Elite Traveler January-February 2019

elite traveler JAN/FEB 2019 89

CLIVEDENHOUSE BERKSHIRE, ENGLAND, UK

Overlooking 375 acres of National Trust garden and the snaking River Thames, Cliveden House is as quintessentially British as it gets. The grand estate has a scandalous history: It was a love-nest for the Duke of Buckingham and Anna Maria in the 1660s and a party house for the Astors throughout the 1920s and ‘30s. It’s also where Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, stayed the night before her royal wedding, and the interiors are certainly fit for a princess: plush velvet, dangling chandeliers, works of art and original furniture. The spa, totally refurbished in 2017, is home to the famous “Profumo” pool, where John Profumo first laid eyes on Christine Keeler, leading to their illicit affair. Top suite Lady Astor Suite from $2,000 per night When to go The annual Cliveden Literary Festival celebrates great literature, history and politics. The 2019 festival is in September. Contact Kevin Brooke, general manager, kevin.brooke@ clivedenhouse.co.uk, +44 162 860 7101, clivedenhouse.co.uk

MANDARINORIENTAL BARCELONA BARCELONA, SPAIN

Set on the famed Passeig de Gràcia, and within walking distance of the enchanting Gothic Quarter and vibrant Las Ramblas, Mandarin Oriental Barcelona is the perfect respite after a day’s exploration in the city. Housed in a former bank, the Patricia Urquiola-designed decor is uber cool: monochrome with fresh pops of color and green foliage. Be sure to visit the Michelin- starred Moments restaurant and indulge in the tasting menu. Have a nightcap in the Banker’s Bar — the ceiling is made from original security boxes. Order the green lady or the banker’s martini. Top suite The Penthouse Suite from $10,200 per night Seeing stars Chef Carme Ruscalleda has won seven Michelin stars across her restaurants in Spain and Tokyo, so dining at Moments is a must. The restaurant is managed by Ruscalleda and her son, Raul Balam — book the chef’s table to watch them work their magic and create exceptional Catalan cuisine. Contact Jorge Monje, general manager, mobcn-reservations@mohg.com, +34 931 518 888, mandarinoriental.com

THE RITZ LONDON LONDON, UK

Housed in a Grade II-listed building dating back to 1906, The Ritz has a sterling reputation for elegance, and it certainly lives up to the hype. With Louis XVI-style design and antiques, it’s no surprise that many famous faces have visited, and indeed, many famous events have taken place here, from Tallulah Bankhead sipping champagne from her slipper during a press conference to WWII meetings between Winston Churchill, Charles de Gaulle and President Eisenhower. The decor is classically British with ornate chandeliers, antiques and plush fabrics. It’s also the only hotel in the world to receive a Royal Warrant by HRH The Prince of Wales. Top suite Green Park Suite from $5,310 per night Cooking up a storm If the famous afternoon tea or Michelin-starred dining has inspired your inner chef, pick up a copy of The Ritz London: The Cookbook . Contact Sal Gowili, general manager, reservations@ theritzlondon.com, +44 207 300 2222, theritzlondon.com

CORINTHIAHOTEL LONDON LONDON, UK

THE LANESBOROUGH LONDON, UK

Simply elegant from the outside, grand and gorgeous on the inside, Corinthia Hotel London is iconic. Enjoy on-site restaurants The Northall and Kerridge’s, afternoon tea at the Crystal Moon Lounge (check out the enormous Baccarat chandelier floating from the domed ceiling). There is also a lively Bassoon Bar, floral boutique and Daniel Galvin hair salon. The ESPA Life spa is sensational, easily the best spa in London. It’s four underground floors of sleek sumptuousness with 17 treatment rooms, a private spa suite, steam room, vitality pool, ice fountain, amphitheater sauna and the famous sleep pods next to glass-encased, dancing fires. Top suite Royal Penthouse from $28,000 per night Relax Book exclusive use of the private spa suite and curate your own blissful experience. Contact Trevor Owen, director of sales, trevor.owen@corinthia.com, +44 207 9308 181, corinthia.com

Housed in a Regency-style mansion, The Lanesborough overlooks Hyde Park and is perfectly located if you’re in town for a shopping spree — Harrods, Harvey Nichols and Sloane Street are just around the corner. The decadent Baroque-style interiors by Alberto Pinto are complemented by the lavish floral arrangements created by the in-house florist. Be sure to visit the new Club & Spa with an enormous, well-equipped gym, and don’t leave without having an ila gold silk facial. If you’re visiting with the family, children are treated to special gifts upon arrival, and suites can cater to four-legged family members, too. Top suite The Royal Suite from $15,900 per night Don’t miss Dinner at Michelin-starred Céleste — opt for the five-course tasting menu (we love the sautéed squid with black ink porridge) paired with excellent wines. Contact Hugh Murphy, general manager, reservations@lanesborough.com, +44 207 259 5599, oetkercollection.com