Prolonging my stay at The Dorchester for as long as possible, I enjoyed a divine facial at The Spa.
After a deep and much-needed steam, I languidly made my way towards the Navy, ivory Art Deco relaxation room, admiring the centrepiece chandelier in the entrance, adorned with 72,000 white South Pacific Pearls.
My La Prairie Caviar Facial was exceptional. Relaxing under the expert hands of therapist Tatiana, I experienced the healing properties of caviar extract (anti-ageing) as well as alpha hydroxyl acids to gently remove blemishes. In addition to feeling the most relaxed in months, my face was noticeably plumper, glowing and I looked visibly younger.
The range of treatments here is amazing: from facials and eyelifts to back rituals and exfoliation. The Spa has a selection of world-class treatments from Aromatherapy Associates, La Prairie, Valmont and Carol Joy London. A suite for manicures and pedicures is also available, as is Carol Joy Hairdressing. There are also specific therapies available for men here, as well as a gentleman’s barbershop.
I rested on the blue velvet day beds in the relaxation room (so exhausting all this pampering) before indulging in yet more champagne and cake in the Spatisserie – the Spa’s own restaurant.
Later, after an invigorating walk around a chilly Hyde Park, I unexpectedly found Parcafé, The Dorchester’s very own Park Lane café. Head here for superb Alchemy coffee including what may be the best espresso in London, alongside Harney & Sons teas and fresh juices. If you’re peckish, there’s a range of fine sandwiches, salads and fruits, or indulge in a selection of house-made cookies, cupcakes, pastries and fudge.
Essence of Belgravia Experience
The Dorchester celebrates its newly renovated Belgravia Suites with a fabulous two-hour Essence of Belgravia Experience, in partnership with leading British candle chandler and home fragrance expert, Rachel Vosper.
I had the chance to make my own candle at her Knightsbridge boutique. After an olfactory perusal of the fragrance library – I chose rose – we learned about the different ‘notes’ and the essence of candle-making.
We were then shown how to expertly pour the wax into the glass container, without creating bubbles. It’s an exciting way to create bespoke Christmas and birthday gifts for your loved ones. All beautifully gift-wrapped. And a fun experience to share with friends – the ideal gift in fact.
Final thoughts…
My stay at The Dorchester was everything I’d imagined and more: courteous and charming service, superb cuisine, grand public spaces and my beautiful Belgravia Suite felt like a luxurious cocoon from the demands of London life. This luxury London hotel is the perfect gift for yourself and your loved ones, whatever the season.
The Dorchester – Where and How
53 Park Lane
Mayfair
London W1K 1QA
Reservations: +44 (0) 20 7317 6530
Fax: +44 (0) 20 7629 8080
Visit the Dorchester website here
Dorchester Collection (www.dorchestercollection.com) is a portfolio of the world’s foremost luxury hotels in Europe and the USA. The current portfolio includes: The Dorchester, London; The Beverly Hills Hotel, Beverly Hills; Le Meurice, Paris; Hôtel Plaza Athénée, Paris; Hotel Principe di Savoia, Milan; Hotel Bel-Air, Los Angeles; Coworth Park, Ascot, UK; 45 Park Lane, London; and Hotel Eden, Rome.