With one spin, the revolving doors to the lobby of The Peninsula W London sweep me from traffic and noise to a world of silver teapots and soft carpets, tinkling piano and crystal chandeliers.
The two white stone guardian lions outside had already set off a glow of nostalgia; inside the lobby, I feel a warm rush of familiarity: the spirit of the SAR's Grande Dame is here in Belgravia, among the potted palms and pillars, the pages in their smart uniforms, and the friendly smiles.
London's lobby may be more contemporary, with clean lines on its Portuguese limestone columns, and coral red chairs adding colour to a space that is largely white, but the atmosphere evokes a similar cocoon of ease to The Peninsula Hong Kong.
When I am shown to my room, I am reminded that I am in England. The view floods in through the tall windows—the Wellington Arch, originally built as an entrance to Buckingham Palace, with its impressive Angel of Peace descending on the Quadriga, or fourhorsed chariot, of War. I am surprised by how close the arch seems, and the unobstructed view, framed by curtains of champagne-hued and subtly embroidered silk, makes me feel like it is all my own.
My room, by American architect Peter Marino, has a contemporary elegance with its unobtrusive palette of sandstone, cream and brown. Details are textural: there are geometric arrangements in the carpet pile, furnishings are plush, and there is an almost shelllike feel to the walls. The spacious bathroom, with The Peninsula’s customary double sinks and giant bathtub, is a serene vision in marbled honey onyx, while the dressing room is panelled in mahogany as a nod to nearby Savile Row tailors.
Denne historien er fra December 2023-utgaven av Tatler Singapore.
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Denne historien er fra December 2023-utgaven av Tatler Singapore.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Mathew Leong
As the Norway-based Singaporean chef celebrates a milestone year both personally and professionally, he opens up about the toughest moments of his career and why failing is not an option
Asian Inspirations
Chef Ace Tan on his second restaurant, Asu-his love letter to regional Asian cuisine
State of the Arts
Arts nominated member of parliament Usha Chandradas discusses growing the creative economy by focusing on both supply and demand
Through a Curator's Lens
Circe Henestrosa, a fashion curator and the head of the School of Fashion at Lasalle College of the Arts, University of the Arts Singapore, merges her personal connection with artist Frida Kahlo with her extensive curatorial experience to explore intersecting themes of identity, disability and cultural heritage
Second Nature
Poet and educator Yong Shu Hoong brings fresh perspectives to the helm of the Singapore Writers Festival, from interdisciplinary perspectives to multilingual programmes
Wine Down
Nothing wraps up the day like a nice glass of vino. From flashy hedonistic escapades to geeky watering holes, these new wine bars promise celebrated viniferous pours that will please even the most discerning of oenophiles
A Legacy in Silhouettes
Kristina Blahnik, CEO of the designer shoe brand Manolo Blahnik and the niece of its legendary founder, shares her insights on preserving the house's heritage and introduces the new Manolo's Silhouettes campaign
To Have and to Hold
With its sumptuous textures, Loro Piana's elegant autumn/winter 2024 collection is a chic celebration of craft, quality and the universal appeal of tactility
Scent of Strength
Hermès unveils its first chypre perfume, Barénia―a captivating fragrance crafted by renowned perfumer Christine Nagel that embodies bold femininity and celebrates the brand's rich heritage
Nocturnal Revival
Nighttime skincare rituals will get a boost of supercharged restoration with La Mer's new Rejuvenating Night Cream