THE LONDONER – THE NEW WEST-END GIRL

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WORDS JACQUIE MYBURGH CHEMALY yourluxury.africa thelondoner.com

YOU KNOW THERE’S SOMETHING SPECIAL ABOUT A HOTEl when you get told to take the Golden Staircase to the breakfast lounge, when you have a heated Japanese loo seat with a view of Big Ben in your bedroom and the serene underground swimming pool completely erases the hustle and bustle of the British capital’s busiest square.

Dubbed a ‘super boutique’ hotel, The Londoner is the flagship five-star property for Edwardian Hotels London, founded by British billionaire Jasminder Singh. Legend has it that Mr Singh spends many a day sitting in the lounge around The Londoner, soaking in the hotel experience and observing how guests interact with this luxurious space.

One of the newest additions to the London hotel scene, The Londoner opens onto Leicester Square, right in the middle of London’s busy theatre district. It’s hard to miss with more than 15 000 handcrafted blue tiles cladding the exterior of the building.

But step inside the luxury oasis and you’ll find that the understated elegance of the extraordinary 16-story space makes it an absolute sanctuary. Spacious rooms are complemented with bathrooms, which truly have to be seen to be believed. Dark teal floor-to-ceiling tiles, combined with dramatic brushed-black chrome Axor fittings, make for a warm and moody bathroom experience that every other hotelier should endevour to emulate.

Some call The Londoner the ‘iceberg hotel’ as six of the hotel floors are actually undergound. There are two private cinemas (this is theatre land, remember? And the Odeon is right next door), a ballroom, spa, gym and many private meeting places. There are six concept bars and restaurants, but the flagship is undoubtedly Whitcomb’s with its refined but light French-inspired menu. One of the highlights is a rather remarkable potato bake, so be sure to order it when you’re there.

After dinner, head up to 8 at The Londoner – a rooftop bar that was closed when we visited in winter but is sure to be delicious this summer.

TODAY’S DEADLINE-DRIVEN global traveller expects only the best when they’re able to take time out of their hectic schedule to rest, relax and disconnect. Babohi Lodge, the second of three lodges nestled in Qwabi Private Game Reserve in the heart of the Waterberg, ticks all the boxes of your dream safari.