With the introduction of a traffic light-based system to allow for the return of international travel from May, there will be huge pent-up demand. Knightsbridge Circle can help you circumvent this. In this feature, we’ll be taking a look at some of the amazing experiences they have to offer.
Knightsbridge Circle is an exclusive travel and lifestyle management company that boasts the highest staff to member ratio in the world. They are able to deliver unprecedented access to new openings, arranges extraordinary experiences and offers proactive support for their clients. No request is considered too big or small – whether that be arranging at-home PCR testing, private jet travel, or simply taking charge of the increasingly time-consuming departures and arrivals paperwork.
A strict ‘by invitation only’ criteria, which is capped at 50 members in each region, enables Knightsbridge Circle to offer 24/7 access to a Personal Manager who can open seemingly closed doors – whether that be accessing The Garden at Annabel’s in Mayfair on a Friday evening, securing a table at the new Alain Ducasse restaurant at Airelles Chateau de Versailles or booking a suite on the opening night of Aman New York.
Founder Stuart McNeill said: “By offering our members a ‘Book With Confidence’ policy, we are able to provide a full refund guarantee if plans fall through due to Covid-19 restrictions, meaning they can look forward to travelling with great optimism. Rather than missing the boat, our members will already be ahead of the inevitable pent-up demand to book into the most exclusive new openings of the year. It is exciting to see our favourite places returning and long-awaited new hotel openings finally coming to fruition.”
What’s more, included within the £25,000 annual fee, members enjoy priority room upgrades and exclusive savings, as well as the small touches that make a stay memorable – from embroidering a couple’s initials on a pillowcase, framing family photographs in the room or simply being there to welcome members at check-in.
Following months of lockdown, Knightsbridge Circle reveals some of the most highly anticipated openings this summer.
Stateside Escapes
The United States’ vaccination programme is well underway, with one in five Americans now fully vaccinated, meaning the resumption of transatlantic travel is looking promising. For Knightsbridge Circle members, Napa Valley will be at the top of the list, where the new Four Seasons Resort and Residences Napa Valley is scheduled to open mid-year in Calistoga.
Napa Valley is home to some of the best restaurants in the world, such as French Laundry, where Knightsbridge Circle’s members can skip the long waiting list to reserve a table.
For those craving the rush of New York, Knightsbridge Circle can arrange anything from having an NYPD escort take members into the heart of the action in Times Square for the iconic ball drop on New Year’s Eve to reserving a room overlooking Central Park during opening week at the brand new Aman New York, launching in 2021 on Fifth Avenue.
Spanish Seclusion
Spain’s government has already announced that it plans to welcome tourists who have proof of a negative Covid test, vaccination or antibodies. With at-home test-to-release services available to Knightsbridge Circle members around the clock, many of the country’s new openings on the mainland and the surrounding Balearic Islands are likely to be more accessible.
The iconic Mandarin Oriental Ritz, Madrid, has just reopened following the most extensive restoration in its 110-year history. While in the city, Knightsbridge Circle can take members to visit Real Madrid football club for behind-the-scenes access to training sessions, before attending a game with premium Category One seats.
For those looking for peace and seclusion, Knightsbridge Circle recommends Six Senses Ibiza, which is on the northern tip of the island and reopening its doors from 1st July 2021. Although Ibiza’s super clubs may be closed for a second summer, Knightsbridge Circle can bring the clubbing experience to their members – flying in world-class DJs.
Italian Innovation
Set high above the beautiful blue waters of the Ionian Sea and in the magnetic presence of Mount Etna, San Domenico Palace, Taormina, a Four Seasons Hotel, is set to open mid-2021. While in Sicily, Knightsbridge Circle can arrange for members to have a private tour of the real-life locations of The Godfather trilogy, where an expert guide will tell members about the characters and story plots behind each location.
For a city break, Knightsbridge Circle is also looking forward to the launch of The Rome EDITION, opening in late 2021. A trip to Rome would be incomplete without visiting The Vatican. Knightsbridge Circle ensures members have the ultimate experience, offering a private audience with the pope the rare privilege of experiencing a speech and blessing, as well as an exclusive tour of the city-state.
French Finds
Following an ambitious renovation programme, Biarritz’s Hôtel du Palais will reopen its doors in May 2021. Here guests can head to the Napoleon III Bar, dine in La Rotonde, bask in the sun on the oceanfront terrace or relax at the Imperial Spa and Club. From one palace to another, Knightsbridge Circle will be taking members to Airelles Chateau de Versailles (main image) – one of the most coveted hotel openings of the year.
Here guests can experience 14 rooms restored to their 18th-century splendour, an Alain Ducasse restaurant serving reimagined royal cuisine, and a Valmont spa and pool. Best of all, when Versailles Palace’s day tourists have left, hotel guests can enjoy private tours and exclusive access to the Hall of Mirrors. Just a short drive away from the city, Cheval Blanc Paris is opening in spring 2021.
Its arrival has been years in the making, and Knightsbridge Circle has already booked in a member to enjoy a sneak peek of this highly anticipated opening.
British breaks
As the UK begins to reopen its hotels this spring, there are many new offerings to explore, from NoMad to the Kerridge’s Garden Grill pop-up at The Corinthia. Set in the former Bow Street Magistrates Court in Covent Garden, NoMad London is accepting bookings from 25th May 2021.
Knightsbridge Circle members will be able to secure tables in the sweeping glass atrium of the Nomad Restaurant & Bar on opening night. Despite many of London’s dining options being fully booked, Knightsbridge Circle can reserve outdoor tables at established favourites, including The Garden at Annabel’s, Scott’s, The River Café and Harry’s Bar.
Heading out of London, Knightsbridge Circle members will be among the first to experience the reopening of Hampshire’s Heckfield Place, Ascot’s Coworth Park and The Balmoral in Edinburgh when restrictions are lifted.
How to join Knightsbridge Circle
Knightsbridge Circle was founded in 2012. The exclusive travel and lifestyle services they offer are only available to its members. If you would like to read more about the company, benefits of membership and wish to apply, please visit their website www.knightsbridgecircle.com.