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Away with Sir.J: in the U.K.!
Sir.J here, just returned from my first trip to Europe since the pandemic started... what a treat to return! First stop on my hop across the pond was the U.K. to visit several new partners: St. James's Hotel & Club in Mayfair, Beaverbrook Town Home in Chelsea, and Beaverbrook in Surrey.
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Heading over!
Traveling in the Covid era is more intimidating than it is difficult... to enter the U.K (without quarantine) if you are holding a U.S. passport you need proof of vaccination and a negative Covid test at check-in. You must also fill out an online form with confirmation of a pre-arranged follow up PCR Covid test within 2 days of arrival. When I landed at Heathrow, I breezed through the e-gates, never spoke to an immigrations officer, and was through within 5 minutes.
Note: starting the end of October, U.S. visitors will be able to replace their day 2 PCR test with a more cost-effective, easier to obtain Lateral Flow Test.
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First stop: Saint James's Hotel & Club Mayfair
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What a treat to return to this lady in red! I have lots of fond memories staying here during my days at SLH and I can say it has only improved since then. The property is in a prime Mayfair location with direct access to Green Park, and a quick walk to some of my favorite shopping spots including Jermyn Street and Fortnum & Mason.
The property features a beautifully redisigned bar/lounge area as well as its Michelin Star restaurant: Seven Park Place by Chef William Drabble, where I enjoyed a delicious tasting menu dinner with the hotel's Managing Director, Anjana Pandya.
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From top (clockwise): love the facade!, gorgeous new bar, love a soaking tub!, my room complete with terrace views (x2), Seven Park Place, lobster from our tasting menu with wine pairing, dinner with the boss: Anjana Pandya, Managing Director
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Suite Offer
Did you know that St.James's is offering 20% commission on suite bookings through J.MAK? Even better, Signature Suites like the Westminster Suite you can tour below, offer even more amenities including a one-way transfer on 2 night stays and longer. See jmak.com for full details!
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The new kid on the block: Beaverbrook Town House
Located on Sloane Street in the heart of Chelsea in London, the sister property to Beaverbrook in Surrey opened its doors at the very end of August. I was lucky enough to visit the week it opened, and can tell you it is a treat! The property features just 14 rooms and suites, along with a swanky bar and Japanese restaurant. It feels much more like staying in an eclectic home rather a hotel. I especially enjoyed all of the nostalgic posters that adorned the walls depicting travel, theater, and old London!
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From left: love the staircase adorned with retro posters!, the main bar mixes up some exciting cocktails, the J.MAK amenity: craft cocktails ready to serve in-room!
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Tour some rooms!
Click the link below to view a quick run through of three different rooms, all of which can be combined on the Executive Floor to create your very own Chelsea apartment.
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Beaverbrook Hospitality . Personalities !
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From left: with Jake Greenall (Beaverbrook Town House Manager), Jorge De Jesus (Beaverbrook General Manager) & the Aston Martin house car, Natalie Cobb (Sales & Marketing Manager)
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Last but not least: Beaverbrook
Talk about a place steeped in history: visitors to Lord Beaverbrook's stunning estate in the Surrey Hills have included names such as Churchill and The Kennedy's. Notable guests even continue to this day (I had a few sightings myself!).
This is truly a place that must be experienced to fully understand as it has so much to offer for just a short drive outside of London: a spectacular spa, lawn games, tennis, biking, oxygen therapy treatment, indoor and outdoor pools, a movie theater, many delicious dining options (from garden fresh to Japanese) and even an ice cream truck! Oh. And an Aston Martin house car with over 700hp! It was a perfect retreat between my London city visits and the next stop on my journey: Mykonos! Stay tuned for more on that...
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Clockwise from top: Beaverbrook from the back lawn, Grand Stairway, the heart of the home: the bar of course!, Beverbrook Spa, pop-up outdoor Japanese grill where guests sit in baloon baskets, Oxygen therapy for me!, I scream for ice cream.. do you?!, my cottage room, lunch at the Coach House!
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