The sun is here – as strong as ever – and summer in London is ushering us back to our favourite al fresco spots in the city.
A breezy terrace table and fresh Tomatini aside, we’re celebrating a little bit of everything this week, from a really good massage to the enduring relationship between Harrods and Dior. Plus, Dolce&Gabbana have announced another of their summer pop-ups, joining the already illustrious list of fashion brands taking over our favourite beach clubs and luxury hotels this summer.
SPA HERE Surrenne
Where do you find calm in a city as busy as London? The answer: Knightsbridge, but more specifically, across the four floors of Surrenne. This is a luxury spa and health club like no other – and we really do mean it when we say it. Designed by Parisian Rémi Tessier, each floor brings a modern, sleek, elegance that beautifully makes way for the serenity you’ll find with the treatments themselves. Yes it’s membership only, but in this exclusive membership, you are covered across psychology, fitness, emotional wellbeing, and the very latest, cutting-edge spa treatments – it’s really all considered here. The programmes are each created and enriched by the spa’s scientific advisory board for optimal results, whether you opt for the lymphatic flow or signature four-hand massages and Oxygeneo facials. Finish your treatment or workout poolside, opt for one of the cabanas for a moment of privacy, or at the Surrenne Café where nutritionist Rose Ferguson has crafted a fulfilling menu. It’s also the only place you’ll find an entire floor exclusive to fitness pioneer Tracy Anderson, and her transformative, body-sculpting workout. It’s places like these, that remind you of the true value and lasting-impact of finding a few hours of peace. Invest in your wellbeing, this place may calm you down, but ultimately it will blow your mind.
EAT HERE La Petite Maison Terrace
Nabbing a spot on a London terrace is not easy when the sun is out. And this is perhaps one of my favourite spots. La Petite Maison (LPM), Mayfair should be on your radar – the chic French Riviera-inspired hideaway is renowned for bringing the essence of the Cote d’Azur to your dining experience. Their open breezy terrace is the perfect spot to while away a summer’s eve with a fresh Tomatini in hand, whilst enjoying their Warm Prawns in olive oil, or Salt Baked Seabass with Artichoke and Tomato, as well as the iconic Vanilla Cheesecake or classic Crème Brûlée for dessert (if you know, you know). This cosy haunt is (like it is mine) likely to become your regular.
BOOK FOR THIS Cliveden Literary Festival
Cliveden Literary Festival reveals this year’s programme across a weekend of literary magnificence. Taking place at the historic Cliveden House in Berkshire, this year’s festival features the leading writers and thinkers of today across culture, politics and history. A highlight – Salman Rushdie will be speaking to Ian McEwan about his storied and courageous literary career; ex-MI6 chief Alex Younger and Niall Ferguson investigate global threats to the West; Emily Maitlis and Michael Gove examine the future of British government; eminent historians William Dalrymple and Simon Sebag Montefiore discuss the Mughal and Romanov dynasties; Tom Holland and Simon Sebag Montefiore discuss Jerusalem and the nature of holiness in history and today’s supposedly secular world; and Merve Emre and Elif Shafak interrogate the future of fiction. Renowned as a forum for lively discussion, thought-provoking ideas, and political debate, Cliveden Literary Festival is set in the most beautiful of settings, with something for everyone.
VISIT HERE Dolce&Gabbana X Hotel Cala di Volpe, Costa Smeralda
An expansive resort of chic suites, an incredible array of fine-dining – including by Chef Nobyuki Matsuhisa – located along the serene Sardinian coastline of Costa Smeralda, it’s no wonder that Italian heritage brand Dolce&Gabbana chose Hotel Cala di Volpe for one of its pop-up locations this summer. The Luxury Collection Hotel offers all the best qualities of Sardinian glamour, and also boasts one of the largest saltwater pools in Europe. Here, the DG Resort throws the hotel’s expansive pool area into vibrant streams of colour and patterns, spotlighting Dolce&Gabbana’s famous Carretto Siciliano (The Sicilian Cart) fantasy print. The print honours both Italy and Dolce&Gabbana’s rich artisanal heritage, and comes to life here on soft beach towels, hand-painted vases peppered between sun-loungers, and bright, upholstered cushions and throws. Order one of the hotel’s signature Bellinis and enjoy. Ella Mansell.
SHOP HERE Dior Pop-Up At Harrods
A stop by Harrods is always a good idea. Especially this August while the Dior pop-up is on. On display is Dior’s autumn/ winter 2024-2025 collection by Maria Grazia Chiuri which honours the transitional period of the 1960s to early 1970s – including the birth of Miss Dior in 1967 – featuring statement ‘Miss Dior’ prints and 60s silhouettes, for shoppers to browse ahead of the colder weather. The pop-up itself celebrates the wider seventy-year relationship between Dior and Harrods, as Harrods’ legacy in luxury fashion and lifestyle sparked Christian Dior’s enduring love affair with England in 1953. To accompany the collection, Harrods is embodying the vibrant energy of the 60s with shades of pink, purple, and lime, including ‘Miss Dior’ prints, and sculptures to display the garments. Ella Mansell.
Lead image credit: Hotel Cala di Volpe
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