Northshore magazine showcases the best that the North Shore of Boston, MA has to offer.
Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/976908
NORTHSHOREMAG.COM 42 MAY 2018 beautifully appointed room is furnished with a queen-sized bed with a goose down duvet and pillows, and luscious Egyptian cotton sheets; a dainty writing desk overlooks the courtyard; and a deep marble bath beckons after my jaunt across the pond. After unpacking, I head to the intimate spa to experience the "jetlag massage" given by wellness guru Coralie Biseuil—the experi- ence will kick-start your weekend away. A kind French woman, she offers advice on exercise and nutrition as well as tips on how to stay balanced even with a stressful work schedule. Before I head out to explore London, an early afternoon cream tea is served at the hotel's new GBR restaurant, complete with smoked Scottish salmon, coronation chicken finger sandwiches, and berry scones with clotted cream and jam. (I opted to indulge in a glass of champagne instead of the tea.) Once I am satiated, it's time to explore the city on foot on the Royal London Walk. Our tour guide offers us a glimpse into the royal attributes of the city. Our first stop is Floris of London located on Jermyn Street, a 1730 perfumery that is the oldest independent per- fumer in the world. It is also the only appoint- ed Perfumer to her Majesty the Queen. We get to smell perfumes made for Princess Diana, along with the colognes Winston Churchill and Sean Connery wore. Our guide takes us through affluent Mayfair, past the private members' clubs, where you can imagine London's well-heeled meeting for a spot of sherry. We pass Lock & Co. Hatters and Berry Bros & Rudd Ltd. Wine Merchants, two other shops that have been granted the Royal Warrant. We learn about the history of St. James Palace and Clarence House, and then stroll along Pall Mall, and watch the Changing of the Guard at Bucking- ham Palace. We tour Whitehall, and Westmin- ster Abbey, and Big Ben. e history here is so rich and deep, I decide in order to be a true Anglophile, I better brush up on my British history once I get home. Our guide, a wonder- ful historian, is so knowledgeable about every monarchy, he makes the experience fly by. After the two-hour walking tour, we head back to the hotel to freshen up for cocktails— but not just any cocktails. We are fortunate enough to get a lesson in martini making from DUKES Bar head barman and martini guru Alessandro Palazzi. is bar is also where retired spy and James Bond series author Ian Fleming was inspired to write 007's iconic line, "Shaken, not stirred." Palazzi is a widely credited name within the bar industry and his incomparable skills have led DUKES's martinis to be regarded as amongst the best in London—they are divine. We then head down to the GBR for tradition- al pub fare—fish and chips, the perfect taste of England after a day of sightseeing. is trip has only grown my appreciation for this friendly yet formal culture. I can't wait to plan my next visit to one of my favorite cities in the world. Top to bottom, The beautifully appointed hotel room is furnished with a queen-sized bed with a goose down duvet; DUKES Bar head barman and martini guru Alessandro Palazzi; early afternoon cream tea at the hotel's new GBR restaurant. / F A C E S + P L A C E S / FLORIS OF LONDON PERFUMERY + Jermyn Street recieved the first Royal Warrant as Smooth Pointed Comb Maker to HM The King George IV. FORTNUM & MASON + This centuries-old emporium offers luxury and hard-to-find food items such as ultra-British chocolates, biscuits, teas, and jams. KENSINGTON PALACE + Not only does the self-guided palace tour take you through centuries of the British monarchy, but they also take you through the exhibit "Diana Her Fashion Story," which includes Princess Diana's incredible dress collection. SPENCER HOUSE + Just around the corner from DUKES, Spencer House is recognized as the most ambitious aristocratic town house ever built in London and the only 18th- century private palace to survive intact. V&A MUSEUM + One of the greatest collections of decorative arts in the world. And it is open until 10 p.m., so you can explore the city by day and the museum by night. MUST-DO LIST GETTING THERE WHERE TO STAY NORWEGIAN AIR + Fly Norwegian Air direct from Boston for a comfortable flight. The cabin crew are friendly and helpful. norwegian.com/us DUKES HOTEL + Only a 5-minute walk to Buckingham Place, this boutique hotel puts you close to all the historic gems of this majestic and magical city. dukeshotel.com