lovely jubbly london

Aman Spa at The Connaught

We decided to treat ourselves well this Easter with a little relaxation courtesy of the spa. While we always visit the spa in Portugal, we never do the same closer to home. I think this is the start of a dangerous addiction. Maybe a blog series investigating the UK's best spas?! 

The husband is now hiding my credit card.

Anyway, after a bit of research I was torn between the Four Seasons and the Connaught. The treatment I wanted wasn't offered in most London spas so that helped narrow my choices. In the end, I decided to book us into the Aman Spa at the Connaught Hotel.

Hidden in Mayfair, the Connaught houses the first Aman spa outside of an Aman resort.

On arrival, we were given fresh lemongrass tea and filled out some paperwork including an optional quiz to determine your dosha.

Since the husband I were both having treatment, we were shown to a double treatment room. In our room there was a private changing area with double shower although no toilet. I only say this because after having tea and listening to therapeutic running water I wanted to use the loo before my treatments which meant leaving the main spa area.

After putting on our robes, the treatment started with a footbath and discussion of what was ahead. If you are having a massage, you are given the oils to smell and choose what best suits you. I started with a mud wrap so the therapist asked what I hoped to get out of it and decided which oils to blend with the clay.

Time for another disclaimer- even though there were therapists available of both sexes, I was assigned the male and the husband was given the female. I found it slightly odd since I was having a full body mud wrap but went with it anyway knowing I had a massage to follow and wanted some strong hands.

Now, the treatments. I started with a mud wrap which was made to be moisturising. After the winter we are still having, my skin desperately needed some quenching. While the mud was working its magic, I experienced heaven in the form of a scalp massage. If you are like me and love having your hair brushed or head rubbed, you will love it. I swear I could feel my sinuses opening and my head clearing with each pressure point.

The husband went for an hour and a half massage and I topped up my mud wrap with one as well. The husband and I agreed these were probably some of the best we have ever experienced. They were so thorough that each finger was individually massaged. 

Not quite ready to call it a day, we took a short walk to The Wolseley for an afternoon treat before heading home in a state of absolute bliss.

Aman Spa at the Connaught

Tel: 0203 147 7305

Donuts. They're Electric.

I know you think I'm exaggerating when I return from the States and tell you I did nothing except have Dunkin Donuts every day. 

But, I'm not.

Sometimes I even go to DD twice a day.

Well, I've been missing my beloved donuts so I went on a little hunt for some donuts by a man from Chicago. Apparently the Doughnut Vault is quite the institution. And I wasn't disappointed.

In the lobby of the Electric Cinema, I found Electric Donuts.

Every Wednesday to Sunday there are different varieties on offer.

More importantly, there are limited trays. So go early.

Chocolate Glazed, Birthday Cake, and Roasted Coconut

I tasted a variety for you. They were delicious. You're welcome.

I would describe these as classic American cake donuts. If you are after the classic Krispy Kreme glazed, this place is not for you.

So my friends, is this the best donut in London?

Until this happens.

Mariage Frères

On my last trip to Selfridges, I stumbled across a new concession freshly arrived from France. Mariage Frères has been specialising in tea for over 130 years and carries over 500 varieties.

The selection is amazing and I really never knew tea could smell quite so good. In addition to pre-made tins, you can even make your own blend right on the spot.

Even my very English husband has been enjoying the fine French tea instead of his usual cuppa.

Best of all, it's reasonably priced and packaged nice enough to make the perfect gift.

Why not treat yourself or someone you love?

The Basement {at Selfridges} Part 2

I must admit it's been quite a while since I've been to my beloved Selfridges. Luckily, some things only change for the better and the basement is better than ever.

Like the new Anthropologie home section.

Anthro + Selfridges = true love

Plus a selection from Prince Charles' Highgrove shop.

Best of all?

The Christmas shop is back in it's original home.

Instead of Santa, this is the year of the reindeer.

I must admit I kinda wanted one.

If you want a treat...

Rococo Chocolate can't be beat!

Sunbury Antiques Market

I have finally found it.

The best antiques market near London is at Kempton Park.

For those of you without a car, don't fret- there is a train station in the parking lot and plenty of vans ready to deliver your goods straight to your door.

Word of warning? Arrive early. We arrived at 6.30am and 4 hours later, I still felt like I wasn't finished. Upon opening, many dealers will only have a small selection of their items out. An hour later, every stand will be unrecognisable and new goods will appear with every pass.

 

 

 

 

If you see something you definitely want, buy it then and there. Many items I liked were gone by my second pass and while some dealers will take credit cards, cash is definitely king.

I brought the above home with me and if the sideboard wasn't so large, you can bet I would have bought more! Many people bought the large baskets on wheels (laundry baskets?) and then used them to hold everything they bought which was genius.

Sunbury Antiques

Kempton Park Racecourse

Station: Kempton Park 

Trains depart from London Waterloo and take 45 minutes direct.

The market takes place the second and last Tuesday of each month.

Don't worry about bringing food, the food truck makes surprisingly yummy toasted breakfast sandwiches. 

{Darling} Dorking

This weekend I discovered the charming little town of Dorking. The antiques on West Street are definitely not to be missed.

If antiques aren't your thing, Dorking also has a variety of modern shops and a little bit of American history to boot.

Dorking can easily be reached by train from London if you don't have a car.

Bespoke London Street Signs

The London street sign is an icon we all know and love. I remember when I first moved to London looking in my A-Z to see if there was a street with my surname.

There is. Oh, how I wanted it for myself! 

Luckily, you no longer need to do anything illegal to have your very own street sign. You just need the money!

Thanks to TFL's new service, it doesn't even matter if your name is a real street or not. Best of all, these are real genuine signs made by the same people who make the ones you see all over London.

If trains are more your thing, they even offer railway signs.

Aren't they amazing?

For you fellow expats, these would be great souvenirs to remind you of your time spent in this glorious city. 

TFL Bespoke Signs

All pics from TFL

Monki

Have you heard of Monki? Owned by H&M, the line is described as a cross between Scandinavian sensibility and Japanese quirkiness. The first UK concession has opened at Selfridges and is sure to succeed with its low price points.

Monki can be found on the ground floor of Selfridges London. 

Marks & Spencer Foodhall Overhaul

If you know me at all, you know how much I love M&S for groceries. When I read that they were overhauling their foodhalls again, I was a bit unsure. The last change they made (introducing other brands) I didn't like so I wasn't sure whether this new improved foodhall would impress me.

Well, M&S, you did it. The first of the new foodhalls is at the High Street Kensington branch and I love it. Deli counters, made to order fresh pasta and specialist international food items combined with tradition own brand products make this M&S something special.