Elite Traveler November-December 2016

DISCOVER

Travel

TOTALLY UNIQUE

One of London’s leading hotels has just upped its already stellar game. A stone’s throw from Harrods and Harvey Nichols, The Berkeley has unveiled elegant new designs by Robert Angell. Clean lines, marble flooring and veneered eucalyptus wood paneling with polished nickel inlays set a tone of cool opulence in the lobby. While the place to be seen, bijou cocktail salon the Blue Bar, has reopened after a sympathetic six-month refurbishment by Angell (the man behind the update of the American Bar at The Savoy) and his team. Bespoke furniture, upholstered in sumptuous fabrics by Irish textiles designer Jude Cassidy, and bold blue and red rugs introduce a welcome touch of modernity to the space. If cake, not cocktails, is in order, head to the Collins Room (pictured right). Chic lavender and blue tones, and custom-designed de Gournay wallpaper with a whimsical cherry blossom motif, are the perfect foil for the exquisite patisserie, artfully displayed on a striking marble counter. It’s here that guests can enjoy Prêt-à-Portea, the award-winning afternoon tea inspired by the fashion world. Other gastronomic highlights at The Berkeley include Marcus Wareing’s eponymous two-Michelin-starred restaurant and Pierre Koffmann’s informal brasserie, which specializes in seafood. But at this time of year, a visit to the hotel’s intimate rooftop winter cinema is a must. Overlooking Hyde Park, the temporarily transformed health club and spa screens seasonal classics such as Miracle on 34th Street or Santa Claus: The Movie accompanied by blankets, hot chocolate and mince pies. To book, contact Natalie Hawkins, health club and spamanager, healthspa@the-berkeley.co.uk, +44 20 7201 1699, the-berkeley.co.uk