words by Mathilde Wergeland
Step into this urban oasis and sanctuary in the middle of Leicester Square, and you will find a gorgeous lobby and welcoming staff before dropping your bags in one of their stunning and charming rooms. Each room at The Londoner is individually designed in a beige colour palette with modern details and beautiful wooden walls. Enjoy the cloud-like and fluffy bed, gorgeous views from the floor-to-ceiling windows, as well as the luxurious bathroom with an ultra modern toilet and a Dyson hairdryer.
Start your day with an amazing breakfast buffet at the Whitecomb’s, and relish fresh juices, coconut water, chia pudding, and a delicious avocado toast with salmon. The restaurant’s French Mediterranean cuisine also offers vegan dishes, a set menu, as well as à la carte. A must-order is the burrata with orange and Manuka honey, and the gnocchi with basil and San Marzano tomatoes is a delicious choice as well. For an excellent Japanese dinner, take the elevator up to the sophisticated rooftop Izakaya, 8th at The Londoner, and order the Black Cod with shish salsa, or the chargrilled cabbage. The Stage champagne bar downstairs is another great option for people-watching and evenings with live music as well, or why not go for their Champagne Breakfast where you mix dishes from an à la carte menu with their recommendation of champagne.
However, the hotel’s biggest highlight is their jaw-dropping spa, The Retreat, where you find an elegant swimming pool surrounded by cozy lounge beds and secluded cabanas. The stunning and serene interior makes your heart-rate slow down right away, and you will immediately start to plan your next visit (luckily enough, it’s possible to enquire for a membership with a access to both the spa and the gym). Spend a day (or three) here and relax in the hydropool, sauna, and steam room after a sweaty session at the incredible gym, which is one of the best hotel gyms in town. You find high-quality Technologym equipment, personal training, and areas for both strength training and a studio designed to accommodate small group classes.
Luxury hair care and mani-pedis are also available for both men and women at Joe Vipond Gentlemen’s Grooming and Hiro Miyoshi Hair & Beauty, which can be found in the spa area as well. For holistic remedies and spa treatments, check out their extensive spa menu, which includes everything from rejuvenating facials and massages, to body scrubs and seaweed foot baths. IV hydration treatments are also available for all guests as an in-room service, and The Londoner has partnered with Drip hydration, offering IV infusions targeting jet lag, hangovers, low immunity, and more.
A must is also to check out The Londoner Refuel Clinic at The Retreat, which is their healthy superfood and drinks café in the spa area, where both nutrient-rich and delicious meals grace the menu. Each drink or food they serve has been carefully selected and crafted to enhance or aid our functions of the body and mind. Various creative and unique combinations are found throughout the menu, and some favourites are the Invigorate vitality shot, which is packed with superfoods like raw cacao powder, Manuka honey, ginseng, orange, and coenzyme Q10. The Core Strength green smoothie is another great choice, the tisanes are lovely too (we love the Matcha & Chlorophyll and the Ashwagandha, Cassia & Vanilla), as well as the Mega Omega salmon wrap, or Probe Melt sandwich with kimchi and avocado. Boosters such as collagen, omega-3, and CBD oils are also available on the menu to add to your smoothie or juice. This delectable and nourishing menu will definitely inspire you to take your wellness to the next level, and strongly shows how healthy eating definitely satisfies both our tastebuds and body. Also, don’t miss the cute little shop by the Refuel bar, where you can get your Hunza G swimsuit and grab a CBD mocktail.
