Our Favorite Places in London & The English Countryside
Our team recently touched down in England for a week of hotel inspections, food tastings, and countryside exploration. It had been a while since our last visit; 20 years for Lisa, and a return to familiar streets for Carolina, who once called Bloomsbury home during her student days.
While most travelers treat the countryside as a quick add-on to a London itinerary, we’re here to argue it deserves top billing. Here’s what we loved, learned, and can’t wait to share with clients.
Part one: London
This city never gets old. Whether it’s your first visit or your tenth, there’s always more to see, more to eat, more to experience. Our week included everything from new hotel openings, classic favorites, and the ever-evolving international food scene. We even caught the cherry blossoms blooming in St. James’ Park. If you’re planning a trip, here are a few of our favorite stops from this visit.
Top 5 restaurants from the trip
London’s food scene has truly come into its own. It’s diverse, sophisticated, and deliciously unpretentious in all the right ways. We’ll be sharing a full roundup on our social media soon, but these five meals stood out:
Gymkhana (Mayfair): Sophisticated Indian cuisine in an elegant setting. A full sensory experience.
Meraki (Fitzrovia): Modern Greek in a local-feeling neighborhood. Relaxed, delicious, and not at all touristy.
Park Chinois: For the unforgettable Peking duck and a glamorous night out.
Ichibayia (Knightsbridge): A humble, family-run Lebanese spot that completely won us over with its flavor.
Noble Rot (Soho): Cozy, slightly hip, and a great intro to well-done traditional British food.
Our favorite London neighborhoods
Each neighborhood in London has its own personality, so choosing where to stay really depends on the vibe you’re after. Just as important: location. London traffic can be intense, so being close to what you want to see or near a good tube stop can make a big difference, especially if you’re using private transfers.
Mayfair: Always elegant, filled with iconic hotels and destination restaurants.
Knightsbridge/Belgravia: More residential, quiet, and charming, with easy access to parks.
Fitzrovia: A hidden gem for foodies and creatives, offering less tourist traffic and more local flavor.
Soho: Lively, youthful, and full of character. Great for evenings out and spontaneous discoveries.
Our favorite hotels in London (and who they’re for)
The Dorchester: A classic for multi-gen families and travelers seeking comfort, space, and timeless British elegance. Recently renovated and surprisingly modern inside.
The Beaumont: Stylish, art-filled, and quietly luxurious. Great for design lovers or anyone wanting a boutique stay with personality.
Claridge’s: Iconic, lively, and ideally located. A perfect blend of heritage and modern design. (Bonus: Lisa spotted the cast of Severance during her stay.)
The Connaught: Intimate and refined, with one of London’s best bars. Don’t miss the martini trolley. A bartender arrives tableside, invites you to choose your preferred scent from a set of essential oils, then crafts a custom martini to match.
The Emory & The Berkeley: Modern, connected hotels in Knightsbridge. The Emory is all suites and quietly chic, while the Berkeley is more classic but still contemporary. Ideal for seasoned London travelers.
Raffles at The OWO: A grand hotel in a historic landmark with sweeping Whitehall views and a fascinating past. It once housed Britain’s War Office.
The Peninsula London: Modern and serene, with a prime location near Buckingham Palace. Sleek interiors, a rooftop bar, and a sidewalk café make it ideal for travelers who love polished international style.
Flemings Mayfair: A smart pick for longer stays or travelers who want apartment-style flexibility. One-bedroom units include kitchens and laundry, plus you’re steps from Green Park.
The Goring: Endearing, old-school British charm with whimsical design details and a rare private garden. Quiet luxury with deep royal ties.
Personal highlights from the team
Lisa’s standout moment was catching a show in the West End.
Carolina was reminded of the beauty of springtime in London, especially the cherry blossoms in St. James’s Park.
Gia’s favorite experience was sipping cocktails at the Connaught Bar, where martinis are concocted tableside from a rolling cart. Guests choose a scent from a selection of essential oils, and the bartender creates a bespoke martini to match.
Part two: The English countryside
If London was about culture and cuisine, the countryside was about space, peace, and connection. This part of the trip felt like a collective exhale. And while we initially planned to use the hotels as a base for exploring nearby villages, the truth is we didn’t want to leave. From long walks through the grounds to seasonal meals sourced from on-site farms, each property felt like its own world, one you could easily settle into for a full week, not just a two- or three-night add-on.
Pro tip: Pick up your rental car at Heathrow to avoid city traffic and make a direct escape into the countryside.
Where we stayed (and didn’t want to leave)
Coworth Park (by The Dorchester)
Just 20 minutes from Heathrow, this estate blends royal polish with countryside calm. Known as the pre-wedding hideaway for Prince Harry, Coworth Park offers understated luxury. Choose between elegant rooms in the main mansion or cozy, cottage-like suites in the converted stables. Between the gardens, polo fields, and spa, it’s a stylish place to recharge.
Heckfield Place
The most talked-about stay of the trip. Heckfield is a warm, beautifully curated estate that feels part private home, part wellness retreat. Expect fresh wildflowers in every room, farm-to-table food that’s healthy and indulgent, and an iPad art catalog that lets you explore the hundreds of works displayed throughout the property. The spa is a standout, as is the afternoon tea (really, cake and tea in the lounge). Little touches like the fizzy lemon welcome drink and personalized parting gifts made it truly special.
Estelle Manor
Old-world grandeur with a contemporary edge. Estelle Manor feels like an aristocratic country estate reimagined for the modern traveler. The Roman-inspired spa, known as “The Bath,” is stunning, and the various dining options give it the energy of a private members’ club. Families are welcome in the cottages and greenhouse restaurant, while the main house is adults-only after 8 p.m., creating a grown-up vibe in the evenings.
Countryside stops we loved
Stow-on-the-Wold & Bourton-on-the-Water: Classic Cotswolds villages that are postcard-perfect for a wander.
Daylesford Organic: A stylish stop for a farm-fresh lunch or upscale provisions.
The Wild Rabbit: A rustic-chic inn with a great menu, especially for game dishes.
Bicester Village: For designer shopping at outlet prices.
Stratford-upon-Avon: A nice add-on for Shakespeare enthusiasts.
Final thoughts
If you're planning a trip to England, don’t make the mistake of squeezing too much into too little time. With the right hotel, you won’t want to leave—and you won’t need to. The countryside isn’t just a break from the city. It can be the reason for your trip. Let us help you find the base that fits you best. Contact us to plan a trip.