I’VE OFFICIALLY FALLEN FOR THE CADOGAN

Hello. So, do you have plans this summer? Are you going away? Cornwall? No? Right, well … Portugal then? No. Ok – maybe Scotland? Or Ibiza? Yes possibly. I’ve had this a lot on the school run recently. That pre-summer conversation where everyone (at times smugly) shares what they have planned … Mykonos, the Amalfi coast, Antigua … and so the list goes on. Do I stay or should I go? It’s the million-dollar question. It’s green yippee, hang on a minute its amber! When should I book? What can I book? And is it true that Cornwall is really sold out?

We all got so used to holidays abroad and with the constant changes in travel guidelines, we don’t quite know where to put ourselves; especially when that longed-for British summer, (aside from that glorious mini-heatwave) – may prove to be elusive. What’s trending today? Green list additions. Malta. Antigua. I know there are a few of you who will think the game-changer is Ibiza. I can see that. For others Salcombe is hugely popular. But here’s the thing. While a flight to Turkey or Tunisia might be temporarily out of the question, and our coastal resorts are chock-a-block, a timely trip to London for an indulgent escape this summer is surely worth considering?

London is my favourite place in the UK. With its historic blue plaques, Buckingham Palace and yes those “Boris” bikes what’s not to love? I’m here to tell you that a weekend or week’s stay in London might just be what you are looking for, and The Cadogan, A Belmond Hotel could well hit the spot.

It’s a beautiful, charming Edwardian hotel on a quiet corner between Knightsbridge and the King’s Road, once a favourite haunt of Oscar Wilde and Lille Langtry. Everything about it is impeccable, luxurious and charming. There are classics and quirks. A doorman in a bowler hat; the receptionist in a smoking jacket and bowtie and vintage suitcases jauntily reside in the marbled lobby. There’s a library of bronze books which wrap round the lift. A Swarovski crystal peacock sculpture – aptly named “Oscar” has his own plinth, bundles of hardback books from John Sandoe Books decorate hallways and modern artwork by British artists is displayed on the walls.

The whole feel of the place is heritage married with new. Not trendy and try-hardy, but instead invitingly luscious without being pretentious. The decoration is beautifully done with mosaic marble floors, purple leather seating and wood-panelled walls. An elegant setting for afternoon tea morphs into a sultry, sexy bar at night offering a wide selection of whiskey bottles and champagne. The 54 rooms are gorgeous – views over Cadogan Place Gardens, fireplaces, dining areas and outstanding bathrooms crammed with Bamford amenities and freestanding baths with a specially designed holder for a book and champagne glass. There is even an actual sleep concierge. Download a sleep-inducing recording by hypnotherapist Malminder Gill, choose a luxurious pillow and add a weighted blanket. A pillow-scented mist please. And relax.

I love this hotel because it’s small and intimate, but big enough so you can feel alone with your friends or family. You can retreat to Cadogan Place Gardens, sit in a deck chair and read oodles of books, or play tennis. Back at the hotel enjoy soothing treatments at the Spa. And the food is amazing. The chef is Adam Handling. Expect British classics with a focus on seasonal, sustainable produce.

Book with me as I’m a member of the exclusive Bellini Belmond Club which means I can secure the best rates and add some opulent extras. Get the Our Chelsea, Your Way package which includes your luxury accommodation with a quintessentially British welcome amenity and English breakfast for two people per room per night. Also an al fresco picnic, guaranteed room upgrade and a late check-out of 3pm (subject to availability). A lovely perk is you can choose an exclusive local experience; from taking a luxury boat trip on the Thames to a chocolate masterclass with Rococo Chocolate.

This hotel is legendary and it’s perfectly positioned. Spend half an hour in a museum, dawdle in a bookshop or go shopping. After that you can revel in the joy of a pavement café. Order your latte, grab some sushi or head back to the hotel for tea. Make best friends with Mr Machida the Head Concierge, and he can organise you private visits and excursions – how about Chelsea Physic Gardens? The options are endless. Oh and my top tip. Ask for a private shopping experience. Mr Machida has the list of luxury boutiques including Luisa Kelsey.

If you want town, culture and just a tiny bit of indulgence book The Cadogan, A Belmond Hotel. A summer without frantic last-minute stress? A place where you can escape, not awash with tourists and unpredictable traffic light challenges.

This is London living perfected.

Clare xx