Simply Abu Dhabi XXVI

1 1 7 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I I n a vibrant and elegant grand residence honouring Regency-era luxury, a stay at the Lanesborough is the epitome of quintessential British refinement. With its enviable location at the heart of London in prestigious Knightsbridge, with panoramic views across Hyde Park, the grade II* listed building is more than just a hotel – it’s a masterpiece of architecture and design brought together seamlessly by its esteemed English service and an illustrious sense of style. Long considered one of the world’s most luxurious hotels – exemplified by its fleet of 23 private butlers who are on call day and night, as well as 14 luxury cars including a Rolls Royce Phantom to chauffeur residents around London – the Lanesborough, the latest masterpiece hotel of Oetker Collection, reopened its doors in 2015 following an extensive 18-month renovation project by Cabinet Alberto Pinto. Having closed its doors on 20 December 2013, the hotel was stripped back to its shell and transformed piece-by-piece. The meticulous attention to detail and bespoke design surpasses that usually entailed in hotel projects and sees the Lanesborough regain its position as London’s finest residence. Tasked to reflect the signature style of the hotel, honour the building’s architectural heritage as one of London’s iconic Regency landmarks and incorporating the latest in contemporary luxury and technological innovations, a team of artisans using age-old techniques (known to be used in decorating palaces) were entrusted to deliver a distinctive form of luxury. All specialists in their respective fields, including embroiderers, cabinetmakers, bronzers, lacquerers, gilders, mirror and crystal specialists and makers of decorative trimmings, over 300 people were involved in the day-to-day transformation of the hotel’s 93 rooms, with over 95 percent of material made bespoke for the Lanesborough. Particular focus was paid to restoring original detailing such as ceiling roses, coffering, cornicing and fresco painting. Award-winning British artisans in plaster Locker & Riley’s skilled team of artists, model makers and master craftsmen produced a unique plasterwork design for each room. The library features exquisite decorative panels which were hand-painted in Italy by San Patrignano, while delicate marquetry panelling has been introduced to line the walls of the St. George’s Room, and Italian sourced marble is featured within all the bathrooms, with each slab delicately positioned to ensure the precise matching of grains. An unprecedented 54 chandeliers, made by family-run crystal chandelier specialists Wilkinson, feature hand-cut crystal. The largest chandelier weighing 200kg hangs in Céleste and stretches two metres wide, illuminating the delicate bas relief and Wedgwood china mounted on the walls of the grand restaurant. Executive chef at Céleste Florian Favario – former head chef of Le Bristol’s three- Michelin starred restaurant Epicure where he worked under the world- renowned Eric Frechon who acts as a consultant for Céleste – oversees the Lanesborough’s restaurant. French inspired, the cuisine is modern and imaginative, using only the best of British ingredients. Daily afternoon tea is a traditionally British affair, with a tea sommelier on hand to guide guests through an extensive tea menu.