London Calling

- Barbara Koh

With an exchange rate that makes it visitor friendly, and the accessibility to great shopping (outlets included), history, architecture and scenic sights, London is easily one of our favourite cities. Plus it’s got such a vibrant F&B scene. The melting pot that it is means you get everything from easy pub food to innovative, modern cuisine – Dishoom and Ottolenghi are constantly on foodies’ lips – and there are 65 Michelin-starred restaurants (2016) in London alone. Just as you’d build an itinerary to suit your travel style, here are our picks of some of the best hotels to suit your personality…

It’s not exactly in London, but only a short hour-long train ride away. Set in a city known for its university and world-class museums – the Ashmolean Museum and Natural History Museum are not to be missed (entry is free and when the weather gets dreary, there are no better places to seek warmth) – the Malmaison Oxford (www.malmaison.com) has a charming history of its own.

Built originally in 1071 as a Norman fortress during the times of William the Conqueror, the Mal was later extended and became the HM Prison Oxford from 1888 to 1996. So yes, it’s a pretty inventive hotel conversion. Some may be spooked, but you’ll be easily swayed once you see the luxurious and beautiful reinvention.