We had a sneak preview of some of the things Shangri-La London at the Shard is doing to celebrate the hotel’s reopening. They usually call this time of year the lazy, hazy days of summer, but not for London’s hotels, as many of them are set to reopen in the coming weeks after the last few months of lockdown (hurray!).
First things first, the hotel reopens on the 14th of August and they promise a sensational line-up of seasonal experiences to delight OutThere travellers looking for some me-time and unadulterated pampering after months of not travelling. As the property is set in the lofty heights of The Shard, in London, you can expect some blue-sky thinking, literally.
Their “Ultimate Staycation in the Sky” package brings with it all the stunning hospitality that Shangri-La’s across the world is renowned for – we should know, we’ve been to a quite few of them and told their stories – but here, in the lofty heights of London, you can expect an automatic upgrade to the next available room category, all coming complete with floor-to-ceiling windows looking over a crisp city view at this time of year.
We were torn between the London or Shangri-La suites, what a first world problem to have! And shopaholics rejoice, the hotel has teamed up with the Harvey Nichols flagship store in Knightsbridge to offer a dedicated, glam, private shopping experience; after all, physical-distancing is the new luxury!
For those who want to make the most of your suite instead, you can lavish or languish in-room, with an exclusive bath amenity, part of the hotel’s latest partnership with local holistic wellness brand, Neal’s Yard Remedies and bathtime has never been more fun, considering the tubs are positioned to make most of the sublime view.
Outside the suite, you can dine at TÎNG Restaurant, for their intimate foodie delight – (wait for it) ‘Dining in the sky’ and if you want to bring a friend or five, you can do that too – mealtimes can be a small party of six, in accordance with UK regulations. Or perhaps you might try their pop-art inspired tea, also served at TÎNG – which would be perfect just after a quiet swim at what is Western Europe’s highest infinity pool. And while you’re there, you can take a sneak peak into their new Finnish sauna, offering one hot view – but you’ll have to wait for your next stay to enjoy it, as it will only open subject to a change in current government regulations.
But if you really want to make the most of your room (of course you would), then the hotel can also arrange private dining in-suite, where you can enjoy it all with a late checkout … when, or if you’re ready to leave. And if you want to make it into something truly special and pop the question (or like us, just do it because you can), the team at Shangri-La has teamed up with one of London’s premier proposal and wedding planners ‘The Proposers,’ to create a destination-inspired, romantic theme to your room and dining, from a beach ‘escape’ to St. Tropez or Malibu, a Parisian proposal with a night at the Moulin Rouge (role-play fans, take note) or a Safari Extravaganza that’s ‘Out of Africa’. Rawr.
Photography courtesy of Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts and by Uwern Jong
