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etr li at ve eler HOTELS, RESORTS & SPAS 2023 76

Profumo’s base when he was secretary of state, and it's where Ian Fleming drew inspiration to write the James Bond series after working for Britain’s Naval Intelligence Service and spending time in the building. Its grand architecture has made the building a dramatic location in a number of the Bond fi lms, and, more recently, The Crown drama series. At the helm of The OWO project is the Hinduja Group, an international multibillion-dollar group founded in 1914. The group has engaged a team of experts including English Heritage, MOLA and EPR Architects to oversee the intricate redevelopment. The hotel interiors will be designed by New York based designer Thierry Despont, and the residences will be designed by award-winning interior architects 1508 London. In spring 2022, The OWO unveiled the fi rst two completed show residences within the building, designed by leading interior design studios Albion Nord and Angel O’Donnell. Set in the heart of the capital, the Horse Guard facing building is within easy walking distance of London’s most exciting districts. Residents and hotel guests will be just a short stroll from Buckingham Palace, The National Gallery, The Tate, The Royal Academy, St James’ Park, Embankment and South Bank, as well as the fashionable shops of Regent

THE OWO RESIDENCES BY RAFFLES LONDON

Elegant decor inside the residences

One of London's most iconic landmarks, what was formerly known as the Old War O ffi ce is undergoing a magni fi cent transformation into The OWO — a new 760,000-sq-ft destination on London’s historic Whitehall. Upon completion in 2023, The OWO will comprise London's fi rst Ra ffl es hotel, with 120 rooms and suites, and 85 Ra ffl es-branded private residences — the fi rst branded residences from the luxury hotel group in Europe. The Grade II* listed Old War O ffi ce, originally completed in 1906 by British architect William Young, is steeped in history. Formerly the site of the original Palace of Whitehall, home to royalty between 1530 and 1698, the Old War O ffi ce has witnessed world-shaping events while in fl uential political and military leaders, including Winston Churchill and David Lloyd George, held o ffi ce. It was John

Street, Bond Street and Jermyn Street. The building will also feature nine restaurants and three bars, including three dining experiences led by Mauro Colagreco (the chef behind the French Riviera’s Michelin-starred Mirazur), making his London debut, as well as the fi rst Paper Moon restaurant in London, which will serve traditionally elegant Italian cuisine throughout the day. The destination spa within The OWO will be led by global wellness and beauty brand Guerlain, alongside movement and nutrition experts Pillar. From £7.1m (approx. $8.05m). For more information, please visit theowo.london

The OWO’s stately facade