The Landmark, London, is a regal, provocative, architecturally beautiful abode that many Londoners (like myself) walk past, and mistakenly, keep on walking. A great mistake – great because such a gorgeous hotel, with such fabulous restaurants, that pays such close attention to ones health and wellbeing, is not easy to come by.
This illusive Marylebone retreat was once a less plush affair, housing 19th century offices for British Rail staff. Many years later, the internal courtyard was glassed over, and it became something new altogether. Beneath the shimmering glass – a stunning central feature – afternoon tea is taken by the Landmark faithful, quick to catch on, to stay on and enjoy pre-dinner drinks in the tranquil yet elegant confines that this five star hotel affords.
I was given a gorgeous suite for a night which, despite being on the bustling Marylebone Road, was a silent and sumptuous place of rest. The room ticked every box you need worry about: the bed was blissful, the bath almost swimming pool in size and the linens felt like cashmere and probably were.
Dinner was enjoyed in the unassuming nonchalance of restaurant Two Twenty Two (The Winter Garden is for those who want to dress up a notch or two). Wood-beamed and lit with hypnotic, jellyfish-shaped chandeliers, this hip little hangout is loved by guests, and those knowing locals who breeze in with a burgeoning need for good wholesome food. The beef Carpaccio with rocket and freshly shaved Parmesan had the makings of an iconic dish, sharing its beat with black truffle oil. The Thai green curry with jasmine sticky rice was as good as anything I’ve had in Thailand, with just as much spice and a dash more savoir-faire. The restaurant is fringed with one of those sleek, very tempting bars, so once the foods done, you might want to get lost here for the rest of the evening.
If you want a change of scenery without a change of venue, head to the upstairs Mirror Bar, a small but intimate cocktail lounge run by someone with an encyclopedic knowledge of all things alcoholic. I had a perfect Mojito and then something that, though carefully, even beautifully concocted, was so strong I just couldn’t really do anything by it.
This heady combination, and that lissome bottle of 2006 Stonemason Shiraz I sloshed at dinner left the next morning a little blurry, and so my trip to the Landmark spa couldn’t have been better timed. Stocking the organic and utterly heavenly range of Voya products, the Anti-Ageing Reviver facial and Seaweed Oil massage will revive even the most fragile of figures. There’s a very fresh pool, and the peaceful treatment rooms, and the complete isolation from the rest of the world makes it just the sort of place to spend the whole day.
I left the Landmark London feeling pampered inside and out. It was a little odd as a London resident, stepping out from an unfamiliar palace of bliss onto the ever-so familiar Marylebone Road. Whether you’re in London for a night or need domestic escape as a resident, this is the kind of luxury hotel you want to take a chance on. Just don’t forget the compulsory Voya seaweed massage…
222 Marylebone Road
London NW1 6JQ
