DESTINATION
Luxurious London, as experienced at the Maybourne Hotel Group’s three lavish properties
到臨倫敦細嚐Maybourne Hotel Group三大豪華物業
集團倫敦三大上乘物業，教你大開眼界、心跳加快
Arriving at a destination in the dead of night has become something of a tradition for me, and a scene undoubtedly familiar to any seasoned traveller. A wave of exhaustion hits, and all bearings vanish as I slither through a city still sleeping, unsure of what awaits me. I have no such uncertainties this time, as the car pulls into a sleek entrance; a glowing beacon. I am transported through revolving doors into the comforting bosom of The Berkeley. FASHION FORWARD
Boasting a highly coveted location, nestled in Knightsbridge and mere steps away from Sloane Street, Hyde Park and Harrods, The Berkeley is a journey into contemporary, fashion-forward London that exudes the elegance and splendor of this metropolis in a decidedly modern manner. There is a relaxed approach to formality from the moment you set foot in the property; a hip, fresh feel with a classic attention to detail, that remains ever-inviting.
A collaborative design concept was employed at The Berkeley in order to infuse it with a unique, albeit cohesive aesthetic. A design team headed by Robert Angell and London-based architects Roger Stirk Harbour & Partners was entrusted with an expanded entrance and two extensions.
Helen Green Studio designed the bulk of the Berkeley Suites, which feature a style both modern yet sumptuous, while the Terrace Junior Suites are divided into Robert Angell designs with their cool tones, and designer John Heah’s take, with flowing spaces, hardwood floors and clean lines. I am lucky enough to bunk down in the latter, which overlooks St Paul’s Cathedral.
A range of signature suites is also available, each unique in its own way. The Opus Suite, for example, offers 270-degree views of Hyde Park and Knightsbridge and was designed by Andre Fu, featuring a mix of spaces to comprise a suite balancing architectural lines with refined details. The Gallery Suite by John Heah is perfect for art lovers, boasting the atmosphere of a contemporary city loft, with floods of light pouring in through French windows, and wall art rotating every quarter.
One cannot ignore the culinary delights this hotel is known for. Home to the celebrated Marcus restaurant, it also plays to its fashion-forward surroundings and clientele with its imaginative Prêt-À-Portea, indulging guests in a sumptuous afternoon tea that is inspired by the colors and textures seen on the catwalks, that changes every six months to match the seasons.
來到目的地，天色已暗，這可說是我的旅行慣例。如此風景想必不會讓任何老練旅遊家感陌生。倦意瞬間洶湧而至，走在依然沉睡的城市裡，方向感恍然消散、前路不明。今次我倒沒半點猶豫，座駕來到設計俐落鮮明的大門，黑夜裡頃刻燈火通明。走過旋轉門，我徐徐投進The Berkeley的舒適懷抱。
走在潮流
隱身Knightsbridge、跟史隆尼街、海德公園和Harrods只隔數步之距的The Berkeley，帶你走進當代、時裝走在前線的倫敦，油然展現這國際大都會的魅力與優雅氣質。抵達物業，你自會感受到放鬆宜人的氣息；時髦現代的格調再加上對經典細節的追求，營造恆久不退的賓至如歸之感。
The Berkeley的設計導向就是混入與眾不同的統一美學。Robert Angell和倫敦建築公司Roger Stirk Harbour & Partners牽首的設計團隊便接手負責拓展大門和兩個延建空間。
Helen Green Studio設計出Berkeley套房，帶現代奢華風格，而Terrace Junior套房則分別為Robert Angell的設計和John Heah的演繹，帶流動空間、實木地板和簡潔線條。幸運地，我得以入住飽覽St Paul’s Cathedral的後者。
一系列特色套房也各俱美態。以Andre Fu設計的Opus套房為例，便坐擁270度海德公園和Knightsbridge美景，在建築線條和精密細節之間拿捏完美平衡。John Heah的Gallery套房則為藝術愛好者首選，展現當代城市頂樓的氣氛，也從法式大窗湧入無盡天然光，還有每個季度都作更換改動的牆壁藝術。
你也不容忽視酒店出名的美食，除了Marcus餐廳外，還有擁有前衛時裝風格環境和客戶的Prêt-À-Portea，讓食客沉醉於色彩亮麗、質感處處的時裝天橋風下午茶甜食，餐牌每半年作調整，迎合不同季節。
PAST MEETS PRESENT
Built in 1897 and considered one of London’s more iconic and luxurious properties, The Connaught takes up residence in the epicentre of Mayfair, featuring an inimitable blend of British tradition and modernity.
Upon entering the establishment, I’m immediately hit with a profound sense of heritage, but upon turning any given corner at The Connaught I’m surprised by an entirely different aesthetic. Walking further into the hotel, past the lobby, I discover a decidedly contemporary extension and even a Japanese Zen garden.
Despite this, and whichever wing you happen to find yourself in, there is still an underlying British feel to every element, with a multitude of room options and distinctive suites also on offer. The 119 rooms include 30 in the new wing that feature a more Asian aesthetic, while the rest, designed by Guy Oliver, remain traditional but light.
For a contemporary twist, the Apartment is outstanding. Perched high above Carlos Place, it boasts sprawling views of the surrounding area and is a welcome escape with its muted hues, while it keeps its guests entertained with its eclectic collection of art and literature. Less like a hotel room and more like a private home, The Apartment is as perfect enjoyed alone, soaking up the interiors, as it is entertaining others.
The Aman Spa is the first of its kind offered outside an Aman hotel. Offering relaxing treatments, there is also a daily mindful meditation class on offer, as well as a steaming 645sqft swimming pool. Should your mind begin to wander to your stomach, there is the Connaught Bar, that feels like a set from The Great Gatsby, and serves up award-winning cocktails to whet your appetite. Hélène Darroze at The Connaught is also on hand to whip up some two-Michelin-star delights centered on a bespoke menu featuring 12 marble balls labelled with different items for guests to clue in the kitchen to their preferences. 古今合一
建於1897年、被視為倫敦其中一個最具標誌性和豪華的物業，The Connaught在Mayfair重心佔據了核心地位，誘發無可置疑的英倫傳統與現代風尚。
走進其中，即時感到濃烈的歷史氣息，每轉一小角落，總能在The Connaught找到教人驚訝的獨特美學。再往內進發、經過大堂，我發現了極致當代的延建範圍，甚至巧遇日式禪調花園。
除此之外，不管走進哪邊翼，也感受到絲絲英倫氣息，再加上各式精彩套房和客房任君選擇。119間房間中有30間建於新翼，帶有更具亞洲風尚的美學設計，其餘全由Guy Oliver打造，傳統但仍光明輕盈。
以當代玩味為主的Apartment屹立Carlos Place之巔，飽覽四圍景色，並以啞色澤為主調，營造宜人窩心的避世天堂，同時帶來不拘一格的藝術和文學系列，供客人欣賞參觀。與其稱之為酒店，Apartment更像私人家居，讓你在精緻室內裝潢內靜享獨處時刻，款待客人亦可。
首間位於Aman酒店範圍以外的Aman Spa提供多種舒緩身心的療程選擇，以及每天舉行的冥想班，亦建645平方呎的游泳池。調整身心過後，也不忘滿足口腹之慾，到來置身有如大亨小傳場景中的Connaught Bar品嚐得獎雞尾酒。The Connaugh的Hélène Darroze更在場為你調製出以特製餐單為本的米芝蓮兩星級美食，12個大理石球標上各式美食，讓廚房部職員根據個別喜好烹調美食。
SUPREME TRADITION
Last but certainly not least, there is no other institution that so deeply exemplifies the spirit of British style, eternal charm and impeccable service than Claridge’s. Open since 1854, this hotel has hosted countless actors, royals and heads of state. I dine next to Sir Michael Caine, and am told Julia Roberts and Tom Hanks bunked down here one night prior. David Cameron walks past the revolving doors one morning. This place is the real deal.
Art deco is the name of the game when it comes to interiors, which are a journey back to the 1920s where many of the original features from over a century ago remain, further enhanced by accents by way of art
精緻傳統
最後不得不提的就是Claridge’s，真真正正集英倫風格、永恆魅力與卓越服務於一身。酒店於1854年開業，款待過多位著名影視紅人、皇室人員和外國元首。舉例說，我才坐在米高堅爵士身旁，得知茱莉亞羅拔絲和湯漢斯早一晚才到此一遊。對了，我有跟你說卡梅倫某天早上在旋轉門走過嗎？
來到室內裝潢一環，定要提及裝飾藝術：這場旅程自1920年代展開，大量一世紀多以前的原裝特色均獲保留，更透過新藝術、立體派和未來主義加強效果。一如姊妹物業，客人可享帶
nouveau, cubism and futurism. Again, like its sister properties, guests are spoilt for choice when it comes to accommodations that boast different design influences. For an elegant, refined experience, the Prince Alexander and Royal suites are fit for for a king. The latter fuses together the splendour of the Victorian Age with 19th century French architectural prints and bold colors. The Brook Penthouse, on the other hand, pays tribute to the 30s with gentle lilac and cream hues, paired with light oak floors.
Downstairs, the Fumoir Bar is the ideal spot to soak up a bit of history, while dinner at Fera is an eye-opening journey, featuring the finest of organic ingredients. Head chef Simon Rogan’s menu is sensitive to these ingredients, revealing new and unanticipated dimensions, and, well, if it’s good enough for Sir Michael… //不同設計的住宿選擇。愛優雅體驗的你，Prince Alexander和Royal套房帶來帝王式享受。後者注入維多利亞時期和19世紀法國建築圖紋及奪目色彩。Brook Penthouse則借著淡紫色和忌廉色調營造1930年代魅力，再配淺橡木色地板。
下層Fumoir Bar是感受文化歷史的好地方，在Fera享用晚餐也是大開眼界的經驗，為你送上以優質有機材料製成的美食。總廚Simon Rogan的餐單對食材極具敏感觸覺，炮製嶄新、驚喜的美食國度，大概能滿足米高堅爵士的要求吧……//