GETAWAY THE MAY FAIR HOTEL
where else but at the may fair?
When it comes to the London Fashion Week 2009, the choice of venue seems to be a foregone conclusion. Come September, and the May Fair Hotel London will see a flurry of fashionable activity as the fashion world descends on the trendy city 32
RADHIKA RAVI RAJAN FOLLOWING IN the footsteps of its successful innings last year, the May Fair Hotel has once again been named the official hotel of the London Fashion Week, for the second year running. There’s really no hotel more iconic of London and better equipped to look after the who’s who of the international fashion world, including supermodels, fashion scribes and buyers, its rooms reflecting the glitz and glamour of the fashion world. The trendy guests are certain to enjoy the
INSPIRATIONAL DESIGN IS THE ULTIMATE LUXURY
London’s famous May Fair Hotel dates back to the Twenties and is renowned for its royal connections. Following a recent 75 million pounds rejuvenation programme, the May Fair Hotel is positioned once again as the best address in London
August 2009 | www.lifestyleliving.in
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GETAWAY THE MAY FAIR HOTEL
stylish space at The Mayfair to stay as well as to showcase collections, fashion brands and more. In the words of Charles Oak, General Manager, The May Fair Hotel, “We are delighted to be working with the British Fashion Council as the official hotel of the London Fashion Week for the second season running. Our position as the official hotel of the London Fashion Week has changed perception from what people thought we were, to what we really are—a young, fashionable and connected central London hotel.” The May Fair is a luxury, 5-star hotel, set in exclusive Mayfair in the heart of the British capital. As soon as one enters its contemporary lobby, one sees evidence of the creations of some of the world's top design houses. The sofas and chairs are by Fendi, the chandeliers by Baccarat and the paintings have come all the way from St Petersburg. When it comes to the rooms, the property’s ten luxury signature suites offer one of the best fashionable luxury experiences that can be had in a London hotel. One can choose from “classic elegance” to “iconic glamour” to “cool opulence”—words used by the hotel to describe its different signature suites. These include The Penthouse, The Azure, The Opium, The Amber, The Amarillo, The Saffron, The Schiaparelli, The Studio Suites and the Duplex Suites. In the Amarillo, for instance, from the narrow wall bracket that holds the charcoal fireplace to the luxurious mauve-and-velvet sofas with silk cushions placed in front of it, everything spells style, making it the best place to unwind after a hectic catwalk session. If keen to hit the bed straightaway, what awaits is the stuff of dreams. The mauve theme continues, from the feather-soft quilt to the velvet footrest, with a touch of Oriental mystique. The dining table too is laid with mauve chrysanthemums and napkins of the same colour, all of this set off by a painting on a mauve canvas gracing the opposite wall. Bright yellow chairs strike a vivid contrast. For the fashion-conscious, pink Shiaparelli bedrooms are on offer, with a touch of gold shimmer. The rooms are a tribute to Elsa Shiaparelli, the Paris fashion designer of the 1920s, known for her penchant for pink. “The best hotel room in London for those wanting a decadent night away,” writes Simon Davis in the London Evening Standard, describing the Schiaparelli Suite at The May Fair. In the Opium suite, red is the colour, with silk pillows, wall brackets and lampshade all reflecting the warmth of the hue, while Amber and Saffron spell different shades of orange everywhere.
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DESIGNER DRINKS With a drinks menu that is as ambitious as the movers and shakers who drop by this popular hangout, the May Fair Bar is a must-visit venue and a regular on the 'spotted' pages of London’s newspapers. Head mixologists Marios Elias and his 15-strong team introduced another component to the successful drinks portfolio: Flight cocktails. The 'Flights' are the most recent innovation on offer at the chic and vibrant May Fair Hotel. While their famed signature cocktails and classic aperitifs still feature within this hip and happening space, the 'Flights' are the latest word in designer drink options and a delight to savour.
INSPIRATIONAL DESIGN IS THE ULTIMATE LUXURY
Too much colour for some? The Penthouse suite at The Mayfair is blissfully, flawlessly, unapologetically white. The lounge has off-white sofas and off-white dining upholstery, sparingly interspersed with chocolate strokes to punctuate the serenity. The master bedroom has striking oval wall mirrors, faux fur blankets and velvet prop-up pillows, while in the second bedroom of the Penthouse, everything—from the bedsheets to the wrap to the overhanging lampshades—is predominantly white. The 200 square metre Penthouse’s rooms are bordered by a sweeping 100-foot balcony, making it an exercise in light, space and opulent style. It is located on the 9th floor, complete with decked terrace and stunning views. The May Fair's three Duplex Suites weave a sense of space as much as drama. Ermine, pewter and bamboo are each infused with their own unique interpretation of split-level style. The duplex suites offer light and airy sitting rooms with shared, interconnecting loft spaces. The studio suites are generously spacious with an open plan lounge, work area and large bathrooms. Their plush portfolio of offerings also includes the Crystal Room, the Danziger Suite, the Amba Salon, plus a private cinema for special event screenings. Finally, we come to the quintessential spa. It’s very oriental in its décor, with statuettes of Buddhist monks placed in the walls and
August 2009 | www.lifestyleliving.in
ceramic and mosaic lounging chairs for spa guests. The experience at the spa is a class apart, with the May Fair Spa therapists being highly trained and knowledgeable, each gaining a well-deserved reputation for attention to detail and the ability to leave their guests feeling rejuvenated. Lead therapist Liandi Snyman has quickly become one of London's most sought-after therapists, thanks to her passion and expertise in every aspect of well-being massage and treatments. The May Fair Spa London prefers to convert valuable time into valuable results through spa treatments which are carefully planned. So, you can make the most of your sanctuary in the midst of the whirl of central London. Guests are invited to arrive up to one hour before their treatment time to enjoy full access to the wet spa facilities. One can unwind in the Relaxation Room before sampling the deepcleansing of the Herbal Sauna and Aromatic Steam Room, then finish off under the Three Experience shower, including Forest Mist setting, to prepare body and soul for one’s treatment. While much of London Fashion Week is accessible only to professionals in the industry, the May Fair is keen to ensure that every guest can have some access to the LFW experience. The May Fair Bar will spill over with the fashion industry elite and the Mixology team will unveil a combination of old classics, modern interpretations and bespoke drinks, making London’s Fashion Week an unforgettable experience for all.
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