Captivating culture

If it’s your first time in the English capital, then a perfect way to see many of the main attractions is to spend time around the River Thames in central London. Start with a bird's-eye view from the London Eye. Reserve a comfortable private pod complete with Champagne and chocolates, as you soar over 400 feet (122 meters) above the city, spotting Big Ben, Westminster Abbey and more.

Later, take your seat in a private theater box for a spectacular performance at one of London’s West End theaters. Or, experience drama as it was originally intended at Shakespeare’s Globe theater. Opt for seats in the lower gallery for the best views and acoustics.

For an intimate exploration of London’s history, take a private Regency London walking tour uniquely curated by a Blue Badge guide and offered exclusively to guests of The Biltmore Mayfair, LXR Hotels & Resorts. The hotel’s enchanting surrounding neighborhoods are home to many aristocratic landmarks, as well as some of the city’s oldest bookshops and high-end shopping.

Divine dining

A new wave of talented chefs continues to elevate the profile of British cuisine to the international stage. With over 70 Michelin-starred restaurants, London now stands toe-to-toe with New York and Paris.

Restaurants such as St. JOHN in the Smithfield neighborhood specialize in the highest-quality ingredients and dishes such as suckling pig or guinea fowl. Meanwhile, more cutting-edge dining rooms like the two Michelin-starred Dinner by Heston Blumenthal bring futuristic cooking techniques to centuries-old recipes. If you have specific cravings, you can hunt down roasted duck in Chinatown, choose from dozens of authentic curries on Brick Lane or try the artisanal cheeses, meats and pastries at the distinctive Borough Market.

Fine dining and exceptional cuisine take center stage at The Biltmore Mayfair. At Café Biltmore, savor locally sourced ingredients in innovative Mediterranean dishes, or indulge in the restaurant’s elevated brunch experience on the terrace that includes two- or three-course menus and the option to add 90 minutes of free-flowing prosecco or Pimm’s. For a pinch of theatrics, the hotel’s steakhouse, Grill 88, features high quality produce and ingredients from around the world, an open kitchen and service with distinguished flair.

Elevated experiences

For a quintessentially British shopping experience in London, start with a visit to Harrods, one of the world’s most famous department stores, where you’ll find everything from high-end couture fashion to the most decadent food. Arrange a session with one of their experienced personal shopping assistants or an in-store stylist to really make the most of your visit.

To take sightseeing to the next level, have your concierge arrange a private tour of the Queen’s House in Greenwich, a royal residence built in the early 17th century. Your guide will point out the architectural highlights, and then you can bask in the regal grounds with afternoon tea. Art afficionados can keep the royal theme going with a private tour of The National Gallery, where a qualified, Blue Badge guide will bring to life the best works from renaissance Italy to the French impressionists.

For a short but memorable day trip, The Biltmore Mayfair offers a VIP shopping trip to nearby Bicester Village with personal shopping services and a unique buggy transfer to the train station all included.

A famous old saying argues that when a person is tired of London, they are tired of life. Thankfully, there’s little chance of anything less than a lavish, invigorating and memorable time in one of the world’s most dynamic destinations, whether you’re returning as a regular visitor or arriving in London for the first time.