A modern architectural masterpiece designed by the late Richard Rogers and Ivan Harbour of RSHP, The Emory feels like a secret hideaway, despite being moments from the illustrious upscale department stores and fine restaurants of Knightsbridge. At just three months old, the five-star property is London’s first all-suite hotel and is operated by distinguished hotel group, Maybourne – the prominent name behind some of the city’s most legendary luxury hotels: Claridge’s, The Berkeley and The Connaught.
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With a fierce vision of heralding a new standard of contemporary design led by its striking sail-like skeletal structure, there are several artfully inspired touchpoints throughout the property, including the central steel staircase – painted in a distinctive rosy hue dubbed ‘Richard Rogers pink’ – serving as an homage to the late architect’s influential involvement in the project, adding a heart-warming touch to the architectural feature. The colour has also become a signature hue for subtle accents around the hotel’s public spaces.
Upon arrival via a private cobbled entrance on Old Barrack Yard (courtesy of complimentary chauffeur transfer from London airports, private airfields or stations), the hotel’s philosophy for discretion is instantly apparent as dapper doormen whisk my luggage away to be unpacked and pressed, while check in takes place inside a sleek lobby space, peppered with statement furniture and beautiful objet d’art.
Inside, 61 elegant suites are curated by renowned interior designers who were given two floors each to showcase their creative aesthetic – Pierre Yves Rochon, André Fu, Patricia Urquiola and Champalimaud Design, while the 300 square-metre penthouse is designed by London-based Rigby & Rigby. United by their extraordinary craftmanship and meticulous attention to detail exhibited through bespoke furniture and statement accents, suites are flood-lit by natural light via expansive floor-to-ceiling windows, many of which create a picture frame for the treetops of leafy Hyde Park.
The hotel’s spa, Surrenne is spread across four subterranean floors, crafting an exquisite underground oasis, immediately conveying a feeling of tranquillity. Intended as an all-round wellbeing destination, blending the wonders of the earth with advancements in modern science and cutting-edge treatments, guests have access to nutrition programmes by model-turned-nutritionist Rose Ferguson and treatments by renowned New York plastic surgeon, Dr Lara Devgan. Gym devotees can make use of expert in-house trainers who wax lyrical on biohacking, so I’m told. My advice? Opt for the four hands synchronised massage just before bedtime.
Time to eat. Star of the show, abc kitchens by Jean-Georges Vongerichten presents a hyper-seasonal menu with a supplier-specific approach, mirroring the ethos of the brand’s three New York-based restaurants. Abandoning the traditional use of meat stocks and creams, Vongerichten’s cuisine instead features the intense flavours and textures from fruit essences, vegetable juices, light broths and herbal vinaigrettes. Showcasing the French chef’s forward-thinking dishes, abc kitchens celebrates the best of mother nature in a contemporary dining space designed by Rémi Tessier, bedecked with colourful artworks by Damien Hirst titled, The Secret Garden. Don’t miss the heirloom beet carpaccio, the pretzel-crusted calamari, or the mushroom and walnut Bolognese.
An evening wouldn’t be complete without visiting The Emory’s rooftop hotspot, Bar 33 to witness theatrical mixologists at work. Reserved exclusively for hotel guests, in lieu of a drinks menu, the well-informed bar team quiz patrons on their flavour preferences to concoct bespoke beverages that pay homage to natural ingredients and home-blended botanical juices. With unparalleled 360-degree sweeping views across London’s iconic skyline, featuring The Shard and London Eye, Bar 33 oozes sophistication without being overly pretentious. An all-enveloping sanctuary nuzzled within the bustle of the capital, The Emory captures the heart with its highly personal service and impeccable hospitality.
