Best for: the rooftop pool.
Price per night: from £296 per night.
Address: 45 Curtain Rd, London EC2A 3PT.
Why we love it: “After being frazzled by a hectic month of traveling and multiple project deadlines, it was safe to say I was exhausted and heading towards burn out, so the thought of (more) commuting to the countryside or seaside town to get some respite was just unappealing. I was looking for something local but indulgent, whilst fully channeling my inner main character’s energy; look no further than the Mondrian Shoreditch, think relaxed sophistication and understated prestige, like a sanctuary in the middle of East London’s creative hub. Being this local of course means I can give my trusty AWAY case a welcome break, everything I need for an overnight stay could comfortably fit into one, manageable bag and still leave a hand free to clutch an iced coffee.
“Through the revolving doors, you’re greeted first by the signature scent, for familiar noses who can’t quite place the smell, it could very well be Le Labo’s Santal 33 but don’t quote me! Once inside, you forget you’re no longer in the bustling heart of Shoreditch, check-in was a breeze and with an hour before my well-timed treatment, the only logical thing to do was enjoy a complimentary drink on the Altitude rooftop terrace overlooking the city’s glassy skyline, where I can plan how to spend the day with a highly recommended frozen spiced margarita. I did consider taking a dip in the heated rooftop pool, a rare commodity around these parts, If I wasn’t enjoying the sundowner vibes so much.
“Before I knew it, it was time for my eagerly anticipated Voyager Massage Journey treatment, courtesy of VOYA of course, a multi award-winning Irish lifestyle brand who specialises in organic seaweed-based products. Having been quite obsessed with skincare myself, I’m already familiar with its benefits so I was equally excited to experience this head-to-toe treatment, that’s tailored just for me! After your whole body is brushed down to exfoliate the surface, the world’s only organic seaweed body oil is applied to melt away those aches and pains with motions that mimic the movement of the sea, I was here for all of it! Seaweed has apparently been used over 300 years as therapy in Ireland for a variety of skin and rheumatic conditions, so it’s already ticking a box to soothe my recent eczema flare up, but the other amazing benefits include remineralizing and detoxifying unwanted toxins, it’s hydrating and even helps to fight signs of ageing and cellulite. Basically, you’re getting all of the benefits of VOYA’s coveted Lazy Days seaweed bath but in oil form.
“Feeling all the tension and stress expertly massaged out of my tired body, I was instructed to take it easy for the rest of the day, something I had no problem doing, with a nap thrown in for good measure, I was beginning to feel like myself again. The only thing that was remotely challenging was choosing between the rain shower wet room or the unexpected bathtub in the middle of the bedroom, I of course went with the latter for extra luxe factor! Also, don’t be fooled by the New-York industrial style, black framed wall to ceiling windows, the room decor is so elevated, sexy, and the dark furniture and finishing feels rich, it’s anything but industrial. All this pampering and relaxing has worked up an appetite, and dinner at Bibo, a buzzy new Spanish restaurant is conveniently located below the hotel, the cocktails are excellent and so is the lobster paella, perfect for sharing. Don’t miss out on the Iberian pork either, served pink and is absolutely delicious! If you do fancy a bit of a stroll, literally next door is the recently opened Manteca, another buzzy new Italian restaurant offering hand-rolled pasta and fire-grilled meats, for all the foodies who like to feast!
“After dinner, the last but most important thing on the itinerary was to get a much needed good night’s sleep, and easy to do when it’s on the softest bed and pillows known. I don’t know if it’s a combination of the healing treatment, or the whole Mondrian experience but I woke up feeling like I’ve hit the reset button. As I enjoyed breakfast (on the rooftop again) with a view, which is giving low-key New York energy by the way, I’m reminded once again that I need to be better at actively taking time out for my wellbeing, and it doesn’t mean you have to do it at a five-star hotel, but if you can it certainly helps. You deserve it.”
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