Luxe Spot: Sanctum Soho Hotel

Style Note: The Isabella Oliver Cape

Posted by London Darling

Yesterday was one of those cold and breezy days in London when you really need something warm and snug to wrap up in. And what better way to wrap up than in a cape. It's the perfect alternative to a winter coat. I received this beautiful one as a Christmas Gift from one of my favourite labels Isabella Oliver.

London Fashion Week Diary: BODYAMR

Posted by London Darling

The BODYAMR show was one that I was particularly looking forward to, and it was well worth the wait. The signature draping that I love still played a huge role in the collection as an abundance of luxe fabrics and beaded embellishment.

Giveaway: Win Tickets to the 2010 Vitality Show!

Posted by London Darling

The lovely team at Vitality are treating three lucky readers to a pair of free tickets! Running from 18th-21st March in London’s Earls Court 2, Vitality is the UK’s largest health, beauty, fitness and wellbeing event for women.

Beauty Buzz: Liz Earle Naturally Active Skincare

Posted by London Darling

I recently changed my beauty regime to include the Cleanse and Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser, the Instant Boost Skin Tonic and Skin Repair Moisturiser. It's been just six days, and already I've seen a noticeable difference in the clarity of my complexion and the texture of my skin.

Luxe Spot: Sanctum Soho Hotel

I've visited many hotels in London but the Sanctum Soho is truly in a style league of its own. As soon as you enter the place, you step into a world of French decadence, cosmopolitan finishes and a hint of rock n' roll.

Designed by interior specialist Lesley Purcell, whose portfolio also includes the Berkley and Claridges, I had the pleasure of meeting her. She explained that her goal was to achieve a elegant and intimate feel to the hotel, with a personality that would appeal to savvy media personalities and entertainers alike.

She wanted to achieve a gimmick free zone, where guests can enjoy the confidence of the décor and the subtle grandeur that exudes every corner. When asked whether she had a muse in mind when planing the design, Lesley mentioned the actor Jack Nicholson as someone who she could imagine finding the place an ideal restbite.

I recently stayed at the hotel for a photo shoot with Georgina, founder of Bolton King Photography, and the rooms are stunning. There are five mood schemes across the bedrooms: from flirty and feminine to glittering and glamorous.

Some rooms were a picture of pale nudes and pinks featuring French Louis XiV style furniture. Others took on a very fashionable monochrome theme with mirrored surfaces, silver drapery and liquid silver tiles - think old hollywood glamour with modern day touches.

The in-room entertainment is impressive; with movies on demand and a Wii Fit so that you can workout without leaving your room. Whilst the hotel doesn't have a spa or gym facility, it does have an exclusive deal with a nearby spa to arrange mobile beauticians direct to your room, making it easy to book your pampering session.

No. 20, Restaurant and Bar

Other facilities include a hot tub and roof top garden with an adjacent bar: host to celebrity bashes and home to the coolest game box I've come across to date. The hotel's restaurant No.20 serves traditionally English cuisine with a contemporary twist. Featuring artwork by Xavier Pick, I love the rich, warm feel with its art deco lighting and golden leather booths.

You can also expect a very sophisticated service from the team at Sanctum, with a 24-hour room service that extends beyond convention. Personal shopper Emily Cash is available on call and it's not uncommon to hire a Harley Davidson from the front desk, or to call in the hotel's guitar doctor for an impromptu jam - now that's what I can rock n' roll. Prices start from £175.