Best Spas in The White Cross

"Reopened after extensive (and expensive) renovation in 2019, the Mandarin Oriental is nothing less than stunning. The hotel’s Edwardian footprint interplays with tranquil, quirkily contemporary interiors and bright colors; the suites and rooms finished in sparkling Art Deco style are by innovative designer Joyce Wang; and there’s an exceptional basement spa with an added Philip Kingsley hair and scalp bar, and a mani-pedi studio by celebrity French podiatrist Bastien Gonzalez. The exterior is all iconic red brick and cream and the building feels quintessentially English, while the interior is restrained yet innovative, color-popping yet elegant, with added floral displays, bronze and silver embossed leaf-themed wallpaper, and fun 1920s-style pendant lights created from equine hair culled from the Horse Guards’ stable."

"Perfectly perched between Knightsbridge and Hyde Park, this glamorous hotel features opulent rooms, suites and a world-renowned spa. For added gastronomic delight, the hotel is home to the exclusive Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, which has two Michelin stars. The hotel has recently undergone a massive refurbishment making it more luxe than ever."

"The master bathroom is exquisite with a large bath below a fibre optic chandelier, along with a steam room and powerful shower. The Halcyon gallery displays unique artwork throughout the suite, available for guests to purchase. The suite has access to a large balcony for up to 40 guests for a drinks reception."

"Stop 3: Stop For Afternoon Tea/Lunch On Your London Itinerary At The Berkeley Hotel After taking in some of the most incredible fashion styles of the centuries, why not indulge in a culinary treat depicting the current trends?. This is the perfect lunch to have on your 4 day London itinerary and an afternoon you won’t forget. The Berkeley Hotel’s Pret-a-Portea afternoon tea brings a fusion of the culinary and fashion arts together with a truly unique meal."

"A luxury hotel spa that's home to a magnificent rooftop pool. The Berkeley, Wilton Place, Belgravia, London, SW1X 7RL. Tube: Hyde Park Corner Station , Knightsbridge Station"

"The Berkeley is a five star hotel in the heart of Knightsbridge, fusing A list design with more than 300 years of heritage and the best of luxury organic wellbeing."

"With its enviable location in the heart of London, situated on the borders of Knightsbridge and Belgravia and with panoramic views of Hyde Park, The Lanesborough has long been considered one of the world’s most luxurious hotels. Its elegant décor, exquisite cuisine, unsurpassed attention to detail and world-renowned service are second to none. The hotel’s restaurant, Céleste, is renowned for being among the best in the city and boasts a Michelin star."

"This space is hidden below ground through the many weaving, opulent hallways of The Lanesborough hotel – luckily there’s no chance of getting lost as a doorman in a tophat will escort you. The covered terrace bar is decked out with plush leather chairs and low candle-lit wooden tables, walls are shrouded in a foliage of bromeliads and ferns. Bag a spot by the fireplace for the warmest seat in the house."

"Sir Christopher Wren Hotel & Spa, Thames Street, Windsor, Berkshire, SL4 1PX. The prices at this upmarket hotel reflect the historical backdrop (the ramparts of Windsor Castle) and location (overlooking the Thames), but for dishes such as venison and truffle pie or chicken wrapped in pancetta and served in a port wine jus, we think they’re probably justified. The ‘bubbles and jazz’ Sunday lunch is popular with locals."

"There are few restaurants near Windsor Castle that display both the attention to detail and willingness to experiment shown at The Brasserie. Right in the heart of Windsor, The Brasserie’s wide open windows, naturally lit dining room and gorgeous views of the river are as close any of us will ever have to a royal experience. Yet the playful menu and casual ambience here are anything but stuffy."

"With beautiful views of the River Thames and spires of Eton College, this historic hotel – named after Sir Christopher Wren, architect of St Paul’s Cathedral – occupies an enviable spot. Expect ancient grandeur in the main house, and contemporary mod cons in the newly renovated wings."

"Taj opened its first Jiva spa in Europe last year in the heart of London’s Westminster - so it still feels brand-spanking new. The spa takes inspiration from ancient Indian wellness philosophies, offering a menu of body rituals and facials which blend traditional healing techniques and use luxurious Temple Spa products. Unwind in between treatments in the atmospheric vitality pool or break a sweat in the fitness suite."

"6 floors up from the madness of Leicester Square lies an oasis of calm in the form of the AWAY Spa at W London. The spa is all-white and minimalist, with smooth, sleep lines. A team of celebrity therapists are on hand to help you: from the signature facials by Su-Man and advanced aesthetics of Dr. Wong, expert tanning of James Harknett, to Ruthie Belle's stunning eyelashes and hair styling of Sergio Giannasso."

"This luxe Soho spa at the W Hotel on Leicester Square is the go-to place for glamour, perfectly placed for pampering ahead of a night on the town. Revitalise your body with one of their tailor-made treatments or revive your soul in their sauna and steam rooms. Book a ritual or package for a loved one, including specials for the ‘modern gentleman’ and ‘the entrepreneur’."

"This vibrant and superbly sexy London hotel and spa is an energising experience from the spa to the restaurant. Putting you in the mood to party and recover the next day, it’s a breath of fresh air in the heart of Soho."

"Park Plaza County Hall enjoys a superb location on the South Bank, rubbing shoulders with many of London’s most famous attractions such as the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey and the London Eye. Named ‘Best Family Friendly Hotel’ at the HRS Hotel Excellence Awards 2011, the hotel specialises in treating children like VIPs through its Family Fun in the City package. Spacious family rooms include substantial closets and plenty of space to relax and unwind, while Studio Rooms and Penthouse Apartments afford an enhanced feeling of indulgence with defined sleeping and living areas."

"The doughnuts at Dum Dum have a lower fat content but are full of flavour|© Jeffrey Blackler / Alamy Stock Photo. Although the doughnuts sold at Dum Dum are technically more like buns, that hasn’t stopped it from rising to fame due to a low-fat, patisserie-style baking process that allows plenty of room for taste. Due to this popularity, Dum Dum is now able to offer bespoke doughnuts and a doughnut courier service, and it is planning to expand from its four current outlets to many more over the course of the next few years."

"While lots of doughnut shops fry their products, Dum Dum Donutterie only bakes its delicious selection. Dum Dum offers its own take on the cronut, but with some far-out toppings, you won’t see anywhere else. The options at any of their three locations include the dulce de leche Peter Andre’s Yum Yum Dum Dum, the coconut-infused Croconut, and the super-popular Zebra with layered traditional and chocolate croissant dough."

"The croissant/doughnut hybrid at Dum Dums have been selling like hot cakes… I mean cronuts!. Right now they’re one of the most popular desserts in London. So what makes them special?"

"Longboys are all about gorgeous doughnuts, excellent coffee, and soft-serve ice cream delights, bringing their joy and passion for food to BOXPARK Wembley. Their doughnuts are made from a light brioche base and gourmet fillings that give them just enough sweetness and a complex flavour profile. These treats are next level decadent without the extra calories."

"It's part of London's vast culinary mythology, and it feels a bit like stepping back in time to Covent Garden's theatrical heyday. J Sheekey offers a cornucopia of the city's freshest seafood in a darkly lit, brass embellished ambience which is perfect for highbrow romancing or laid back business dealings. Start with scallops in a halfshell with garlic and chilli for £17.50, and move on to a grilled Dover sole with bearnaise for £39.50."

"Sheekey has been a firm favourite for the wealthy and well-known ever since, with the likes of Keira Knightley, Sienna Miller and Bradley Cooper recently spotted dining there. Located in Covent Garden, the fuss-free, deliciously fresh fish menu makes it a faultless dining experience."

"It’s a piece of prime gastronomic real estate, but M&Ms aside, there isn’t much to eat in Leicester Square itself. A claw-cracker’s throw from the neon, though, is some of London’s best seafood, courtesy of J."

"Cuisine: ThaiHalal Options: Halal menu (check with staff as some dishes contain Alcohol)Address: 15 Greek St, Soho, London, W1D 4DPWebsite: http://www.pataralondon.com/restaurant/soho/Nearest Tube Stop: Tottenham Court Road"

"Hidden below street level in the swishy Hari Hotel, stepping into Il Pampero feels like stepping back into to a bygone era of Italian glamour, all white tablecloths, deep green furnishings, low lighting and charming Italian waiters. It’s elegant without being ostentatious, and the leather-clad window booths add an important touch of cosiness (perfect for a date). The glamorous central bar is irresistible for a classic Italian aperitivo (beware the deliciously strong Negroni) before sitting down to a feast of antipasti that include beef carpaccio with generous shavings of black truffle and surprisingly moreish fried scamorza (smoked cheese) bites served on a bed of radicchio with balsamic vinegar."

"20 Chesham Pl, Belgravia, London SW1X 8HQAlready a beloved staple of the Belgravia restaurant scene, il Pampero has been ushered into a new era under the expert guidance of a new Head Chef – the acclaimed Matteo D’Elia. And his new menu does not disappoint. Settle into the restaurant’s glamorous surroundings to enjoy a stylish, modern take on traditional southern Italian fare, made from the finest seasonal ingredients."

"Il Pampero is an absolute must for Italian fine dining in London, serving a menu of authentic classics with a modern twist. Get your fill of homemade pasta, fresh seafood and succulent meat dishes washed down with fine wine in an exquisite setting."