Family Life, Food & Dining, Top 10, Travel

Top 10 Best Luxury Hotels in Saigon/Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam: Where to Stay, Where to Eat & What to Do

Saigon/Ho Chi Minh City. NHYM 2025. This post contains affiliate links.

Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon, has had a radical transformation since I first visited 30 years ago, when it opened itself to the modern world after years of war and communism. It used to be filled with the past vestiges of colonialism and communism, with few modern amenities: there were only a few cars and hotels around. Fast forward, and it now looks like a bustling Asian Metropolis, like Bangkok or Hong Kong. Each time I go, I am amazed by how much it has changed and modernised, and it is now almost unrecognisable from when I went in the 90s.

The hotel scene in Saigon/Ho Chi Minh still has some catching up to do and isn’t quite as developed as Bangkok’s (Bangkok has some of the best hotels in the world at the moment: read my post on Bangkok’s Top 10 here) or Hong Kong’s, and my favourite hotels in Vietnam aren’t actually in the city: The Regent Phu Quoc is truly a 6 star, the Nam Hai Four Seasons is as good as a Four Seasons gets, and the Six Senses Ninh Van Bay is so picturesque and beautiful, it’s out of a Bond movie. What the city does have is plenty of great value luxury hotels for very reasonable prices with good service, good food and nice, comfortable rooms.

There are so many hotels to choose from, that it can be hard to know what/where to book as a foreigner if you’re going for the first time, so here are my Top 10 recommendations if you want advice from someone who travels regularly to Vietnam and has spent months there at a time:

1,Hotel des Arts: Best for Boutique Luxury. It’s downside is that it isn’t in D1 which is the center of the city and where most of the action is happening. It does have a great rooftop bar and pool though, and more character than your average chain hotel, so for a boutique luxury experience, it’s hard to beat.

BOOK HOTEL DES ARTS – M Gallery HERE

2. Park Hyatt: Best for location and an oasis in the city. Also good for families. The Park Hyatt is the opposite: it has the best location but it is a bit tired and it’s decor a little old. Right next to the Opera House, it has a great location, and a large pool and lush gardens, so it is has a lot of pluses, but for me, I prefer more modernised rooms so it’s not my personal choice, but will fit the needs of someone looking for a familiar brand.

BOOK THE PARK HYATT SAIGON HERE

3. The Hilton Saigon: Best for brand new & modern. It just opened in 2024 and is the epitome of modern luxury. It’s already become a favourite, so book fast before it sells out. It has all the mod cons you can ask for and for those looking for a modern, safe option, I would suggest this one. It’s a little pricier than some of the others, but for peace of mind, it’s a good choice.

BOOK THE HILTON SAIGON HERE

4.Fusion Original Saigon Centre: Best for shopaholics and families. On top of the Saigon Centre shopping mall, it has all the shopping you could ask for, from western brands like Diptyque and Cartier, to Asian food courts and markets. It shares a large swimming pool with Sedona Suites if you want to get some laps in. There are great family suites for a fraction of the price of most hotels, without sacrificing comfort or service (we stayed in one). For those who love to be in the middle of the action, Fusion Original is great. You can watch the locals shopping, eating and hanging out on a Saturday night for a taste of Saigon/Ho Chi Minh culture.

BOOK FUSION ORIGINAL SAIGON CENTRE

Fusion Original Pool. NHYM 2025.

5.The Myst Dong Khoi: Best for a unique, charming boutique hotel. The Myst’s architecture is hard to miss but somehow works. The interiors blend Colonial and Vietnamese furniture and accessories, making it more original than your usual 5 star hotel. It’s warm and inviting and has a rooftop pool and bar. It’s located on Dong Khoi, one of the best shopping streets of Saigon.

BOOK THE MYST DONG KHOI HERE

6. Liberty Central Saigon Citypoint: Best for value for money and cool rooftop bar and pool. Liberty Central Saigon Citypoint is one of the best deals in the city on a budget but still looking for luxury. It is across from the Fusion Original Saigon Centre so also has a great location and access to shopping. I stayed there once with my mum and 2 kids and found it a great choice.

BOOK LIBERTY CENTRAL CITYPOINT

7. Caravelle Saigon: Best for an oldie but goodie. Caravelle Saigon has been around for years, and has been renovated over time and has probably one of the best locations in the city, but it can be very noisy so one to avoid if you are sensitive to street noises and parties, which happen frequently around it. It also has a spa and pool, for those who appreciate a quick dip and pamper after a hectic day in the city. Its rooftop bar, Saigon Saigon, has been popular for years, but is now under renovation to compete with the hipper, newer rooftop bars. There are plenty of oldies like the Rex, the Majestic and the Continental, which all survived the years of war, but in my opinion, the Caravelle has been the best maintained of them all.

BOOK CARAVELLE SAIGON HERE

8.La Siesta Premium: Best choice on Tripadvisor. Although I’ll admit that I have never stayed there, it’s highly rated on Tripadvisor (“Number one on Tripadvisor and 5/5 star rating) and looks great, so wanted to make sure to include it on my list. It’s very luxurious with a cool rooftop pool and bar, I would say it’s more for couples than families, which is why we’ve never stayed. The location is good, but not as good as some of the above.

BOOK LA SIESTA PREMIUM HERE

9.Hotel Indigo Saigon: Best for all around modern & new choice. Another very highly rated hotel, the Hotel Indigo Saigon is a modern, luxurious choice and recently opened under the IHG Group in Feb 2025. Its location is slightly different to the others, in Ba Son, near the riverside, with old shipyard mementos all over the hotel, giving it more character than your standard corporate hotel. It’s near the Vincom Centre for shoppers as well. As with many of the others I have chosen, there is a great rooftop pool.

BOOK HOTEL INDIGO SAIGON by IHG

10. An Lam Retreats Saigon River: Best for out-of-the-city river retreat. For my last recommendation, I chose something a little different. There are only so many 5 star hotels you can review and distinguish from one another. This one is out of the city on the Saigon River, blending in with the jungle and nature of the outskirts of Saigon. It’s for those who want a little city break from the hustle and bustle of Saigon, which can get overwhelming. So, for a quiet couples retreat, I would go for a few days.

BOOK AN LAM RETREATS SAIGON RIVER

View from SENS Restaurant on top of Bitexo Tower. NHYM 2025.

WHERE TO EAT:

Here are a few of my recommendations for restaurants to try for both local Vietnamese food as well as some fine dining options. I’ve chosen them also for their settings, because good food isn’t enough anymore: the vibes matter.

1.SH Garden: For a casual yet delicious restaurant in D1 on the 1st floor of an old colonial building.

2.Ngon: Very cool courtyard setting. It’s huge and popular so go in advance to get a table. The food is pretty standard Vietnamese fare, but I definitely liked the vibe.

3.Vo Roof: Cool rooftop Vietnamese food, voted one of the best restaurants in Asia.

4.Secret Garden: the decor is more pared back and elegant than most restaurants, it’s a cute little restaurant for a quiet night.

5.The Deck: In the expat area outside the center of the city, the Deck has a beautiful setting on the Saigon River. It’s got western food for those looking for a change from Vietnamese food.

6.Anan: This is a one Michelin starred street food restaurant, so it’s worth a try.

7.Coco Dining: Fine dining offering contemporary Vietnamese food, it’s got 2 restaurants on site and a whiskey bar. We went for date night, so has that kind of vibe.

8.Sens Dine & Wine: At the top of the Bitexo tower, it has some of the most spectacular views of Saigon. Best for a special occasion. There was a birthday party next to us, and we went for a multi-generational family dinner.

9.Propaganda: It’s a popular one for tourists, with its quirky decor, and has French and Vietnamese influences, with Banh Mi and chocolate mousse on offer.

10. Cafe Runam: The Vietnamese chain is where all the locals go, so for a real Vietnamese experience, it’s got all the popular Vietnamese dishes.

WHAT TO DO IN SAIGON/HO CHI MINH CITY

(Press on link to see full details).

1.Immersive Cooking School

2. Water Puppet Show: Fun activity for the kids.

3. Mekong Delta And Coconut Village Tour

4. Half day Cu chi tunnels in Speedboat

5. Saigon River Cruise

6. Saigon Walking Tour: History, Culture & Local Coffee

7. Hop on Hop Off Bus

8. SHOPPING! Saigon Centre, Vincom Centre, Ben Thanh Market etc… The Vietnamese love shopping and it’s so apparent in their malls and markets.

9. Cat Cafe: For animal lovers and kids. My kids loved it!

10. Rooftop Bars. There are plenty! Saigon Saigon, Sky Deck, Rooftop of Liberty Central/Hotel Arts, Banana Mama etc…

Enjoy!

xx

Standard
Family Life, food, Food & Dining, Food & Dining, Health & Wellness, Reviews, Top 10, Travel

10 Best Luxury Hotels in Bangkok, Thailand: Where to Stay & What to Do

Bangkok is one of my favourite cities in the world and it is currently having a moment: its hotels and restaurants are considered the best in the world (3 out of the Top 20 restaurants in the World’s Best Restaurants 2025 and 3 of the top 10 hotels in the World’s Best Hotels 2025 are in Bangkok) and has had the most annual visitors than any other city in 2025/2026. It is busy, buzzing, affordable, with some of my favourite, most welcoming people, delicious food, amazing hotels and the best service and massages – EVER. If I have a choice to travel between Asia, and pretty much anywhere else, I always choose Asia. And Bangkok has it all. The Shopping. The Nightlife. The Hotels. The Restaurants. The Spas.

Bangkok's Grand Palace: The Complete Guide

Grand Palace, Bangkok. Photos in this post courtesy of the internet & NHYM 2026.

This post contains affiliate links.

I actually lived in Bangkok for five of my formative years and it was a WONDERFUL and WILD experience. Yes, it is dirty and and it can feel overwhelming, oppressively hot and the traffic is horrendous, but beyond that lies warm, welcoming people, a rich culture, gorgeous palaces and some of the best food in South East Asia, and I loved it. So any time I have the chance, I love going back.

WHERE TO STAY

Mandarin Oriental Hotel. NHYM 2026.

There are so many fabulous hotels in Bangkok, that it was hard to narrow my list down to the Top 10 Best Luxury Family-Friendly Hotels in Bangkok. I’ve chosen some for Nostalgia’s sake or because of something specific that sets that hotel apart.

1. The Mandarin Oriental Bangkok (Bangkok Riverside): Considered the oldest and most famous hotel in Bangkok, it has welcomed presidents, celebrities and is considered one of the best hotels in the world. It’s been around for a long time (my parents stayed there 50 years ago when they moved to Bangkok for the first time). It is one for those who want to experience the history of Bangkok.

BOOK THE MANDARIN ORIENTAL BANGKOK HERE

MAP

See related image detail. Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok (Main Pool) | Four seasons hotel, Hotels ...

Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok. NHYM 2026.

2. Four Seasons Chao Phraya (Bangkok Riverside): For amazing service and Four Seasons quality, it’s hard to beat the Four Seasons. It only opened in 2020, so it is brand new and modern. It has already won so many awards and accolades, it ranked 2nd in the World’s Best Hotel Awards 2026. It’s all got all the bells and whistles of a top Four Seasons hotel, so if you can, stay there.

BOOK THE FOUR SEASONS CHAO PHRAYA HERE

3. Capella Bangkok (Bangkok Riverside): For those who like a modern design, the Capella is modern and sleek and also brand new. It has already won World’s Best Hotel in 2024 and came 3rd in 2025, so it’s already one of the world’s favourite hotels. Need I say more?

BOOK CAPELLA BANGKOK HERE

Bangkok views. NHYM 2016

4. The Sukhothai (Sathorn): For those who are looking for Old World charm and Thai character, the Sukhothai holds its own next to the Mandarin Oriental. It has beautiful Thai architecture with surrounding ponds, that exudes Thai design and warmth, this one is best for those who want to be immersed in Thai culture the moment they step into their hotel.

BOOK THE SUKHOTHAI BOOK

5.Dusit Thani (Silom): The Dusit Thani Thai hotel brand is a well known luxury hotel brand that has reasonable prices with the warmth of Thai service. The Dusit Thani Bangkok recently re-opened in 2024 to reveal a modernised, more intimate hotel experience. It is also in a great location for shopping near MBK Center and Siam Paragon Center.

BOOK THE DUSIT THANI HOTEL BANGKOK HERE

6. Le Meridien Bangkok (Silom): One of my oldies but goodies for luxury good value. I lived there when I moved to Bangkok 28 years ago. Needless to say, it has been renovated and looks good as new. I have fond memories of eating at their Coffee Shop, pineapple fried rice, and soups. It is near some big malls, so you can save money for the shopping.

BOOK LE MERIDIEN BANGKOK HERE

Provided by Bing Places for Business

Vertigo Bar, Banyan Tree Hotel, Bangkok. NHYM 2026.

7. Banyan Tree (Sathorn): Although it’s not the best location for me, its Rooftop Restaurant and Bar, Vertigo, is really worth seeing. It has panoramic views of Bangkok and is one of the best in the city. Another famous rooftop in Bangkok, Sky Bar at lebua tower, is also very well known, with its bar hanging over a vertiginous edge.

BOOK BANYAN TREE BANGKOK HERE

8.The Ritz Carlton Sukhumvit is beautiful and has a great location, but pricey for Bangkok standards. For similar location, but better value, try the Hyatt Regency Sukhumvit or the Sofitel Sukhumvit. Sukhumvit is my favourite area in Bangkok and where I lived growing up. It was the most popular area for the expats with

BOOK THE RITZ CARLTON SUKHUMVIT HERE

Avani Riverside NHYM 2016

9. Avani Riverside & Anantara Riverside (Bangkok Riverside): For its rooftop infinity pool. The Avani Riverside has one of the most breathtaking rooftop infinity pools and bar overlooking the Chao Phraya River. I went years ago with my kids, and thought that one day I might return, for its modern design, good value and stunning rooftop pool.

BOOK AVANI RIVERSIDE HERE

The Peninsula Bangkok Experience

Peninsula Pool, Bangkok. NHYM 2026.

10. The Peninsula Bangkok (Bangkok Riverside): For its beautiful riverside pool and boats that take you to ICON SIAM Mall, the Peninsula is the epitome of Asian Luxury.

BOOK THE PENINSULA BANGKOK HERE

BANGKOK – WHAT TO DO

Long Boat Tour Bangkok. NHYM 2026.

Here are my Top 10 Activities to do in Bangkok:

1.Temples: You can’t come to Bangkok without visiting its spectacular temples. The temples in Thailand are some of the most wonderful and intricate temples in the world, and are unmissable. A tour of Wat Po and the Grand Palace are must do’s. For a better experience, it’s easier to get an expert to show you around.

BOOK A TOUR OF THE TEMPLES HERE

Buddha Bangkok NHYM 2016

2. Food: Thai food is some of the best food in the world. For the chefs in the making, you can always take a thai cooking class otherwise there is so much delicious food to try, from Pad Thai, Pad See Ew, Cashew Chicken to Thai Fried Rice to Thai green curry. Thai is what you could call me comfort food: I love it and takes me back to being a teenager. I do NOT recommend to eat street food. Locals have built in microbiomes and antibodies against the local bacteria, but most non-Asian stomachs will not survive. Only drink bottled water and eat from hygienic, clean restaurants.

BOOK A THAI COOKING CLASS HERE

3. Tuk Tuks: Last time I went to Thailand, I was sad to see that there are less and less tuk tuks around because it was my favourite mode of transport when I was younger, with the wind in my hair and the agility of tuks tuks to get around a lot of traffic obstacles. They are still around for tourists, so take a ride at night – the traffic is too dense in the daytime.

BOOK A TUK TUK TOUR HERE

Bangkok Khlong. NHYM 2016

4. Long Boat Trips: Called the Venice of the East, wandering the canals, ‘khlongs’ in a long boat is a unique activity. You can spot water monitors along the canals, large lizards that can go up to 2 meters in length.

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, Bangkok

Floating Market Bangkok, NHYM 2026.

5. Floating Market: The long boat trip can be combined with a floating market trip, which are famous, selling mangoes and flowers and other Thai delicacies.

BOOK A FLOATING MARKET TOUR HERE

6. Night markets: Another famous Bangkok site, the night markets are famous for selling everything and anything under the sun: fake Guccis, T shirts, Thai bagpacks, silver jewellery, food and much, much more.

BOOK A NIGHT TOUR IN BANGKOK HERE

7. Nightlife: The nightlife scene in Bangkok is thriving, from nightclubs, to rooftop bars, to night markets to the red light district. Patpong, the biggest and most famous night market/bar area in Bangkok, should really be reserved for adults. For younger kids, check some more PG night markets or rooftop bars.

Image result for bangkok

Bangkok Nightlife. NHYM 2026.

8. Elephant Sanctuary: For younger kids who love animals, elephant sanctuaries is a must in Thailand. Just makes sure it is really a sanctuary and not a tourist trap. This will require a day trip, so make sure you have enough time to get there and back.

BOOK AN ELEPHANT SANCTUARY TOUR HERE

9. Ayutthya UNESCO Temple: For another day trip excursion, the temples are Ayuttyah are just as impressive (well, almost) as Angkor Wat. So if you’re in this part of the world and don’t know if you’ll be back anytime soon, it isn’t to be missed.

BOOK AN AYUTTHYA UNESCSO DAY TRIP HERE

Ayutthaya Thailand Temple , Top 5 des plus beaux temples à visiter à ...

Ayuttya, Thailand. NHYM 2026.

10. SHOPPING: Finally, my favourite activity in Bangkok not to be missed. There are so many Malls to choose from and are a part of Thai life, and the prices cheap (apart from Western products, which just as expensive or more than Asian ones). CentralWorld was my favourite mall growing up, while MBK was the budget-friendly mall I went to. There are newer ones as well, like SIAM Paragon and ICONSIAM are both new, shiny malls with every shop you could ask for. You could do a whole trip just for shopping.

For boys, Muay Thai boxing classes are a fun option!

Enjoy!!

xx

NHYM

Standard
Family Life

Paris With Kids: 20 Family-Friendly things to do with Kids in Paris

La Fondation Louis Vuitton, Parc d’Acclimation, NHYM 2025

There is so much to do in Paris, that I don’t need to tell you about the big sights that you already know about, but if you’re coming to Paris with your kids for the first time and are worried they might be bored, here are family-friendly activities like a family-friendly Louvre tour or a golf cart tour, that will get them excited about discovering Paris. If you’ve already done the big sights, there are some more off-the-radar activities too. I’ve also included shopping with teens and some fun workshops for the whole family.

  1. Private Tour with Kids: Notre Dame, Ile St Louis, La Seine, Le Louvre
  2. Bateaux Mouches River Seine Cruise
  3. Half day bike tour around Versailles
  4. Le Louvre with Kids
  5. Musee d’Orsay Family Friendly Tour
  6. Arc de Triomphe Rooftop Tickets & Champs Elysees
  7. La Tour Eiffel
  8. Jardin D’acclimation & Fondation Louis Vuitton
  9. Aquarium de Paris
  10. Macaron Baking Class for families and kids
  11. Golf Cart Tour of Paris
  12. Mini Perfume Workshop
  13. Catacombs
  14. Jardin des Plantes: Menagerie (litlle animal zoo) and the Gallery of Evolution audio guide.
  15. Eurodisney for the Day
  16. Montmarte Escape Game
  17. Parc Asterix: An amusement park 40 minutes from Paris, it is more manageable that Eurodisney, so it’s my choice over Eurodisney any day.
  18. Shopping: Galeries Lafayette FAO Schwarz and Patisserie Jellycat Store & Macaron making workshop at Galeries Lafayette. Shopping for teens: Galeries Lafayette, Le Marais (Rue des Francs Bourgeois, Rue des Rosiers and Rue Vieille du Temple), Monoprix at Forum des Halles Westfield. Kilo Shop and La Guerrisol for thrifting. Brandy Melville & Subdued on Rue de Rennes.
  19. Atelier des Lumieres: Le Petit Prince
  20. Chocolate Making Workshop

Have fun!

xx

NHYM

Standard
Family Life, food, Food & Dining, Reviews, Top 10, Travel

The Four Seasons in Venice: Top 10 Best Luxury Hotels in Venice & What to do in Venice

All Photos Copyright NHYM 2026

Venice has a special place in my heart, I knew it by heart way before Jeff Bezos and George Clooney entered the picture and had their weddings there. My first time was as a med student in my 20s, taking a £9 Ryanair flight and staying in a rental flat for the week with my uni friends. We roamed the streets during low season, buying groceries and capuccinos like local Venetians, and ended up in authentic Venetian bars at night for cicchetti and Barolo. Then came the romantic trip to the Danieli for my birthday with my now husband in my 30s, the trip with the kids in my 40s, and then the 40th and 50th birthday parties at Palazzos and the Aman. I have been to Venice for every reason and season of my life, and each time, came away with memories to last a lifetime.

1. Hotel Danieli, a Four Seasons Hotel: Best for Romance & Rooftops. For my romantic birthday weekend away, my fiance (now husband) whisked me away in a water taxi to the world famous Hotel Danieli. My father, who was still alive, approved. It is one of the oldest palaces in Venice, renowned for its old-school grandeur. It might not be the newest, most polished hotel, but it holds tons of history between its walls. The rooftop restaurant is one-of-a-kind with sprawling views of Venice. The management has recently been taken over by the Four Seasons, so it can only get better.

Venice Canal NHYM 2026

2. Hotel San Clemente Palace Kempinski: Best for Space and Kids. When we went to Venice with our kids for the first time, we knew they weren’t old enough to be sight-seeing all day long without whining, so we needed an alternate plan when the heat, the crowds and the sight-seeing would send them into full melt-downs. Enter the San Clemente Palace: the ultimate Venice Kids Palace Hotel on its own island and is a vast resort for the kids to run around once the sight-seeing was done. We found the perfect way to sight-see-with-kids: Our mornings were spent weaving through the canals on gondolas and shopping for masks, while the afternoons were spent around their fabulous swimming pool and its cabanas, eating pizza in its garden restaurant. This is my favourite hotel in Venice with kids, so I highly recommend it.

3. Hotel Cipriani:, a Belmond Hotel Best for Unlimited budget. If money is no object, the Cipriani Hotel has a similar premise to the San Clemente: it is on its own island and has water shuttles to take you to the center of Venice. It is a Belmond Hotel so has all the bells and whistles of the top hotels of the world. Its terrace and pool are beautiful and it is an oasis away from the bustling overcrowding, oppressive Venice in the Summer. Friends have taken their children, and raved about it.

Masquerade Ball Aman Venice NHYM 2022

4. Aman Venice Palazzo Papadopoli Hotel: Best for weddings and Birthday parties. When we were invited to a Masquerade Ball/Birthday Party at the Aman Venice, we thought, ‘if it’s good enough for Amal and George, it’s definitely good enough for us.’ and we weren’t wrong. The Aman is a special, beautiful boutique hotel in the heart of Venice that is hard to surpass. Everything about it is beautiful: its lobby, its garden, its ballroom and its rooms. We were treated to events in all of them: the garden for aperitivo, dinner in the ballroom and dancing in the lobby. Sitting under the painted frescoes of the grand ballroom with dancers surrounding us, was an experience to remember forever. Please excuse the blurry not-perfect pictures, clearly signs of a good party…

5. Gritti Palace: Best for Sunset drinks & Serious Luxury: The Gritti Palace needs no introduction. For the most wonderful sunset drinks on its terrace by the canal, the Gritti has to win hands down so even if you don’t stay at the Gritti, you can always stop by for a drink. With beautiful views and history, the Gritti has enthralled dignitaries and aristocrats for centuries. For that bucket list experience, the Gritti holds it own.

Aman Ballroom NHYM 2022

6. Hotel Nani Mocenigo Palace: Best for Value for a small Palazzo. When a Venetian friend of ours decided to throw his 50th birthday party, he chose the Nani Mocenigo Palazzo. It is more understated than the great big palaces of San Clemente and the Gritti, but for a cosy, boutique feel, and very reasonable prices, it is a hidden gem that only a Venetian would know about. It has a lovely courtyard in the back, a priceless commodity in Venice.

7. Palazzo Venart: Best for privacy and travellers in-the-know. A Leading Hotel of the World, Palazzo Venart is a private, beautiful retreat with private gardens and unique style in Venice. Unlike the sceney Gritti and Danieli, Palazzo Venart provides all the luxury amenities and service, while providing a private oasis in the middle of Venice. It’s like your own private Palazzo with your room to choose.

View from the Nani Mocenigo Palace NHYM 2024

8. Excelsior Venice Lido Resort: Best for a Venice Beach Resort. This hotel, 15 minutes away from central Venice, is right on a beach and has hosted the Venice Film Festival each year. Need I say more? It is an iconic hotel on a large stretch of beach and has more space than any other hotel in Venice: it has 4 restaurants and offers very spacious rooms. This is another great hotel for kids, and even has a kids club during high season.

9. Nolinski Venezia: Best for those looking for modern interiors in a historical exterior. A new hotel on the Venice scene, the Nolinski is truly unique in Venice. Its interiors are a mixture of Art Deco, contemporary and mid-century, which if you know me, is right up my interior-design alley. It’s perfect for those design/modern oriented visitors who don’t want the heavy drapes, gold-gilded rooms and frescoes. There is also a spa and rooftop pool, both a rarity in Venice.

10. Hotel Palazzo Stern: Best for its location on the Grand Canal. For those who want a historical experience, the Stern delivers. It was used in the 2003 movie ‘The Italian Job’ and some Netflix movies as well, so you can be sure it’s got a decor that impresses. With only 24 rooms it is cosy with a lovely terrace, perfect for those who can’t quite afford the Gritti but want a Grand Canalside experience.

Dancers at the Masquerade Ball NHYM 2022

WHAT TO DO WITH KIDS IN VENICE

  1. Mask Making
  2. Gondola Ride
  3. Treasure Hunt in DOGE’s PALACE
  4. Glass Factory Tour and Glass Blowing Workshop
  5. Pasta and Tiramisu Cooking Class
  6. Family Friendly Private Walking Tour

CHECK OUT OTHER ACTIVITIES WITH GET YOUR GUIDE:

Standard
Family Life, Food & Dining, Top 10, Travel

New York City with Kids: Top 10 Best Luxury Hotels in New York City & What to do with Kids

View of Statue of Liberty from the Water. All Photos in this post are copyright 2024 NHYM. This post contains affiliate links.

New York City is really my ‘Soul City.’ Even though I have lived in (and loved) London for almost 25 years and have built a happy, grounded family life, New York was my wild, passionate, love affair that I knew I had to eventually move on from. When I lived there in my 20s, I didn’t notice the dirty streets, the noisy honking or firetrucks blaring, or that the concrete jungle hid most of the sunshine and therefore any possible greenery. It didn’t matter, because I lived for the nightlife. For those who know, you know. The nightlife in the 90s was unforgettable: Tunnel and Limelight for dance music, Au Bar and Bilboquet for Euro spotting, Spy and Jet bar for the Soho Lounge Scene, Bowery bar and Bungalow 8 for the celebs, and finally Life and Spa for the best club nights I’ve had. Those were the best nights of my life.

View of the Empire State Building from the Edge NHYM 2024

But fast forward 25 years and I am happier than ever with my two gorgeous t(w)eens and I look back on those days with euphoric nostalgia, as a time I will never get back. So when it was time to take them to New York a few years ago, I had to make it the best-trip-ever. I wanted them to love it as much as I do so that I could come back over and over again and tell people ‘it’s because my kids love New York so much.’

Midtown Manhattan, NHYM 2024

When I told them we were going to New York, they both – separately – begged to stay at the Plaza. This is how strong Hollywood has entered our – and our kids’ – pysches. They both loved Home Alone so much that this was the only place they wanted to stay. Period. When I enquired, the hotel made it too easy for me to stay yes: they have rooms with two double beds that snuggly fit a family of four, the location is great and they have a magical ‘Home Alone Package.’ That clinched the deal.

Park Lane Hotel View of Central Park. NHYM 2024.

Needless to say, my kids LOVED New York and the Plaza, my eldest so much that she wants to live there. Maybe I went a little too far.

Brooklyn Bridge from the water. NHYM 2024

Of course there are all the usual ultra luxury hotels that everyone knows like The Pierre, the Waldorf Astoria (which was recently renovated), the Four Seasons, the Ritz Carlton and the other usual suspects but here are my top 10 Luxury Hotel Recommendations in NYC for families. Most of these have Family rooms or rooms with two double beds to fit a family of four. Others have suites to accommodate bigger families. Some were chosen for their locations, covering all of New York City, from the Upper West Side to the East Village to SoHo to the Brooklyn Bridge.

The Plaza Welcome Chocolate. NHYM 2024

  1. The Plaza (Central Park): With Home Alone 2 as advertisement, the Plaza needs no more introduction: it’s iconic. Their Home Alone Package includes pizza, a limo ride around Manhattan and a giant ice cream sundae back in your room. Need I say more? It was the highlight of their trip. Book the Plaza Here
  2. The Mandarin Oriental (Columbus Circle): This one is both for kids and adults: The Mandarin has beautiful rooms and views, and the Spa is one of the best in the city. There’s an Alo downstairs and plenty of shopping nearby, and is so centrally located you can go uptown/downtown/midtown in minutes. Book the Mandarin Oriental New York Here
  3. The Mercer (Soho Luxury): For the ultra fashion and trendy crowd, The Mercer is still a stalwart and its restaurant, Sartiano, an Italian-American restaurant, is named after a friend from my party days, Scott Sartiano. Book The Mercer Here
  4. The Wallace (Upper West Side Boutique): For those looking for a more neighbourhood experience, The Wallace in the Upper West Side will give you a real taste of living in NYC. Book The Wallace Here
  5. The Mark (Upper East Side Boutique): Same with the Mark, it has been around for ages, and is a boutique hotel in the Upper East Side if you want the ‘UES’ pied-a-terre experience. Book The Mark Here
  6. The Gansevoort (Meatpacking): For a great downtown location, the Gansevoort is next to the High Line, Little Island, all the meatpacking shopping and dining you can think of (CATCH, Pastis and more). They have a great rooftop bar and a pool for the kids to splash in (mornings only, sorry). Book The Gansevoort Here
  7. The Moxy East Village (East Village): For an East Village experience, the Moxy hits the mark with its more hip, young feel and its various family rooms. It’s a great fit for families looking for good value, various room options, some with bunk beds, and a more relaxed, fun atmosphere. Book Here for The Moxy
  8. The Soho Grand: The original SoHo luxury boutique hotel, it’s right in the downtown action. In SoHo, but near Tribeca and with easy access to the East Village, West Village, it is still a beloved hotel. The style is modern and elegant, the beds are comfy and is still a fun scene for older kids, but their rooms options are not as family friendly as some of the others. Book the Soho Grand Hotel Here
  9. 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge (Brooklyn): For the too-cool-for-Manhattan crowd who want to spend time in Brooklyn, this eco-friendly hotel gives you access to both Brooklyn and Manhattan. It has great views of the Brooklyn bridge, and there are lots of waterfront restaurants like Celestine, The River Cafe and Cecconis. Book 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge Here.
  10. The Peninsula (Fifth Avenue) : For ultimate luxury and service, it’s hard to beat the Peninsula. In addition, it has a large indoor pool and family perks. It has spacious, luxurious rooms for families, the Grand Deluxe Double with 2 double beds. Book The Peninsula Here.

M&M Store Times Square NHYM 2024

WHAT DO IN NEW YORK CITY WITH KIDS:

To make it an unforgettable trip, I planned a special surprise 7 Day Movie/TV Schedule for them, to keep them anticipating the next day. Each Day was themed around a TV Show or Movie and the whole day would revolve around it: filming spots, restaurants, scenes etc.. They loved it!

Day 1: Gossip Girl

For the Gossip Girl Lovers out there, New York is the ultimate set-jetting location. You could spend an entire trip just going to different set locations and living the life of Serena and Blair Waldorf. Both my kids love Gossip Girl and we spent our whole first day covering all the different Gossip Girl locations. We went to Central Park, where Blair and Chuck Bass got married. For your Central Park Carriage Ride, you can Book Your Central Park Carriage Ride with Kids here. Alternatively, you can take a Pedicab Ride Around Central Park.

The Met Steps feature constantly in Gossip Girl, where Serena and Blair spend their lunches. So it’s great to combine it with a trip to the Met. Book Your Tickets to the Met Here.

Finally, you can Restaurant-hop the Gossip Girls’ favourite haunts: Sarabeth/Butter/Empire Rooftop/Russian Tea Room/The Oak Room/STK/Gramercy Tavern.

Day 2: Elf

If you go to New York during Christmas Time, you have to watch Elf and hit all the Elf filming locations like the Empire State Building and the Rockefeller Center. Book here for the Empire State Building and Rockefeller Center. For hopeless romantics, you can also go to those for Sleepless in Seattle and An Affair to Remember.

Day 3: BIG

BIG is an oldie but goodie. It was one of my favourite movies growing up, and we had to recreate the FAO Schwartz scene on the life sized piano. The current FAO Scwarz is not as big as the original but it’s still fun and all kids love going to a toy store. David Moscow, the Tom Hanks kid-version, is one of my friends from when I lived in NYC, so I always love re-watching the movie with my kids. They cringe each time I say ‘there’s my friend!’

Day 4: MoneyBall

My husband, who loves sports, took my kids to a Mets Game, so we watched one of the best baseball movies of all time before they went: Moneyball. It’s a smart, interesting, thought-provoking movie that even people like me, who have no interest in baseball, love it. You might need to like Maths and Statistics though. Book here for a baseball Game/Knicks Game

Day 5: Night at the Museum

Night at the Museum is one of the best NY movies of all time, and we were lucky enough to get a tour from friends who are members. We learned about the Black Hole and the universe in 3D as well as ant terrariums and butterfly gardens. It is one of the greatest Museums of all time. Book Your Tickets to the Natural History Museum

Day 6: Home Alone 2

Now, of course the Home Alone tour around NYC in a Limo was their absolute highlight of our trip. We started out at the Plaza with a Limo, a large pizza and the Home Alone 2 film playing in the Limo. We organised our own itinerary, visiting the Empire State Building, 9/11 Memorial, the Statue of Liberty, Times Square M&M shop and finally ended up at the Plaza with the largest ice-cream sundae we had ever seen. This is definitely a bucket list experience for all Home Alone lovers: the chauffeur told me that he had just done a Limo Tour for Make-a-Wish Foundation patient. What a wonderful once in a lifetime gift.

The 16-scoop ice-cream sundae at the Plaza. NHYM 2024

BOOK YOUR HOME ALONE 2 LIMO RIDE & PIZZA HERE

Day 7: The Lion King

People always ask me if I’m going to see a Broadway Show when I go to New York, but tbh, I live in London. I can go to a show anytime and the shows in London are just as great. But for most people, a Broadway show is a highlight and The Lion King is one of my favourites. Book Your Broadway Show here.

My alternative Film for Day 7 was going downtown for a Ghostbusters filming tour. Need I say more?

I can guarantee that your kids will love this, and you can create your own schedule with their favourite NY movies.

Other absolutely necessary things to do with Kids:

-The High Line

– The Ice-Cream Museum

-The Edge: an alternative to waiting for the Empire State Building and Rockefeller Center lines, the Edge has great views of Manhattan. For the thrill seekers, the City Climb looks pretty fun! We didn’t have time to do it, but it’s on our list for next time!

-Restaurants: Any food you can ask for! See Gossip Girl Day for recommendations.

– Shopping: The shopping in New York is epic. Mostly because all the stores are so BIG! In Soho/West Village/Meatpacking District, you can go to thrift stores or fashion stores like Brandy Melville and make-up stores like Glossier etc.. it’s a girl’s paradise! For boys (but girls too) the Lego store is great! There are life-sized lego sculptures like New York Taxis, and Empire State Buildings, like below. It’s impressive.

Lego Store Midtown NHYM 2024

For more activities, you can always browse through Get Your Guide, which offers tons of tours and ideas.

NHYM

xx

http://www.nottinghillmummy.com

Manhattanhenge 2024. NHYM

Standard
Family Life, Food & Dining, Health & Wellness, Top 10, Travel

Top 10 Best Luxury Hotels in London: London’s Summer Party Social Scene & Where to stay in London

London Summer Parties – All Photos Taken by NHYM

Wimbledon Center Court- NHYM – 2024

When I was thinking about where to travel in June, I realised there was nowhere else like London: with the glorious weather and the best summer social scene in the world, everyone heads here in June. The London Summer Party Social Scene, also called ‘The Silly Season,’ really doesn’t compare to anything, anywhere else I know. This is the time my Instagram blows up with FOMO-inducing photos of Royal Ascot, Cartier Polo, the Chelsea Flower Show, Wimbledon, Henley Regatta, Silverstone, Goodwood (speed and horse racing), so many concerts and everyone’s summer party.

Royal Chelsea Flower Show NHYM 2025

And then there are fun-fair-themed garden parties, Summer Parties with Brazilian dancers, roaming musicians and bongo players, birthday countryside pool parties, Swedish mid-sommer parties with frog dancing, Member’s Clubs Summer Parties with Ibiza’s Ushaia DJs, School Summer Parties with summer jams, cake, and Pimms. And finally, 50th Birthday Parties, which range from garden parties, countryside parties and destination parties to St Tropez and Ibiza, to intimate, to backyard candle-lit dinners.

Brazilian dancers, bongo players at a Summer Party. NHYM 2025

June is a marathon, full-time party, and the Summer Party Schedule keeps starting earlier and earlier: this year my first Summer Party was in mid-May and the last one will be in mid-July (and there are at least 2 parties per weekend). It’s impossible to go to every social event, so it says a lot about which ones you choose to attend. My very English neighbour was at Royal Ascot 2 days ago and is heading to Wimbledon tomorrow. This year, I have a 50th almost every single weekend.

Backyard, candle-lit Ibiza Summer Party. NHYM 2025

If I get an invite, I will go to one of the ‘social scene’ events like Wimbledon, the Chelsea Flower Show, or Cartier Polo but I always prioritise two types of parties: my closest friends’ summer/birthday parties because they are the ones that really matter to me and it is about showing up for them (too many people have forgotten their manners these days), and the Serpentine Summer Party, because, well, it is the most fun with the coolest crowd. I love it because it brings together the creme-de-la-creme of the art (it is an art gallery after all), fashion (from Vivienne Westwood to Roksanda Ilincic), music (Pharell Williams sang one year), film (everyone from Orlando Bloom to Cate Blanchett), sports (Venus Williams pre-Wimbledon) and business world (Michael Bloomberg is a sponsor). Being surrounded by so many creative and talented people is incredibly inspiring, and I can still keep of dreaming that I, too, will become one of them, one day.

Serpentine Summer Party 2025

Last year, it was hosted by Cate Blanchette and I hung out with Rebel Wilson at the dessert table discussing MayrLife, compared dresses with Kelly Osbourne who wore the same designer as me, and danced with (well, next to) Alicia Vikander to DJ Gallivanter’s tunes in the Pavillion. This year, it is hosted by Salma Hayek, Alfonso Cuaron, and Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu, three Mexican cinematic powerhouses, in front and behind the camera.

Dua Lipa Concert, Wembley Arena NHYM 2025

So, no matter what you’re interested in, from horses to regattas, music to sports, London has something to offer everyone.

Where to Stay in London:

  1. Best for Serenity and Wellness: The Six Senses London
  2. Best for West London: The Kensington
  3. Best Romance & Rooftop Pool: The Berkeley
  4. Best in Old School Luxury in Mayfair: The Connaught
  5. Best in East London: Shoreditch House

NHYM Silverstone 2026

  1. Best for sustainability: 1 Hotel Mayfair
  2. Best for Cool Central Covent Garden: Nomad
  3. Best for City Views and Sky High Restaurants: Shangri-La The Shard
  4. Best Boutique: Number 16 Hotel South Kensington
  5. Best for middle-of-the-action-Leicester Square: The Londoner

Communal Garden Summer Party 2024

Standard
food, Food & Dining, Health & Wellness, Travel

The New Notting Hill ‘Wellness’ Scene

London is experiencing a full on ‘Well-naissance:’ long gone are the days of dancing on tables in dark corners of nightclubs, these days it’s all about drips and longevity. Even Tramp, the most louche, debaucherous nightclub I used to go to in my twenties, just launched a wellness members club: Tramp Health. The Arts Club already has a long-standing collaboration with Lanserhof, the medical retreat to the hard core wellness crowd (think, broth for dinner, crackers for lunch) and Annabel’s now even offers Sound Healing.

Cloud 12 Wellness After Dark

But the epicentre of Wellness in London has to be Notting Hill: it pops up more wellness-oriented businesses than anywhere in the capital: wellness memberships, exercise studios, restaurants (like the vegan Holy Carrot) and even food shops (a Whole Foods literally opened two weeks ago on Notting Hill Gate). Wellness Members Clubs are the hot new thing and I’ve already covered the new Six Senses Place members club, with access to the Six Senses Spa, gym and hotel facilities, which chose Notting Hill (well, Queensway) as their inaugural wellness club. An Australian friend looking for a good Acai bowl was bemoaning the lack of good Acai in South Kensington/Chelsea, reminding me that in Notting Hill, you can find Acai bowls on every street corner: Acai girls, Farm girl, Granger, Jusu Brothers, Oakberry, Jungle Berry etc…which is an indication of the demand and supply. But not all wellness fads survive, sadly Bodyism recently shut down, with a business model that was going to be hard to sustain, and is being replaced by an Alo store (another indicator of NH Wellness) and RePlace also closed recently.

Neeta Sharma of Grounded 1002

And then a few weeks ago, I was invited to a new concept launched by Cloud Twelve: ‘Wellness After Dark,’ which hosts weekly wellness sessions on Thursdays, with 50% off certain treatments and a ‘Wellness Social’ from 6:15pm-7pm. I was invited to try their new Infrared Sauna, which offers all kind of benefits from anti-ageing to weight loss and their ‘Wellness social,’ a rotating line-up of sessions given by guest practitioners. I attended the ‘Luxury of Knowing Yourself: Reset Through the Body,’ by Neeta Sharma of Grounded1002. Not knowing what to expect, I was welcomed with freshly foraged elderflower tea, a group of nice women, and an hour of connecting with one’s body with breathing, collective humming, tapping, body gua sha, and movement with Neeta’s guidance. I left feeling lighter, invigorated and in a better mood. I don’t know if it was the infrared sauna, the collective humming, or feeling part of a community, but it was a great way to spend a Thursday evening, prioritising myself and my wellbeing.

Neeta’s Gua Sha on sale on Grounded1002

There’s also the Method, which opened not one, but two studios in Notting Hill: first with the Nathalie Cafe on Westbourne Grove, where literally all the influencers go for their Matcha and Coffee, and their new studios on the intersection of Westbourne Grove and Pembridge Villas, in the flat-iron building, the Method Club, which offers ‘fun’ exercise classes with dancing and pilates involved. Two other gyms have opened, Third Space in The Whiteley and Form Studios across from it, all highlighting the current Wellness trend.

Finally, there are longevity clinics, popping up all over London, like Apogii, a Wellness and Longevity clinic in Notting Hill, which offers cryotherapy, infrared sauna and other longevity hacks, which was bought by Get-a-Drip, the iv clinic, which can top you up with anything from NAD+ to Vitamin C.

So, if you’re looking for a Wellness top-up, there’s nothing better than Notting Hill.

xx

NHYM

http://www.nottinghillyummymummy.com

Where to Stay in London:

  1. Best for Spa & Serenity: Six Senses Hotel
  2. Best for West London: The Kensington
  3. Best Romance & Rooftop Pool: The Berkeley
  4. Best in Old School Luxury in Mayfair: The Connaught
  5. Best in East London: Shoreditch House
  6. Best for sustainability: 1 Hotel Mayfair
  7. Best for Cool Central Covent Garden: Nomad
  8. Best for City Views and Sky High Restaurants: Shangri-La The Shard
  9. Best Boutique: Number 16 Hotel South Kensington
  10. Best for middle-of-the-action-Leicester Square: The Londoner

Standard
Family Life, Reviews, Travel

Hotel Review: The Four Seasons, Astir Palace, Athens, Greece

NHYM 2025, Four Seasons Astir Palace

A friend recently asked me where to travel for Easter break and May half-term, which was not too far, had good weather for swimming, with a bit of culture but not too much that the kids would start complaining. I knew exactly where to send her. Last year, I finally made it to a hotel I have been eyeing since its opening during Easter break: The Four Seasons, Astir Palace on the Athenian Riviera, Greece. While technically not in Athens, it is only a cab ride away and offers the best of all worlds: a beautiful, seaside hotel, the best service around, plenty of excellent restaurants, things for the kids (pools, kids clubs and more), things for the adults (spa etc..), and plenty of culture within reach in Athens. And of course, all our children have been exposed to Greek mythology with the Percy books, so for any fans of Greek mythology, this is a great place to come.

The Pool. NHYM 2025

We came as a multi-generational family, and it has something to please everyone: sun and sea for the granny, pool and fun for the kids, boat days for me, good food for Mr. X, and culture, for well, everyone.

View from our room. NHYM 2025

The morning seaview was a pleasure to wake up to every day. The rooms are tastefully decorated, as is the whole hotel. There is a sophisticated luxury vibe, with added local touches of olive trees all around the property. With the Four Seasons, you always know what you’re going to get: a perfect combination of luxury and service. This Four Seasons manages to do this seamlessly: the lobby is filled with elaborate floral displays and the staff is friendly but professional, which is different to some hotels where the staff can be a little too uptight and cold. The facilities are excellent, from the spa to the restaurants to the pools to the gift shop, to the terraces. The restaurants include the main restaurant Pelago with beautiful seaviews, Beefbar (always yummy), Matsuhisa (beautiful views although a bit too expensive in my taste) and the water-side Greek taverna restaurant is also very good for a dose of Greek cuisine. There are multiple hotels on site, but we stayed in the main one, which suited us perfectly.

The Acropolis. NHYM 2025

For our hit of culture, we took the whole family for some sight-seeing in Athens with a tour guide, which is an absolute must. I am lucky enough to know people who live in cities all over the world, and love to meet them to get a real flavour of the place. I had dinner with one of our friends in Athens (well, friend of friend, but that still counts!) who invited us to a cool, trendy Athenian restaurant. There, he explained the difference between North Athenians vs the South Athenians. The Four Seasons is South of Athens and fits in where the new money is. North of Athens is old money, more traditional, with Ambassadors and old families and good schools.

Hydra. NHYM 2025

For me, a boat day is always a highlight of my trips, and this time, it was for my kids. We took a day trip to Spetses and Hydra, which are both beautiful islands accessible by boat, both with their unique personalities and fans. A question I learned to ask any Athenian: are you Spetses or are you Hydra? Spetses is for the old money aristocracy, and Hydra is more for the artists and writers (Leonard Cohen lived there). I loved both for different reasons, but I have to say that Hydra stole my heart with its charming Marina, although there were too many tourists. Spetses is quiet, off the beaten path, which people love because it doesn’t attract too many tourists. I have many friends who spend their summers on Spetses, so I’d love to go back in the summer.

Hydra Marina. NHYM 2025

For a quick weekend away or a multi-generational family trip, the Four Seasons Astir Palace is highly recommended. It won’t disappoint, and collects awards and accolades each year. In 2025, it was voted 17th best hotel in the world in the World’s 50 Best Hotels 2025 and even the new Michelin Guide awarded it 3 Michelin keys. So for anyone looking for a perfect mix of sea, service, luxury and culture, easily accessible from London, it’s hard to beat.

View from Matsuhisa. NHYM 2025

Standard
Food & Dining, Health & Wellness, Reviews, Travel

Six Senses London, Hotel & Spa

Six Senses Hotel Bar NHYM 2026

The Whiteley’s has had a complete, long awaited, transformation: for years, it lay in a desolate, destitute state that people avoided (except for Gymboree classes at the top floor, which is how I know it best) but now it has been transformed into a beautiful, architectural feat led by Foster + Partners Architects and project-managed by Valouran Partners. I have watched it slowly develop over the years, both as a local, but also as a friend of the masterminds behind the facade. I was more than excited when it opened last year, first as residences, and now the Six Senses London, Hotel & Spa, which officially just opened March 1st.

Courtesy of Instagram 2026

The Six Senses Hotel brand is known for its wellness, barefoot rustic chic approach to hospitality with hotels all over the world. I’ve been to the Six Senses Ninh Van Bay, which I loved for its remote location and gorgeous villas in the jungle and by the water, remniscent of the Soneva brand (I was first introduced to Six Senses Spa 20 years ago in the old Soneva Gili that had a Six Senses Spa). I’ve also been to Six Senses Ibiza with its fantastic spa and great food and view, while the Six Senses Lamuu and Six Senses Zighy Bay, Oman are all time family favourites. So, when I heard a Six Senses was coming to London, I was already excited: a well-known luxury and wellness brand was coming to my neighborhood! It is the right location in London, right next to the epicentre of Wellness Central, Notting Hill (There are so many matcha shops and plenty of organic food stores from Acai girls to Daylesford Organic and Planet Organic, as well as vegan restaurants like the Holy Carrot). This crowd is seriously health conscious and wellness oriented, so I think the luxury + wellness clientele is definitely around here.

Courtesy of Instagram 2026

The hotel, full of plants hanging and draped everywhere, reminds me of the 1Hotels ethos, ‘sustainable luxury hotel experience where nature inspires,’ which has done very well so far with its hotels in Mayfair, New York and Toronto. When you enter the Six Senses, an overwhelming sense of calm and peace envelops you; it is truly an oasis in grey London. It was a rainy, dreary day in early February when I visited for the first time before it opened, and it really felt like I was being transported to a holiday for a few hours. The entrance is framed by the original Whiteley’s staircase which was painstakingly moved from its original position to become the backdrop of the hotel lobby. The design, the furniture and the finishings are all soothing but luxurious, fitting with what the Six Senses brand trying to do in cities recently: a soothing urban oasis in the middle of the city.

There is nothing like this hotel in the immediate vicinity: most of the luxury hotels are in Knightsbridge or Mayfair and this is the first five star hotel in West London, covering Queensway, Bayswater, Notting Hill and West Kensington.It is an ambitious gamble to put it in Bayswater/Queensway, more known for its souvenir shops than its glamourous neighbours nearby, Notting Hill and Kensington but there is a commitment to redevelop the entire area, which I am really waiting eagerly, and so far the Everyman Cinema, Guillam Coffeshop, ThirdSpace and Nela are so far hitting the right notes. I will definitely be encouraging my friends and family to stay here.

Courtyard of the Whiteley NHYM 2026

Six Senses Spa

The piece de resistance of the hotel really is the Six Senses Spa: it is stunning. The entrance lobby of the spa below the hotel with its hanging chandelier and highest ceilings you can imagine is probably my favourite part of the whole hotel. The pool was still closed when I visited, but the rest of the spa really is one-of-a-kind in London. There is everything you could think of in a spa from pods to cryo, and there’s a biohacking recovery lounge, a magnesium pool, and a state of the art gym. There is even an Alchemy bar, but which was closed when I visited so can’t tell you much about it. So the next time I want to spa but don’t want to trek to the Bulgari Spa or the Corinthian, I will definitely be heading there. (FYI – the pool is still not open yet as of March 2026).

Six Senses Kitchen

Courtesy of a friend 2026

The Six Senses Kitchen is very good, better than expected, but with a luxury 5 star hotel, the food has to be on point. I had a delicious beetroot dip, Lamb koftas and green chard rolls as starters, which were all delicious. The mains, the stone bass and Red Suffolk pork, were both tasty and memorable. My friend who stayed overnight highly praised the Asian inspired breakfast and brunch. The bar is also quite stunning, served with a perfect caprinha cocktail, one of the best in Notting Hill, Mr. X said. The manager was absolutely lovely, which is essential for this type of hotel. It still feels like the hotel is in its soft opening stage, but it is a wonderful addition to the neighbourhood.

Six Senses Place

For those who don’t know yet, they have started a Six Senses Place Membership, which gives access to the gym, pool, spa, and the 1st floor of the hotel which has another restaurant and many other lounges and spaces. Here, it is all about wellness and wellbeing, and I am intrigued to see who they will attract. The owners of the Six Senses Residences and Whiteley’s Residences will get instant membership to the Six Senses Place, which is really an attractive proposition: there’s everything you could need under one giant Whiteleys roof.

The Whiteley’s has truly returned to its glory days, with beautiful residences, restaurants and a hotel and spa to attract the gliterrati. Queensway’s redevelopment has to follow, but I am really hopeful that it will match the grandeur and beauty of the Whiteley’s so far. I wish it all the best success and I’ll be back soon for the Spa and Sunday brunch!

xx

NHYM

http://www.nottinghillyummymummy.com

Standard
food, Reviews, Travel

Review: Celeste, New Notting Hill Member’s Club

NHYM 2026

A few months ago, I was asked to write a review on Maison Estelle, the very swanky London members club celebrated for its wonderful art collection, but the weeks went by and I just never found the time. And now, Celeste, its Notting Hill satellite, has opened! So, given I’ve already been twice, I thought it more appropriate to review it.

I went opening week, during the soft launch when they were offering their members a taste of their new club (thank you!). Firstly, let me give you a brief set up of the club: the ground floor is an Italian-American restaurant opened to the public, the first floor is a very cool, jazzy bar area, the second floor is their Japanese and the top floor is a quiet, loungey space for drinks.

NHYM 2026

We went to the Italian-American restaurant our first time. The front room is definitely channeling the American-Italian Soprano restaurant vibe, with a bar and mahogany panelled walls and tables, all decorated with gold accents. To me, it’s a little too nostalgic and misses the opportunity of a modern twist and feels like a complete different restaurant to the back room, The Courtyard.

The Courtyard, has a completely different feel to it, lighter with white walls, and I personally prefer it to the front room: it feels more like an all-day restaurant it advertises itself to be and just feels more welcoming to me. We ate there, and had the tri pomodoro pasta and the seabass, which was all good, but it is difficult to compete with all the ridiculous choices of new restaurants in the neighborhood, which focuses on inventive new food: Japanese/Mexican, North African, Michelin-starred Brasserie and Modern Greek just to begin with. But if you’re looking for more simple, straightforward American-Italian food, this won’t disappoint. Celeste sample menu. (For now, it is still not open to the public, and they have yet to announce an opening date).

The first floor bar is cozy and very cool, with old vinyls stacked on shelves with Marvin Gaye records and a DJ loud enough to create a buzzy, fun atmosphere. The staff is young and cool, and very attentive. There’s nothing like it in Notting Hill, and it definitely feels intimate like a ‘hosted home.’ There are nibbles for sharing, should you just want to show up one night without reserving. I ran into the same neighbour twice both times I went there, she is fan: definitely a new hotspot in the making.

NHYM 2026

On our second visit to Celeste, we tried the Japanese. The Japanese restaurant on the second floor is sleek and attractive; there is an open kitchen where the chefs prepare their plates meticulously, and next to it are only about ten/twelve tables, of twos or fives, so again, very intimate and small. The food is very good, although on the expensive side. The hamachi starter is large and tasty, the wagyu is excellent, so good I will go back for it, but be willing to fork out £54. The salmon maki could use a bit more taste, but that’s something that could be easily fixed. Their chocolate mousse dessert is delicious and the jelly pieces really does make it a stand out dish.

The top floor, under the eaves, is a beautifully decorated space and feels like an art collector’s library, with an eclectic pick of art and books. We had a drink on our first night there, but I could see people going there for an afternoon coffee.

The crowd is a mix of locals (I saw local friends each time I went), and Maison Estelle members. They are a well heeled, international crowd, from French to Americans to Italians to Germans to Dutch and Swiss. One table next to us was a group of finance bros talking about their family ski trip to Courchevel, another table was an English ex-magazine editor with her girlfriends, and we ran into friends in the real estate business. It is definitely more grown up than the Electric’s crowd on a Saturday night, (which makes me feel like a proper grandma).

I was very curious to see how they were going to use Beach Blanket Babylon’s space, and they have used it as well as possible. It’s cozy and intimate, with a neighbourhood feel, but brings in a bit of Mayfair glamour to the ‘hood. It’s a great addition to Notting Hill, especially since it’s literally 2 minutes away from me.

You know where to find me now for drinks on a Friday night 😉

xx

NHYM

Standard