Bulgari Hotel London sits at the edge of Hyde Park, and I was invited to celebrate its tenth anniversary with a lovely two-night stay to sample their afternoon tea and relax in the spa. What an experience it was!
Smart doormen in suits and hats greeted me as I entered the building – the site of an old silversmith – but super stylish and modern now. To mark its tenth birthday, the hotel commissioned artist Yinka Ilori to create a unique artwork and reimagine the afternoon tea, which I will be sampling later.
Our Suite at the Bulgari Hotel London
Whisked to our suite in clouds of signature Bulgari scent, the décor was rich and inviting; mahogany floors and beautiful floral displays.
I was staying in The Bulgari Suite, which, once I entered, I would have been happy never checking out of! Books were positioned, ready to snuggle up and read, a dining room was prepared for ten guests at any moment, and a handwritten card accompanied some delicious pastries.
Sitting on the desk were also some personalised business cards for me, in case I fancied doing business, directing clients to my suite here! There was also an extra treat waiting for me – a lovely welcome – a dressing gown and slippers, with some lotion and a note from the spa, “We look forward to welcoming you!”.
State-of-the-art, fully equipped kitchen, walk-in wardrobe, stunning desk area with concealed plug sockets – all incredibly pleasing – with every amenity you could imagine, including weights and a yoga mat, ready for morning sun salutations. And then the bedroom – with monogrammed headboard and grey silk, beautiful to the touch, the high bed looked fit for a princess.
The bathroom was similarly luxurious, with Bulgari toiletries just encouraging you to stop and relax for a while in the steam shower.
The Yinka Ilori Afternoon Tea at the Bulgari Hotel
Starting at £95, the afternoon tea is a true luxury. A comprehensive tea menu ranges from Earl Grey to Yunnan Golden Snail and everything in between. A bright and punchy menu matched an equally brilliant cake stand, holding beautiful delicacies bursting with colour and a tea stand to match.
And what a selection! There were many sandwiches, from Scottish salmon on cocoa and malt bread to egg, truffle and chive on spinach bread. An incredible pistachio creation followed this with almond, tonka and strawberry compote and mousse, as well as a hazelnut praline delicacy, amongst other delicious sweet treats.
There was more to come, with a more traditional serving of scones, Cornish clotted cream ice cream and jam. We sat by the fire on the softest chairs, enjoying our tea, perfect for a chilly autumn afternoon.
The Bulgari Spa
Six floors down, we reached the spa, with a welcoming reception, a stunning clear pool – the longest in London – and private white cabanas for ultimate relaxation. Gold mosaic tiles decorated the jacuzzi, which can be tailored to your preferences at the touch of a button!
After a dip in the pool, I had a full body massage with the lovely Delilah – the sweetest, welcoming lady who noticed where I was holding tension in my body and gave me the best advice afterwards for reducing stress. Peppermint tea and relaxation in the lounge afterwards made for the most relaxing afternoon.
Dining at Bulgari Hotel London
Staying there for two nights, we were lucky enough to sample the menus from both the Bulgari Lounge and Sette restaurant, as well as gorgeous breakfasts of omelettes and continental treats in Sette as well. They even remembered how I liked my coffee!
After an afternoon tea, a dinner of Italian charcuterie with mixed olives and tomato antipasto was divine, with a lobster roll and a decadent chocolate and vanilla dessert. A lovely treat at the Bulgari Lounge, and then Sette for the second night was exquisite. Scallops to start, with wine recommended by the sommelier, before the best lobster linguine I’ve ever eaten.
The espresso budino dessert was sublime, and we were so well looked after by Victor. Sette has its own entrance and can be booked separately – definitely worth a trip.
We only ventured out of the hotel once – for a breath of fresh air! There’s so much to take in, we truly didn’t want to leave the luxury of our suite!
Turndown at Bulgari Hotel London
Back at our suite, we enjoyed drifts of pillow spray, a silver flask and cups for herbal tea, and a pillow menu with hand creams and body lotions ready to ease you into a peaceful slumber. The attention to detail is incredible, and the little touches make all the difference. Long silk curtains were drawn closed, and we spotted the Household Cavalry through the window the following day. Such a classic London sight; we were fortunate.
Tourin Bulgari Hotel London
We were treated to a tour with Francesca, who showed us around the event spaces. As you may expect, the ballroom is gloriously decadent, accommodating up to 150 guests for dining or 280 for a standing reception.
The hotel is fully licensed for weddings so you could hold your entire celebration here. It’s a genuinely glamorous space with distinctive Bulgari touches.
Tucked away on another floor is a private cinema, which would be gorgeous for a hen night celebration.
All too soon, it was time to enter the real world again, back through the colourful, Yinka Ilori-inspired front doors and into bustling Knightsbridge. But I think a second visit is a must!
My top five 5 Star highlights:
- The spectacular suite – spacious, luxurious, and so well appointed, with everything you’d ever desire.
- My massage at the spa was incredible, thoughtful from start to finish, and relaxed on another level.
- Afternoon tea was divine, with such an exciting presentation and delicious flavours – what an experience.
- Lobster linguine in Sette – worth a trip just for that.
- Turndown touches – the amount of thought and effort that goes into every little detail.
Bulgari Hotel London
171 Knightsbridge, London SW7 1DW Tel: +44 (0)207 151 1010
5 Star Wedding Directory Member – Bulgari Hotel London
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