You’ve got to admire any hotel that claims and effectively achieves 5 star status in terms of overall presentation, amenities, cuisine, staff, and comfort – and not only this – a hotel that actively adheres to Green design philosophy and practice. All this to say, the aforementioned, while tugging on my conscientious heart-stings, can not effectively describe the physical and emotional resonance – dare I say – ‘romance’ of my recent stay at Hotel Rafayel.
Just west of Battersea Power Station, on the South Bank of the river, developer Iqbal Latif and architectural designers Latis have collaborated to bring Londoners, out-of-towners and international visitors, what Latif described to me as ‘affordable luxury.’ In the current economic climate, a hotel like Rafayel encourages restorative indulgence, without that nagging concern of spending beyond one’s means.
I have always envied the fortunate few whose flats and balconies line the north and south bank of the river. The gentle, almost meditative flow of the Thames; the open periphery of modern, post modern and gothic architecture; the way the different displays of seasonal light serve to reinvent London – in my eyes – in a matter of minutes.
In the first half hour of my stay in the Amazon suite – having arrived early on a recent summer evening – we opened the curtains wide, ditched our shoes by the door and sprawled our limbs on the heavenly king size bed – not speaking – but instead watching that small miracle of city and riverscape framed by our large window.
Next it was on to the gadgets! Like two oversized toddlers we fiddled with the multiple jet settings of the Jacuzzi tub, mood lights and flat screen TV’s, surfing channels & films on three – yes three – plasma screen TVs (one in the bathroom, one in the bedroom, and another in the adjacent dining area). After a quick kip, shower and face-paint, it was on to dinner at the hotel restaurant, Banyan on Thames.
With a wall of windows and tables set directly on the river bank, the setting is versatile enough to accommodate lovers, tourists and locals alike. I was deeply impressed with the menu itself: an international ode to the most popular, traditional and more contemporary world dishes. This is not fusion food – mind you – but instead, a well-conceived selection of Asian, Mediterranean, Indian, French and English cuisine – all executed with first-rate regional expertise; as were the selection of accompanying wines – our choice – a divine and well-priced Zinfandel from Northern California.
Following our meal, it was suggested that we partake in a hookah pipe of strawberry flavoured shisha in the open-air cigar lounge, located a few floors up from the restaurant…
The lovely Mr. Latif had described his intentions to me for Rafayel as a ‘hide-away’ for his guests – whether they’re visiting from out of town, a sexy weekend away with the wife, or a much needed respite for the overworked. While my experience at Hotel Rafayel had been without fault up until this point, it was only when I walked outside onto this Mediterranean-style, outdoor cigar lounge: inviting armchairs, billowing fabric, and a rare, balmy London breeze, that I clearly understood his vision.
The next morning my guest and I took a brief tour around the enormous River Wellbeing Spa, located within the hotel. A very amicable and informative specialist gave me an overview of the various treatments available: organic beauty therapies, bathing rituals, various massage options, grooming services, exercise pool, infinity tub, steam and sauna. After what was quite possibly the best half hour massage I’ve received in recent years, I was led into the spa’s relaxation room.
If you knew me at all well, you would laugh at the vision of me ‘chilling-out’ in such as place – mostly due to the fact that my most common mental state is one of overactive attention deficit and mild-anxiety. But here I found myself – thoughtfully engaged in a book about yoga, relaxed but pleasantly energised – actively enjoying gentle Indian New Age music.
Here I am, I thought. Just here. Not in yesterday, not in my to-do list or everyday failures. Simply present, aware, content in the now – sipping herbal vanilla tea from a lotus shaped cup.
I had been at Rafayel for less than 24 hour hours, and already, I was at peace.
Quintessentially Member’s benefits include:
50% discount on SPA treatments
50% food and beverages discount until 30th June
Rafayel on the Left Bank
34 Lombard Rd.
London
SW11 3RF
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7801 3600
