Seeking respite from my high-pressure career as a jet-setting influencer, I decided to do what the Brits say: “Keep Calm and go to London.” Technically, it still qualified as a work trip, but I decided work could take a backseat and I made my enjoyment first priority. My first-class flight on British Airways carried me across the vast blue Atlantic ocean and delivered me quite comfortably to New York’s much older English cousin: London.
I was delighted to find that my travel agent at Amavio Travel genuinely understood my tastes when my driver led me to the car I’d be chauffeured around the city in: a Rolls Royce Phantom VIII. It was truly perfection. I connected to the in-car WiFi ASAP and shared my first Instagram snaps in this foreign country to let my followers know I’d be taking them along for the journey.
My first stop was at Corinthia London, where I’d be staying for the next several days, to check out my new digs and take a nap–I never get used to jet lag, no matter how often I travel. My bags were handled by staff and I headed up to the Royal Penthouse to refresh myself before venturing out to explore the city. I scouted an upscale nightclub, Cirque Le Soir, to rub elbows with celebrities and dance myself sick.
The next morning I recovered by treating myself to some therapy–retail therapy, that is. My driver whisked me away to Bond Street to shop at the designer flagship stores. I gathered goodies from Louis Vuitton, Maison Margiela, Chanel, Jimmy Choo, Chanel, and even tried to score another Birkin at Hermès (no luck this time, but I’m sure I’ll add to my collection soon enough). I also got a chance to visit the iconic Harrods and pick up something shiny from their fine jewelry collection!
Shopping was positively exhausting and I desperately needed a break, so I ended my shopping excursion (for now) and headed for lunch at triple Michelin-starred Hélène Darroze at the Connaught. The Grouse Wellington was sublime, and the wine the sommelier recommended complimented it perfectly.
After a brief afternoon nap, I had the opportunity to cross an experience off of my bucket list with a private helicopter tour of London. It was thrilling, breathtaking, and highly informative–but my favorite bit was treating my followers to an angle of Big Ben they hadn’t seen before. I watched the sun set over the city’s skyline and returned to my hotel where I dreamed of the glittering lights all night long.
I had breakfast sent up to the penthouse the next morning–I stayed in bed with a total travel hangover. I didn’t want to waste my time in the city, though, so I booked a spa day at the Four Seasons at Park Lane. A Royal Relaxation massage and an Oxygen facial were exactly what I needed to feel refreshed, rejuvenated, and ready to take on the rest of my trip. I continued my afternoon by carrying on with the theme of lax-but-luxe and took a private champagne cruise on the Thames. I desperately wanted to close my eyes but I didn’t dare to miss a single second of the scenery.
Dinner that night was at yet another beloved restaurant, Elystan Street. Chef Philip Howard dazzled my palate with a six-course tasting menu consisting of smoked mackerel veloute, cashew hummus, strozzapreti with black truffles, Cornish gurnard with truffled hazelnut pesto, Iberico pork, and finally, milk many ways with English blackcurrants and blackberries. Each dish was expertly prepared and exquisitely paired with a fine wine. I purchased several bottles of what I had sampled and had my chauffeur drop them at the front desk of the hotel so they could be shipped home to await my return from Europe.
Another notable moment from my stay in London was attending a Platinum Jubilee Afternoon Tea at Cliveden–I enjoyed it so much, I went back twice! It was the most charming experience. I snacked, I sipped tea and champagne overlooking the river Thames, and then strolled the picturesque grounds (photos of which garnered thousands of likes on the ‘gram). I felt like a character in a Jane Austen novel–all my dreams were coming true.
Halfway through my trip, I rented a Lamborghini and left London for Wales, seeking more simple, old-world country delights. Wales absolutely delivered. The Grove of Narberth became my home-away-from-home for the second half of my holiday. The Grove married modern luxury with antique charm in a way I couldn’t have imagined if I hadn’t experienced it myself. I stayed in the opulent Henry Suite–named for King Henry the VII–and felt a kind of peace I hadn’t encountered in a long time…probably thanks to the super king bed and long, luxuriant soaks in the clawfoot tub. The grounds themselves were like something out of a movie. I dined on elevated local delicacies each evening on the garden terrace of the hotel’s restaurant, the Artisan, and often took afternoon tea picnic-style on the farm.
I spent almost an entire day on a private tour of some of the most famous castles in Wales: Caernarfon, Conwy, and Dolbadarn. The majestic, centuries-old structures rising stories above verdant green landscapes and their crystalline reflections in surrounding waters left me awestruck and inspired. I’m so glad I had a camera on me to capture the stunning castles so I could preserve that memory forever.
I also loved people watching and striking poses against the pastel-colored homes and shops in Narberth! It really made me feel grounded and down-to-earth. I sipped wine, supported local artists generously, and then I took off to the coast to look for wild puffins.
My time in the UK truly felt like a dream. I felt like the Queen Herself (may she rest in peace) and I came home feeling creatively refreshed and ready to resume my responsibilities. I still find myself thinking of my time on the Thames, afternoon teas, and my quaint-yet-elegant countryside retreat. I have my travel agent, Amavio Travel , to thank for such lasting memories!
