Sloaney Getaways: Treat someone special and enjoy one of the world’s first environmentally conscious luxury hotels

If you are looking to spoil someone special with a luxury night in one of London’s hidden secrets, look no further than Hotel Rafayel. Located near to the city’s Heliport, this hotel is off the beaten track but offers spacious and contemporary rooms, with truly stunning views that overlook the River Thames.

Designed by architect James Burland, the hotel is encased within a unique and critically acclaimed steal, glass and timber building. Rafayel is one of the world’s first environmentally conscious luxury hotels and embraces cutting edge green technologies in order to minimise any impact on the environment.

Features such as LED lights and rainwater harvesting enable the hotel to reduce the carbon footprint of any guest by as much 20%. The eco-friendly policy does not compromise on quality, comfort or the exquisite service provided by staff.

The hotel has an opulent feel and the rooms are decadent, yet slick. A champagne bar overlooks the river and shares a similar calm and tranquil atmosphere that you experience in the spa. Tri-Enzyme is the premier facial treatment and offers a ground-breaking technique that resurfaces and smoothes skin. You can currently avail of a 50% discount on many of the treatments on the extensive spa menu. 

Special rates also mean you can indulge in a luxurious stay at a lower price than expected and although this hotel is tucked away from Central London, it is well worth a visit for a peaceful romantic evening.

Thames rooms offer panoramic views and are currently available for £230, reduced from £550. Mississippi rooms are currently available from £120 (reduced from £240). Reserve a room by contacting +44 (0)20 7801 3610 / or 3603

Sloaney Getaways: British luxury at the Pennyhill Park Hotel and Spa

We continue our Sloaney Getaways series by exploring the very best of British luxury. The Pennyhill Park Hotel and Spa in Surrey is situated within 123 acres of rolling parkland and the traditional country house is accompanied by one of the UK’s most prestigious spas.

What makes this retreat so appealing is that you can relax in beautiful countryside that is just 45 minutes away from central London. It is an ideal location for those wanting to enjoy a rural setting that is easily accessible from our capital. This hotel boasts award-winning dining, individually styled bedrooms and 45,000 square feet of pure spa heaven.

The Sloaney finds the ‘Martini and Manicure’ very appealing. You can gather your best girlfriends for a pre-Christmas spa day and unwind whilst your nails are prepared immaculately for the party season.

Those looking for a more extended stay before the festivities begin may want to take advantage of the ‘Sheer Sanctuary Sleep Over Spa’ package. Billed as the ultimate nuturing experience you can enjoy the Spa facilities and a blissful overnight stay in one the sumptuous rooms.

Martini and Manicure Day Spa: £130 per person

Sheer Sanctur Sleep Over Spa: Exclusive Suite available from £1585; other rooms starting at £420

Make a reservation by calling +44 (0) 1276 471774

Sloaney Events: Luxury Bordeaux Wine Tasting at Bluebird

Bluebird Chelsea will be hosting a wine tasting evening on November 17^th.  The contemporary venue courts a glamorous clientele and has become one of the most stylish places to be seen on the King's Road in recent years.

A number of luxury wines from the Bordeaux region will be on offer, along with some outstanding vintages. The tasting will be accompanied by a selection of food from Bluebird and wines will include:

Pomerol Chateau Pomeaux 2000

Pessac Leognan Chateau La Garde 2004

Margaux Chateau Cantenac-Brown 2004

Graves Chateau Rahoul 2005 (Magnum format)

Sauternes Castelnau de Suduiraut 2003 (dessert wine)

Book your place by calling 020 7559 1175 Tickets cost £25 per person

Sloaney Getaways: Spoil someone special in the opulent surroundings of the May Fair Hotel

As Christmas draws closer, The Sloaney is previewing some top destinations for a weekend break on our homeland. Our first review focused on Lucknam Park Hotel and Spa, which is a luxurious and secluded retreat situated in a beautiful Wiltshire estate.

However, you don’t have to venture to the countryside to seek relief from the hustle and bustle of city life. There are an array of London hotels that offer revitalising city breaks and the perfect opportunity to spoil someone special.  

The May Fair Hotel is situated right in the heart of exclusive Mayfair and offers a plush package, which will help you relax with your partner in truly opulent surroundings. Treat a loved one by spending an evening in a uniquely decorated suite and with a number of distinctive styles on offer, you can select a room to suit your mood.

On arrival you will be lavished with sumptuous gifts including a bouquet of red roses, chocolate dipped strawberries, a chilled bottle of Bollinger and a Jo Malone scented candle. Throughout your stay you will have full access to the facilities in this premium 5* hotel and can also indulge in an hour long massage treatment in the calm of the prestigious May Fair Spa.

To book this offer, contact the reservations team on +44 20 7769 4041

Price: £850 per room to include full English breakfast

Sloaney Events: Explore authentic 'Country Heritage' at Farlows

The Sloaney was recently invited to preview the Autumn/Winter collection at Farlows on Pall Mall.

This provided the perfect opportunity to explore one of this season’s most influential trends, ‘Country Heritage’.

Farlows is a haven amongst the busy streets of London for country enthusiasts and the department store is committed to helping you enjoy rural pursuits. With Royal status, it is little wonder that Farlows regularly welcomes the likes of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. Among Kate’s favourite items in the store is the luxurious selection of bags.

She reportedly purchased one from the collection and The Sloaney was particularly impressed with the Tusting Gladstone Tourer Bag (£565). Ideal for a weekend away, this stylish holdall is fitting for British heritage fashion and the classic accessory will no doubt feature as a timeless piece in your wardrobe.

Country fashion is not only for rural surroundings and there were many key pieces that could be worked into a city wardrobe. For example, the Farlows Cotswold Field Coat (£449.95) has a baggy fit and would look stylish over a pair of skinny black jeans and the Mulberry shearling boots that featured in Sloaney Style earlier this week.  

Tweed remains a key textile this season and Farlows stock an authentic short tweed jacket (£279), which will create a chic silhouette. To integrate it with your current wardrobe, you can match it with a plain shift dress and leggings to create a smart day look, which may also be worn into the evening.

For those planning a weekend away in the countryside, or if you simply want to keep your feet nice and dry from the city showers, the Dubarry Unisex Galway Boots  (£299) are both stylish and practical. The Sloaney suggests the Black Mahogany version for a regal twist.

STOP PRESS: VOTE 'THE SLOANEY' TO STYLE FARLOWS WINDOW:

If you would like to opt for head-to-toe country attire, The Sloaney took part in the 'Farlows Style Challenge'. To see the look we created and to vote for us to dress the prestigious Pall Mall window display, please put your thumbs up and ‘like’ the following photo on the Farlows Facebook page:

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE PHOTO

Sloaney People: The Duchess of Cambridge steps out in Amanda Wakeley

The Duchess of Cambridge stepped out earlier today on an official engagement to visit the Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust in South London. Catherine dressed for the warm weather in a classic cream Amanda Wakeley dress, which she teamed with nude heels from high street store, L.K. Bennett. 

It seems that one of Kate's favourite style secrets is to use nude heels to create the illusion of longer legs. Although she continues to steer towards the safe side of fashion, her look today was typically elegant. What you do think of the outfit? 

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