A Strict Summer in London
Recent London favorites (best meals, designer vintage, where to bask), countryside escapes, and all the details on how to book a dreamy trip across the pond xx
London will forever be one of my favorite places to visit. I try to go bi-annually — once in June (if I’m lucky aligning with the heatwave) and once in Oct or Nov (for cozy festive fall vibes). Each trip is sweeter than the last. I always aim to mix a bit of new good stuff on my hit list with my enduring favorite Strictest spots. That goes for hotels, art, shopping, food…I’ve curated a list of hot stuff and hot trips from my last adventure! Plus a fan-fav map for you to save of all the spots for strict & easy navigation on the go at the end. I hope you enjoy <3
Where I Stayed
I am deeply in a hotel era right now. So much of my travel is hotel-motivated. The design, the curation, the intentionality, the details, the elevated experience, and honestly, inspiration I leave with, draws me in and keeps me booking more trips (and daydreaming of opening my own one day). Going into this summer and London trip, I knew I had to finally make it to Estelle Manor in the English Countryside. Let me tell you…it did not disappoint, and potentially even…exceeded my expectations? Let’s get into it:
But first, a note on my how I booked and optimized by stay…
I start every trip planning process by texting my best friend (who doubles as my Fora travel advisor) and tell her all the hotels on my hit list and the dates I’m trying to travel. A hour later I’ll get an email with my confirmed itinerary, guaranteed early check-in and late check-out, free breakfast, request for an upgrade, and resort credit — all booked with the lowest available rate. Since I am staying at so many hotels, I am always trying to maximize luxury while minimizing cost. Catch me booking the lowest room category but securing upgrades and free massages. I simply will not book a hotel without Fora now because it would honestly be such a missed opportunity. I pay zero dollars more, I spend way less time booking and communicating with the hotel, and get a truly customized experience tailored to me by someone who knows me (and Strictness) so well. It’s a no-brainer.
Something I love the most and I think is the most helpful is that your advisor can also help you narrow down a list of hotels to find the very Strictest (or build you a personalized list from scratch), give you the real tea on the hotel you keep seeing on your FYP, or find you the perfect room within a hotel that fits your dreams/ would accommodate your party best. Fora has so many different advisors that are experts in unique niches and kinds of travel — and they can also build and book full itineraries including meals & activities for you!
Ok, time for the download on Estelle.
I am sickeningly obsessed with these umbrellas. I think I took 100 pics of them everyday.
Every single corner of every single room was so intentionally decorated. Notes I took: Layer art on top of tapestries, fill rooms with colorful dried flowers, the more stripes the better, frame art between bookshelves, play with patterns on patterns.
The gift shop was so well curated it was insane. So much so, that I walked in and was actually wearing the exact set and sandals they were selling.
The Eynsham Baths were beyond epic. Two story, gorgeous, massive Roman-inspired spa. While it was an additional cost (edge taken off with resort credit), I couldn’t recommend it enough. You get to hang out in there for two and a half hours. Dipping and basking. Peak relaxation.
It was lovely staying in the main Manor House, but I also love how each room type has a slightly different style — my next pick would be the stable rooms for the in-room checkered fireplaces!!
It was truly lush and luxurious, the property is vast, cozy and inspiring. In short, I’ll be back.
Ok, now for London Town!!!! We hopped on the train from the countryside and an hour and half later we were at The Twenty Two in Grosvenor Square. This was another hotel on the tippy top of my hit list I booked with Fora. Again, ultimate ease, upgrades, perks, and importantly, the most delicious welcome canelé of my life. You know my weakness…and it’s overly wallpapered walls and the perfect combination of pale blue and hot red. Oh and checkers. CHECKKKK. Give me Robe Time, a massive bath tub, and three (free) green liquids to start my day.
Other notes on The Twenty Two:
The lemon pasta was the best of my life. Definitely have dinner out on the terrace.
It’s next door to my favorite matcha in London, Tease.
Generally, location is excellent and very chic. Very central and close to multiple Undergrounds, and a lot of shopping.
Definitely a small hotel, so feels quaint, but doesn’t have massive “hanging out” space. But that works well because you’ll be busy running around London (and rooms very pretty large for a city).
Try to get a room with wallpaper.
It’s a private club, so fun to check it out without being a member!
Bathrooms are massive and epic.
Also! I know a lot of you are Strict travelers…if you are the person who always organizes, does research and planning for your group/family, I highly recommend becoming a Fora advisor yourself. I think this is what makes Fora so different than other traditional travel agencies — you can sign up, share your special talent of curating magical adventures with your loved ones, friends of friends, and complete strangers, and collect commission, making money on each trip you book!! I can fill a whole hand of friends who are now Fora advisors and love the creativity (and income) that comes with travel planning. And I love it even more because they hook me up with incredible stays & VIP perks around the world :)
Things I Did: Where I Shopped & Basked
Art to see in London right now: (Three Heavy Hitters)
If you know me or have been following of a sec, you know I’m actually obsessed with Yoshitomo Nara. His exhibit at Southbank Centre is open through the end of August and it’s my Superbowl. You can’t miss it!
Royal Academy Summer Exhibition is always a must see every summer. It’s been running without interruption since 1769, and boasts a colorful curation of works for sale and your viewing pleasure. Room after room, art is stacked all the way up to the ceiling. It’s such a great way to discover new artists or even get a super unique piece to build or start your collection.
Cartier Exhibit is at the V&A through mid-November and is absolutely buzzing. Book in advance (it’s sold out at least a month out) or buy a membership to get in anytime (but make sure you do it day before you want to go though). Truly stunning collection and an essential stop for anyone that enjoys jewelry.
Places to Bask: my essentials to soak in the London good life
You must jump in the Heath on a warm summer day. Highly recommend a lap and a lay at the Ladies Pond. It’s heaven.
Take your book and bask in Hyde Park or walk circles or to Notting Hill through Kensington Gardens.
Where I Shopped
OK first up, I always like to scan Liberty & Selfridges for brand discovery and SALE FINDS!!!! Plus, a quick swoon at top floor fabrics, ribbons, buttons at Liberty of course.
Destinations for designer vintage: I normally take one spin in South Ken and another in Notting Hill. The former best paired with a matcha from Tease & cardamom bun at Hjem (and Reemies banana pb cub muffins in your bag for a snack later) and the later with a lunch at Strakers or Canteen. More on good food later…