Tag Archives: Park Lane

Como Shambhala Urban Escape, Park Lane

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Como spa

A few years ago I visited the Como Hotel in Bangkok, a serene oasis in the centre of the chaotic and hot city. The Metropolitan Como Hotel in London has a similar feel, laid back luxury with a hint of Asian influence. The spa is hidden on the second floor, a discreet but luxurious little retreat, far removed from the business focused Park Lane below.

I was greeted by several members of staff who showed me around the small spa. After a cup of zingy homemade ginger tea, I changed into a giant fluffy bathrobe and enjoyed a ten minute session in the steam room. Feeling cleansed and refreshed, I realised it was time for my treatment, the signature Como Shambhala massage with Yuki.

como calm

Tucked up and cosy in the massage bed, I felt relaxed for the first time in days and ready for the pampering session. This massage uses long hand strokes to give the body balance and harmony. I had a choice of aromatic oil scents and chose the Calm variety, a mix of lavender and geranium. Despite her shy demeanour, Yuki had great strength and undeniable ability. She seemed to instantly work out the maze of knots in my back and used miraculous movements to ease them away. Her expertise in Shiatsu massage showed in the immaculate finger pressure techniques that she used on my problematic areas. It was an hour of total heaven, I didn’t want to leave.

Revitalised and relaxed, I changed and ordered a delicious fresh juice, a tropical mix of mango, coconut water, papaya, orange and lime. A sweet and vibrant pick-me-up before returning to the mayhem of London.

como flowers

The Como Shambhala spa is a small venue offering treatments that make a big difference to how you feel. I cannot wait to return to try out one of the other innovative massages.

More information and book a treatment here.

Marriott Park Lane

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Location, location, location. Marriott’s Park Lane Hotel is ideally placed for tourists visiting London. A few steps from Marble Arch station and round the corner from shopping heaven on Oxford Street, it is just about the most central location you could desire.

Just down the road from the JW Marriott, this hotel feels smaller and more boutiquey with a less prominent entrance and a quieter, subtler ambience. Staff are incredibly helpful welcoming us to the hotel and taking us swiftly upstairs to our smart Club Room. Decorated in a quintessentially British style and with a view of the iconic Marble Arch itself, our room evoked the spirit of London.

To further emphasise the central location, our room had a copy of Timeout London and Mayfair Magazine should we want to peruse the pages for city ideas while nibbling the beautiful cakes and fruit the hotel had kindly laid out for us.

The small living area was a pleasant place to relax and unwind before bed. The bathroom was rather more glamorous, a black marble sink, L’Occitane toiletries and a big bath.

I can’t remember much about the bed as I fell asleep instantly lying amongst the plush pillows and silky bedsheets. I woke up feeling refreshed and ready for the day ahead. Considering the busy road outside, it is amazing that the hotel rooms remain so quiet.

A big buffet breakfast is served downstairs. Cinnamon French toast with bacon and berries arrived promptly at our table along with a cappuccino. We also helped ourselves to a selection of buttery pastries and fresh orange juice from the counter.

Those coming to London to experience a “Best of British” weekend will find a lovely room for the night at the Marriott Park Lane.

More information and book here.

Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester, Park Lane

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If you are a foodie living in London you will definitely know about Alain Ducasse’s 3* eatery at the Dorchester. This legendary French chef is a magician in the kitchen and renowned the world over. Unlike his competitors Gordon Ramsay and Heston Blumenthal, he avoids drama and his reputation remains unchallenged.

Ducasse does not obsess about molecular gastronomy and science, instead his culinary creations are based on classic recipes, traditional techniques and the highest-quality seasonal produce.

I have eaten in several of his restaurants now, perhaps most memorably the charming brasserie, Benoit in Paris. Although his restaurant at the Dorchester is rather more refined, the mood and ambience is similarly unassuming. Remembering some embarrassingly pretentious Michelin dining experiences, it is amazing that this prestigious central London restaurant manages to ensure all guests feel at ease, whether they are wearing their poshest attire or not.

There were various amuse-bouches, but it was nice not to be bombarded with too many extra treats. The most delicious were the tiny salt-and-pepper cheese puff balls made with the lightest choux pastry imaginable.

I think I made an error in the starter I chose. The waiter assured me that raw and cooked vegetables are a firm seasonal speciality on the menu and that sold the dish to me. It looked astoundingly beautiful and the flavours were wonderful, but all in all it wasn’t a dish to die for and this what I have come to expect from restaurants with the ultimate three Michelin star recognition. In contrast, the Saute gourmand of lobster, truffled chicken quenelles and homemade pasta was satisfyingly supreme and my guest was mockingly delighted that he had chosen so well.

Both the lamb and the pigeon main courses were delicious, presented immaculately, with fresh simply cooked vegetables and dressed with spectacular sauces. Intrigued about the cheese on offer, we ordered a plate to share but found it to be wholly disappointing. At this Dorchester restaurant, we were not invited to choose our cheese but rather presented with a plate of one they’d prepared in the kitchen, so we didn’t get to select our favourite fromages.

Desserts were simple and classic, executed to perfection. There was nothing fussy about these puddings, the emphasis obviously on taste. Politely declining a tea infusion from the trolley of intriguing looking shrubs, we completed our Alain Ducasse experience with the ultimate French fancies; macaroons and praline chocolates.

Will this man ever cease to amaze? Although the Dorchester is London’s most famous hotel, their chosen chef comes from across the channel.

More information and see the menus here.