed with proper doors, so no water spilt onto the floor, as is often the case in hotels.

The bedding was excellent, with the option of individual duvets or a double, a thoughtful touch. The bathroom amenities came in creative packaging, with everything from a comb to collagen eye patches.

For more space, the Suite Junior, and Art Deluxe categories offer kitchenettes and larger bathrooms better suited to longer stays.

The Design

The interiors mix Parisian 1920s romanticism with Viennese period architecture and Scandinavian touches. Floral patterns, rugs, tiles and lampshades are all made to measure by Arkan Zeytinoglu Architects. Original vintage furniture sits alongside the mural artworks by acclaimed Italian fashion illustrator Andrea Ferolla in the lobby and restaurant. His flirtatious silhouettes dance across the walls like a cast of characters from a very stylish party. The eight Art Deluxe rooms feature exclusive graffiti art by Sasha Knezevic on mirrored walls. It’s edgy, witty and entirely in keeping with the hotel’s irreverent streak. Another nice detail in the rooms is that the TVs are hidden behind a vintage-style, aged mirror, which keeps the design coherent.

The building itself has many stories to tell. It has housed hotels since 1665, when it opened as Zum goldenen Kreuz. It later became Hotel Kummer, a gathering place for artists, writers and musicians. The Strauss family lived here too. During the Allied occupation, the French requisitioned it from 1945 to 1955, which makes the Parisian design thread feel very much part of the building’s heritage.

Chez Bernard

The highlight of the stay, without question. Chez Bernard, the 7th-floor restaurant, is one of the hottest tables in Vienna, and deservedly so. It is hugely popular with residents, and the combination of food, service, atmosphere and setting is hard to beat.

The room is elegant and buzzing, with a warmth that combines classic style with a youthful, conspiratorial energy. The bar area is double height, rising into a modern white and glass dome structure that has been built above the roofline of this classic Viennese building. Lush greenery is everywhere. Step up to the next level, and you are on the open-air rooftop terrace, decorated with chic fringed parasols shading tables set in front of a stylish bar, with additional creative touches like the bold photography of Mexican artist Victoria Barmak. It’s the place for panoramic city views and a mid-century look that evokes a touch of Palm Springs over the rooftops of Vienna.

We started at the inside bar with cocktails. The aperitif list includes classics like Kir Royales and Bellinis to Negroni Sbagliatos and Lillet Spritz, alongside Crémant de Bourgogne and Champagne. The menu is French-inspired with strong Austrian influences and local ingredients. We shared the fritti misti of octopus, prawns, cod, calamari and sand smelts with wasabi mayo, and the veal liver pâté with pink pepper, cornichons and toasted Motto brioche, flavourful and uncomplicated. My companion had the gnocchi à la Parisienne with spinach, Parmesan and beurre noisette. I had the chateaubriand with wild broccoli jus. Both were excellent. The service from the team was attentive, polished and genuinely friendly.

Breakfast the next morning was equally good. We chose to eat again in Chez Bernard, enjoying excellent coffee from a classic espresso machine, the croque monsieur on Motto brioche, and freshly baked, flaky croissants from the Motto Brot bakery downstairs. The menu includes shakshuka and avocado toast to a sharing breakfast for two with scrambled eggs, salmon, camembert, honey, homemade nougat cream and Motto bread. Owner Bernd Schlacher, one of Vienna’s most respected restaurateurs and host of the Balls in the Imperial Palace. He even brews his own beer, Brewdi, from leftover bakery bread. It is that kind of creative place.

The Location

Hotel Motto Vienna sits on Mariahilfer Straße, a mainly residential and retail district with chain stores, some independent shops, and the Haus des Meeres aquarium nearby. The Neubaugasse U3 metro stop is right next door, making getting around easy. The Naschmarkt, MuseumsQuartier and Ringstraße are all within a 10-minute walk. The monumental old town is not really in walking distance, but one metro ride takes you there in minutes.

Final Thought

Hotel Motto Vienna is a hotel with serious personality and a mischievous streak. The rooms are compact but cleverly designed, and the design is bold enough to possibly divide opinion. But Chez Bernard alone, the destination restaurant on the 7th floor, makes it well worth a stay.

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The Arrival

Ten minutes in a taxi from Palma airport. We were met at the dedicated check-in reception at the Suites building, where Adrian on reception was so welcoming that the first impression of the property was immediately positive. Upstairs in our top-floor penthouse suite, a bottle of bubbles and a fruit plate with handmade macarons from the pastry chef were waiting.

Three buildings, Three Moods

The clever thing about Aubamar is that its three buildings create distinct atmospheres within the large resort. The Tower, the original property, has been fully renovated for 2026 with contemporary rooms in muted Mediterranean tones and natural materials. It is well suited to families, well priced, and home to Aldente, the international buffet restaurant. The higher floors offer panoramic sea views.

The Park building, re-opening April 2026, faces the main pool with ground-floor Junior Suite swim-ups that give direct pool access. The poolside look has a distinct Côte d’Azur feel with red and white striped sunbeds, fringed straw parasols, and inviting day beds.

The Suites building is where we stayed, and it had more of a boutique hotel feel. Two wings overlook the beachside neighbourhood, with higher floors offering views of the Mediterranean and the Tramuntana mountains. It has its own entrance and check-in, which makes a real difference. There are two pools here. A main pool and a smaller, more intimate one surrounded by day beds beside the Arrels Mediterranean Garden, where I spent a quiet morning under the pine trees.

The Suite

Our penthouse Junior Suite Deluxe Sea View was elegantly decorated, with a contemporary bathroom, large soaking bath, and walk-in shower. The living space and bedroom are divided by sliding doors, easily converting it into a two-room suite. The terrace was the highlight, as it was large enough to accommodate two sunbeds, chairs, a table, and an outdoor jacuzzi. We ordered a bottle of Bollinger Rosé on ice and soaked in the hot tub as the sun went down. During the day, sunbathing on our own private terrace felt like having our own little world above the resort.

The Art

The art collection adds genuine character. Original works by Joan Bennàssar, the celebrated Mallorcan painter and sculptor from Pollença, hang in the Algust restaurant and in the Suites building, with signature sculptures crafted from local stone in the Arrels Mediterranean Garden. In the Tower building, textured mixed-media pieces by the late Joan Riera Ferrari, from Manacor, made with materials from the island, bring a different energy. The contemporary Anima chapel in the poolside garden features a mural by Miami-based Mallorcan artist Domingo Zapata, a neo-expressionist take on the Last Supper, and provides an interesting venue for weddings.

The Dining

Algust, the à la carte restaurant in the Suites building, is contemporary Mediterranean in design, ambience, and menu. Giovanni, the manager, and waiters including Antonio made it a relaxed, friendly evening. We started with a little complimentary welcome of cheese, warm bread, olives and alioli, very Mallorcan, followed by the cristal bread with local oil and vine tomatoes. Sharing plates included homemade croquettes and a beautifully presented octopus. Then a contemporary take on beef Wellington with local sobrasada replacing the traditional mushroom layer.

We tried wines by the glass, which meant we could taste before committing. The Vélorosé, a dry rosé made from 100 per cent organic Manto Negro grapes by Celler Tianna Negre in Binissalem, was excellent. So was the El Columpio red, a blend of Manto Negro, Merlot and Syrah from the same family winery. Algust also serves breakfast. Tower guests can pay a supplement to dine here, and Suites guests can eat at Aldente buffet restaurant without a supplement.

Breakfast

Early morning on the Algust terrace, the warm Mediterranean sun casting long shadows across the table, was how we started each day. Fresh fruit, local specialities including ensaimadas, tasty local olives, bread with oil and tomato, and samphire, which is very popular here, before the cooked breakfast dishes.

The Rooftop

We went up to Aubamar Rooftop one evening for sunset. This is the highest point in Playa de Palma, so expect stunning views, over the pine trees to the Serra de Tramuntana in one direction, and across the full sweep of the Bay of Palma to the Mediterranean in the other. That night the DJ was also playing saxophone. It’s a destination for sure.

Palma Capital

On the last day, I took a short ride into Palma’s old town, just 15 to 20 minutes away. The cathedral is emblematic, overlooking the lake where the sea once came up to the city walls. I loved strolling through the narrow streets, window shopping, and taking a cold beer in the Plaça de la Llotja by the former fish market, a wonderful historic building, just across the road from the sparkling yachts in the Port de Palma marina.

The Convention Centre

The Aubamar Convention Centre is an architecturally striking standalone building with contemporary interiors, a variety of flexible meeting and event spaces accommodating over 300 guests, and an outdoor garden for breakout sessions and al fresco receptions. It makes the resort a strong option for corporate events, conferences and incentive travel, particularly off-season when Mallorca’s climate and easy air access from across Europe are a compelling draw.

Final Thought

Aubamar Palma Resort is a case study in how vintage holiday hotels can reinvent themselves as contemporary luxury resorts. The investment shows in the interiors, the art, the food and the MICE facilities. The location is hard to beat. And the Suites building, with its own entrance, its own pools, its own restaurant and that rooftop, genuinely feels like a boutique hotel within a resort. This is the future of Playa de Palma.

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The Arrival

Check-in came with smiles, a glass of sweet Seville wine and a torta de Sevilla, one of the city’s most famous pastries. It set the tone immediately. This is a hotel where the team enjoy what they do, and it shows.

Estrella, the General Manager, is the soul of the place. She has a gift for storytelling. It was a pleasure to spend time with her, as she shared tales from the long history of this building, known locally as the house of seven lives, since it has had so many uses. It has been a convent, a Guardia Civil base, and a residential apartment block. The old patio courtyard once rang with flamenco. One of the most touching stories was of a couple who booked a room to celebrate their 40th anniversary, remembering their wedding night decades earlier, when a resident of the building, back when it was still apartments, had gifted them a stay for their honeymoon.

The Room

Rooms have a clean, contemporary simplicity to them, with warm tones and an unfussy elegance. The deluxe rooms face the plaza, and many look directly onto the remarkable wooden canopy of Las Setas, the Metropol Parasol designed by German architect Jürgen Mayer. Said to be  the world’s largest wooden structure, and known locally as Las Setas for its organic, mushroom-like forms, it is loved and loathed in equal measure by Sevillanos. As a backdrop to your hotel room, it is undeniably dramatic, and I personally find it compelling.

Swing open the Juliet balcony windows, and you take in the energy of this market square. For more space, the connecting rooms work well for families. The double rooms with a bathtub are a welcome option after a day walking the city. There are also rooms and suites facing the internal patio courtyard, offering a more intimate and tranquil stay, with some opening onto large internal terraces.

The Hotel

Sculptures and contemporary art canvases punctuate the public spaces, adding a modern flair that sits well against the original features, including wrought ironwork, beamed ceilings, and reclaimed historic ceramics. The building’s various incarnations have left layers, and the modern design makes the most of them, starting with the beautiful reception lobby with its bold Andalusian azulejos.

The Rooftop

The rooftop is a 253-square-metre sun terrace with a pool and loungers for hotel guests during the day. From around 6 pm it opens as Ático Indiano, the hotel’s rooftop bar, and the views are exceptional. Las Setas fills the foreground, and as the sun drops and the light show begins, the kinetic patterns playing across the wooden structure, with swallows swooping through the warm evening air, it becomes one of the best places to have a drink in Seville.

The new cocktail menu includes spritzes as well as the classics (Negroni, Margarita, Moscow Mule) to house creations like Indiano Ron, with Santa Teresa Gran Reserva, and Sol de Jalisco, a tequila, fruit, and mint mix made for warm evenings on the plaza. On Friday and Saturday evenings, there’s also a food menu of burgers, sandwiches, and croquetas, so you can settle in for the night without moving.

The Restaurant

Breakfast is a Mediterranean buffet with strong local character: excellent cheeses, sliced Iberian ham, pastries, fruit, and a chef on hand for eggs however you like them. The restaurant also has tables set out on the plaza.

The Location

Plaza de la Encarnación sits at the crossroads of central Seville. The Cathedral, the Alcázar and the Santa Cruz quarter are all within easy walking distance to the south. The Palacio de las Dueñas and the Palacio de la Condesa de Lebrija are a few minutes’ walk away. The main shopping streets run south from the square. Triana and the river are a short walk west. The Antiquarium, the underground archaeological museum beneath Las Setas showing Roman and Moorish remains, is directly on the square.

Las Setas itself is worth exploring. A ticket takes you up to the panoramic walkway at the top for 360-degree views across the city’s skyline, from the Giralda to the rooftops of the old town. Go at sunset.

Final Thought

Casa de Indias is a comfortable, well-located, warmly run hotel with one of the most distinctive views in Seville, and Estrella and her team create a genuine sense of welcome.

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The Arrival

Check-in is a traditional affair at the front desk, in a richly decorated, residential-style lobby. Room keys are comfortingly heavy with a tasselled fob, a timeless touch that is echoed throughout the property’s design.

This boutique bolthole opened in autumn 2025, following the much-loved original in Mahón and the second guest house in Málaga.

Read The Luxury Editor’s review of Cristine Bedfor Málaga here.

The Building

This 19th-century building is a neo-Mudéjar design by Aníbal González, the architect best known for Seville’s Plaza de España. It was left abandoned for many years. Locals recall it as a theatre, the Lope de Rueda, and later a cinema before it was boarded up and forgotten. It also served as the Royal Academy of Fine Arts and as the flamenco academy of Manuel Real Montosa.

The main structure has been respected. The central atrium patio is open through all floors to the glass canopy above, and the surrounding theatre tiers are now guest lounges and the restaurant. The original stage remains, ready to host live music and events, with the ground-floor patio bar set around an Andalusian fountain where guests and locals mingle.

The Design

Interior designer Lorenzo Castillo, working closely with Cristine Lozano, the visionary behind the collection, has been deliberate in avoiding Andalusian folklore. The design references Seville’s Renaissance peak, when the city was Europe’s port to the Americas, a crossroads of cultures and trade. The palette is warm. Textiles are rich but measured. Stone, marble, and tile are used as throughout.

Attention to detail runs through everything, from charming, embroidered placemats in the restaurant to bespoke chinaware depicting Seville landmarks, from the Torre del Oro to the Plaza de España. Individual jugs and vases of fresh flowers dress each table.

The Rooms

Guest rooms have an elegant simplicity. A welcome plate of cut fruit and complimentary water greet you. There is a kettle for tea or instant coffee, in keeping with the guest house philosophy.

Bathrooms are compact, with vintage fixtures and fittings and thick embroidered towels. Subtle storytelling is conveyed through the design of the fabrics of the headboards, and even the most compact rooms feel spacious, helped by high ceilings. The result is warm palettes and measured decoration that reflect the sophisticated simplicity of the era.

On the roof are two Pool Suites with private plunge pools and terraces overlooking the city. The five categories include Cristine’s Accessible and Cristine’s Doubles through Cristine’s Choice and Cristine’s Superiors to those rooftop Pool suites.

The Rooftop

The sun-splashed rooftop has a small pool, loungers with hammam towels, and a bar area under fringed parasols. It is a quiet place to decompress after a day in the city.

The Restaurant

Breakfast and dinner are served at La Cocina de Cristine, on the mezzanine level, one of the former balconies of this old theatre. The view now is of the patio bar below, where locals and guests mingle over a morning café con leche or a cold cerveza.

Mornings are relaxed, with a table-service breakfast including hot plates complemented by a small buffet of tempting extras. Service throughout is attentive, warm, and natural. The close-knit team, many of whom live locally, give the hotel a genuine sense of place.

We stayed for dinner too. The Huelva white prawn tartare arrived as a ring with coconut ajoblanco poured into the centre at the table, finished with fried almonds and muscat grape gelée. We tried Cristine’s croquettes, which were very good, and the live-leaf salad with grilled avocado and sliced almonds. For mains, the beef sirloin with Café de París sauce and the slow-cooked acorn-fed Ibérico pork shoulder with palo cortado jus and roasted sweet potato purée. The chocolate cake with argan hazelnut praline ice cream paired brilliantly with the Aromas de Seville, an orange mousse with orange blossom cream and mandarin ice cream.

The light-filled courtyard, set around an Andalusian fountain on what was once the theatre stalls, is open to the public as a bar. It is a lovely spot for locals and guests alike, whether for a morning coffee or an evening drink. The all-day menu runs from gildas and patatas bravas with Los Palacios tomatoes to a truffled red tuna tartare on toasted brioche and Cristine’s smash burger with 45-day aged beef and smoked cheddar. The wine list covers Andalusian fortified sherry wines, Rioja crianzas and Ribera del Duero, with cocktails too. There is also a separate room service menu for guests.

The Location

Calle Amor de Dios runs off Calle Trajano, a long, lively street of cafés, bars and shops stretching from Plaza del Duque de la Victoria towards the Alameda de Hércules. The hotel is in the heart of central Seville, walking distance to the Cathedral, the Alcázar, the Santa Cruz quarter and the Feria district. The Metropol Parasol is a few minutes on foot.

Final Thought

Cristine Bedfor has emerged as a collection of boutique properties in landmark locations, with local teams who share the stories of their destinations. The Seville outpost is probably the most ambitious and has already been extremely well received.

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Pleasingly set back from a main road or even a minor one, Timbre Virtudes blends in seamlessly with Porto’s largely residential Miragaia district, best known for its colourful housing, hanging laundry, its cobbled streets and its proximity to the dramatic Douro River. Dating back to the 16th Century, the hotel’s 71-room expanse is constructed around the dwellings of three different aristocratic families who are believed to have been involved in the burgeoning maritime industry of the time. The building’s aristocratic origins are illustrated by a 17th-century coat of arms, displayed both above the entrance and adopted as the hotel’s brand signature, found variously on stationery, towels, and menus alike. 

If the building’s exterior is dominated by original but pristine granite brickwork, the interior follows suit, providing the reception, bar area and restaurant with a cavernous elegance compounded by dark flooring, proscenium arches and burgundy pillars and ceilings. Stylishly mixing contemporary with historic, the space exudes what the hotel staff like to call ‘silent luxury’. It’s certainly dramatic and, in its own way, quite masculine too, brooding and atmospheric but paradoxically calming and gentle.  

The Alfândega grand occupies a sizeable proportion of the top floor and stretches to an impressive 70 square metres. Homely and welcoming, walls are pistachio, floors are walnut and orange highlights from pillows and artwork inject the suite with energetic bursts. Compartmentalised into three sections, all with closing doors, the uncluttered bedroom sits furthest on the left as you enter. The bed is king-size, and the room has its own balcony, which is especially useful for catching the sun’s end-of-day rays. The living room has a comfy sofa, a TV, a minibar, a round dining table as well as its own balcony which, much like the bedroom one, offers beguiling and practically timeless views over terracotta roofs towards the river on one side and colourful residential properties on the other.

If the spacious bathroom is the suite’s highlight with its slick marble flooring, its his and hers basins, its faux steamed up mirrors and its Bulgari soaps, as charming as the shower is, it’s the jacuzzi which is the jewel in the suite’s crown. Sizeable in its roundness, with its own underwater lighting and powerful jets, it’s surely worth taking an evening off and staying in to luxuriate in this opulent monster of self-pampering. The Alfândega is the only space in the hotel which has a jacuzzi, but in-room massages are available for all. 

The hotel’s chef Tiago Bonito held one Michelin star throughout his previous tenure at Largo do Paço in Amarante. Of his work, he says “My food is sea and fire. It’s smoke, eucalyptus, pine and vines. Flavours that I know and put into my dishes, creating experiences that appeal to all the senses.” Través restaurant’s granite walls and high ceilings make for dramatic dining and our sommelier cum waiter, the affable and endearing Rui, expertly curates the evening for us. Salmon in crispy tartelettes serve as a satisfying amuse bouche and an orange infused garlic and thyme butter renders the homemade bread irresistible.

If starters are both colourful, the Foie gras visually reminds one of a desert with its beige aesthetic offset by bright raspberries, green leaves and almost yellow croutons. Its soft texture is also dessert-like and the figs add a sweetness to the silkiness. The Boiled Octopus is cut into thick finger-sized chunks with green basil and coriander sauce and sliced carrots, lifting presentation. 

The star of the show has to be the Tiger Shrimp with brothy rice for two. Rui serves from a large Le Creuset type black casserole dish at the side of the table and sprinkles with a generous helping of black pepper. Essentially, it’s a local version of the bouillabaisse and years ago, it would have been the kind of comfort food mothers or wives would serve their men after a hard day’s fishing on the nearby Atlantic.

Portions are generous but we still have two helpings each, all ably washed down by Lisbon’s Quinta Do Gradil Chardonnay. A Meringue served with Greek Yoghurt ice cream is surprisingly fluffy and a gin and tonic jus offsets the slightly sweeter strawberry element. 

It’s impossible not to pass the bar on the way back to any of the rooms, situated as it is, directly opposite the elevator. Rui plied us with what we thought was a final tipple for the night, a Quinta Da Romaneira Tawny port, but the hotel’s resident mixologist, Bruno, has other ideas. How can we disappoint him? We’re not quite sure what to order so he offers to make each of us an off-piste, off the cuff, bespoke cocktail. After a brief question and answer session, he rushes off to get busy behind the bar. I end up with an earthy white truffle flavoured whiskey sour and my friend an espresso martini inspired whisky sour with prickly pear cactus, honey and egg white ingredients. The man is a wizard, the drinks gentle but intoxicating; someone please give him a prize!

It’s not long before we’re back at breakfast, last sitting for which finishes at a luxurious 11am. There’s a table in the main space which serves healthier fare such as chia seed puddings, yoghurt, granola, dripping honeycomb and beyond the proscenium arch, a larger spread which covers fried breakfast, pastries, breads, fish, cheese and meats. Golden, red and occasionally black fishtail tiles provide the space with an inviting and magical glow and for anyone who’s not in a hurry, a glass or two of the local sparkling wine is a must, as is Portugal’s national snack, a Pastel de nata. I try it all but my favourite has to be the two different types of granola which have both white and milk chocolate buttons in it.

In the summer Timbre Virtudes’ rooftop turns into one of the city’s coolest bars. In February, the bar is closed but Duran Duran’s Hungry Like The Wolf bursts over the speakers, providing the space with a suitable exoticism. Its view over the Miragaia district, the Douro river, the Ponte da Arrábida is a sight for sore eyes and behind it, almost within touching distance, is an architecturally out of kilter but fascinating brutalist school with a large concrete playground and tall concrete grey walls. The sun is out, and the always-friendly staff are more than happy to bring food or alcohol to guests who want to take advantage of this spectacular location, one of the many reasons this hotel is a must-visit when in Porto.  

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Background & Concept

Following a two-year closure and complete restoration, the property reopened in spring 2025 as the Montcalm Mayfair, the flagship property within the Montcalm Hotels portfolio it joins a collection of luxury properties which includes the Montcalm Brewery, a historic brewery reimagined as a hotel, to the Montcalm Royal London House, a former Royal Mail headquarters in the City, and the ultra contemporary Montcalm East in Shoreditch. The hotel is also part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection, a global portfolio spanning 240 properties across 40 countries, all chosen for their design, originality, and character.

Sitting centrally on a Georgian horseshoe crescent, from its exterior, you wouldn’t immediately notice any architectural changes. Award-winning architects Holland Harvey have restored and enhanced the Georgian Grade II-listed façade, which was damaged in WWII and rebuilt in the 1970s, preserving its historical integrity and reimagining its Georgian features with floor-to-ceiling windows, adding an extension and incorporating three signature suites complete with their own private entrance to the property.

As you walk into the lobby, your immediate reaction, as mine was will likely be to stop for a moment to take it all in. There is an instant WOW factor within the space. Designed by Studio Est, the light-filled public area is sophisticated, emulating the warmth of a living room, with rich earthy tones in organic and materials ranging from oak to marble and brass. One of my favourite spots in the hotel was the lounge area, a cosy residential space within a public lobby. As I sat there, my mind wandered back to childhood memories growing up with a coal fire in the lounge – here the naked flame has been reimagined using a marble backlit onyx fireplace, gently flickering and dancing away.

Running through every corner of the hotel is ‘The Mark of The Garden’, a creative philosophy highlighting that the area was both once an ancient forest and also the Georgian era’s tradition of gardens as places of artistic expression. Drawing inspiration from Constance Spry, the pioneering floral designer of the era.

This concept manifests through hotel fragrances in public areas, woodland soundscapes in the spa, floral teas and nature-inspired music, along with bespoke flower-inspired cakes. The colour scheme follows the seasons from spring greens, autumn russets and deep winter blues, along with hidden floral details in textiles and art.

Within the lobby brasserie, make sure to look up to the ceiling mural, hand-painted by Will Foster, depicting an ethereal garden dancing across the ceiling, and the three marble arches in the bar are a subtle nod to London’s iconic nearby March Arch.

Location

Technically closer to Marble Arch than Mayfair, this location is another positive attribute for the hotel. Marylebone Village, Portman Square, Selfridge’s, and Oxford Street are all moments away on foot in one direction and Hyde Park and onto Knightsbridge in the other. Bond Street and Marble Arch Underground stations are within easy connecting you with the rest of London, and the hotel’s concierge team can help with any transfers or wider exploration of the capital.

Rooms & Suites

The 150 guest rooms range from Superior through to Premium, along with 27 one-bedroom suites and three signature two-bedroom suites. Guest spaces are finished in a palette of beige, mushroom and taupe, with pops of terracotta and moss green in the furnishings, rugs and chairs. Soft curves feature throughout, running from headboards through to mirrors, giving each room a residential format. In-room touches include Frette bed linens, Bamford Geranium bathroom amenities, and furniture crafted from naturally felled wood and rattan accessories from Kalinko, a social enterprise working with over 250 artisans in Myanmar.

My Suite During My Stay

During my stay, I was hosted in a Marquis Suite, a beautiful room that maximises its space. Above the bed hangs a dark botanical artwork, and to the right of the bed is a framed sleep poem; Two Creative Writing MFA students from Goldsmiths were commissioned to pen sleep poems for each guest room, which have been transformed into bedside artworks with illustrations by Petra Börner. A Juliet balcony maximises both the view out to the street and natural light, and across from the bed, a framed flatscreen TV with your name on it to welcome you, a small chez lounge sofa and a table and chairs.

Calacatta marble tiling runs thoughout the bathroom, with the shower area laid in a herringbone pattern and larger format slabs on the walls and floor, complemented by brass fixtures and fittings, and I really enjoyed using the Bamford amenities.

Bespoke floral-inspired welcome cakes are made by Luminary Bakery, a social enterprise which empowers women facing adversity, and little finishing touches go above and beyond, like the hand-pressed seal on my welcome letter.

A dressing/workspace features a mini bar with paid snacks and drinks avaliabile, along with a Nespresso machine, and I love the small bottles of fresh milk chilling away for teas and coffees.

Signature Suites

I also previewed the hotel’s three signature suites, the Botanical, the Drawing Room and the Parlour. Each has its own personality, the Botanical is a living gallery composed around an exclusive art takeover by Camille Rousseau, the drawing room takes inspiration from London Spring with golden light and deep green tones, while the parlour draws on autumn’s harvest, finished in deep hues, golden finishes, and handoven fabrics. Each is interconnected via its own foyer, which can be accessed both via the hotel and a private entrance, ideal for families or groups who want a self-contained base while staying in London.

The Library

Signature suite guests can also access The Library on the top floor, a calming space curated with botanical books, along with a fine tea and seasonal refreshment bar.

Restaurant

Dinner at Lilli by Akira Back is, without doubt, where I’ve enjoyed one of my favourite meals in London to date. The room itself draws you in, an intimate space of deep greens, with burnished brass table lamps providing intimate lighting that feels closer to a member’s club or cocktail bar. Chef Akira Back’s menu celebrates his Korean heritage and Japanese artistry; every dish was a conversation point, as each one was served, the bar was raised higher. Designed for sharing, we opted for Chef’s signature Tuna Carpaccio presented like a pizza and dressed with jalapeno, along with wagyu tacos, which arrived as a little trio, both playful and punchy. The black Miso cod, another signature dish, melted in the mouth and was packed with savoury flavour through its miso glaze. While the beef wellington was a feast for the eyes and taste buds, and the popcorn shrimp was something I would never have picked, but it was recommended to me, and it was incredible. And to finish, the chocolate tart showed off the kitchen’s technical ability and attention to detail. This is contemporary fine dining at its most inspirational.

Breakfast

After a thoroughly good sleep, I went down for breakfast, which is served in the lobby brasserie. The continental offering is generous, with a range of cold cuts, cheese, pastries and croissants along with fruits and cereals. The à la carte menu ranges from a full English to a vegan alternative, eggs Benedict in three formats, along with kimchi shakshuka, pakcakes and oatmeal. I can eat spicy food at any time of day and the Masala Omlette caught my eye. It was served freshly cooked with vivid colour and flavour, complete with a chilli salsa to take things up a spice notch further.

Spa & Wellness

The hotel has so many wonderful aspects and another is its subterranean wellness offering YĀTRĀ a Sanskrit word for ‘journey’. The space is vast, with four treatment rooms, including a double, a dedicated space for yoga, an infrared and traditional wood sauna, and a hydropull and jacuzzi, along with a gym.

Spa treatments include their Ojas Rejuvenation Ritual and Chakra Body Realign Ritual, both using personalised dosha oils; the Savasana Muscle Warming Potli Massage; Kansa Marma Point massage and facials; and the Shakti Divine Nurturing Body Therapy. Products are developed in collaboration with QMS Medicosmetics and Mauli Rituals. Post treatment, you are offered a tea ritual in partnership with Camellia’s Tea House.

Final Thoughts

The Moncalm Mayfair delivers something genuinely special, and the team should be very proud of it. In a city filled with luxury accommodation options, this is without doubt one of the finest.

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