Sometimes a night away somewhere completely different is very much needed. We all live such busy lives and a short break can recharge and revive us, particularly during the summer months when the weather is warmer and we are able to make the most of outdoor spaces.

I have worked for many years in London but Belgravia is not an area that I know well so I was looking forward to finding out more. A five minute walk from Victoria, Knightsbridge and Sloane Square tube stations, it’s easily accessible and is full of beautiful boutique hotels, shops and eateries, a mix of independent and local retailers all within a fifteen minute stroll.

This week, Belgravia London invited my daughter Ella and myself to sample what Belgravia had to offer for a Summer Staycation, with an exciting itinerary to make the most of what this smart, celebratory area had to offer. Here’s what we did…

Where We Stayed

We checked into Lime Tree Hotel, a beautifully refurbished Georgian property perfectly positioned on the corner of Ebury Street and Elizabeth Street. With 24 generously sized bedrooms, the décor is extremely pleasing and has been well thought out to create spaces that make you want to stay for longer. There’s a comfortable reception area with some amazing pieces of artwork dotted around, all of which combines to make it feel cosy and welcoming. A delicious breakfast was booked in The Buttery, which is the hotel’s café restaurant, leading out on to a walled garden which was particularly lovely – it was hard to believe that we were in central London as it was so peaceful.

What We Did

Our first appointment was at Sarah Bradden at Hershesons on West Halkin Street. Sarah is the founder of the Bradden Method Treatment, described as a spiritual reset and facelift. I had the BOOST treatment which was 45 minutes long and included cosmetic acupuncture to firm and sculpt the face, LED light therapy to stimulate collagen and elastin production and activated oxygen to enhance the bodies repair mechanism. The procedure improves digestion, metabolism, blood pressure, sleep and alleviates stress and I can confirm that it was extremely relaxing!

Next stop was at Rachel Vosper Belgravia, situated on Kinnerton Street. Rachel has been a candle chandler since 1994 and opened her Belgravia atelier in 2011. From this beautiful store, she runs small candle making workshops and her amazing team showed us how to create our own. Rachel is one of the very few candle stores who not only offer refills but who also will refill any vessel that you wish. Her own range of vessels range from crystal and glass through to marble and ceramic. The workshops are perfect for groups and the pretty courtyard garden beyond is a small haven in itself.

Our final stop was at the Jo Loves store on Elizabeth Street, a few moments walk from our hotel. We were taken through the Fragrance Tapas Experience where we were able to try the whole range of scents available, plus find out a little bit about the history of the brand. The shop itself is where Jo Malone herself worked in her very first job; many years later her husband bought her the premises as a surprise and she opened Jo Loves.

Where We Dined

Lunch was taken at Mina’s, a gorgeous venue on Motcomb Street which serves cocktails, fine wines and small plates using local and sustainably sourced produce. The weather was beautiful so we sat outside, an excellent spot for people watching and enjoying the sun. Later on in the day we headed to the Roku Gin Summer Terrace at Pantechnicon where the head mixologist has crafted a menu including Kakigori style cocktails made with ice shaved directly from glass blocks. My choice?  Melon & Matcha which comprised of Roku gin, melon, matcha and fino – you can also opt for a variety of street food which looked delicious.  Our final dinner stop was the plant filled Roof Garden at Pantechnicon which served up some excellent views of the city and some stunning food.

Belgravia certainly has a lot of offer this summer and Ella and I will most definitely be returning. Everything is close to hand and there is so much to explore and discover – the perfect Summer Staycation!

#WELCOMETObelgravia