Each month we chat to a different luxury travel expert, this month it is the turn of Angie Silver the blogger behind SilverSpoon London, a leading UK lifestyle, food and luxury travel blog, Read on to find out more about Angie and her tips on luxury experiences in London her hometown and beyond.
Your Instagram profile and website are really popular and we love following your stories tell us a bit about yourself and how you got into the luxury sector?
Luxury travel has always been my preferred style. However, I think luxury travel can often be misinterpreted and it’s not just about fancy places. What I personally love about luxury travel is how experiential it can be. The best luxury lodges and hotels allow you to fully absorb the destination in an authentic way. Luxury travel is also all about comfort, so that you’re never rushed or crowded and you can move at your own pace.
When I started writing my blog, I focussed on my own holidays and created organic content based on what I was doing anyway. Brands noticed me through my blog and Instagram and that has been the start of some exciting collaborations.
You have stayed at some beautiful hotels, what do you look for in a luxury hotel/resort?
For me the most important thing about a hotel is the sense of place. I don’t like staying somewhere when you could be just anywhere. My favourite hotels weave elements of the destination’s history, culture, gastronomy and architecture through out.
I also love a hotel that has something unique about it, which make its stand head and shoulder above other similar properties. Perhaps the most unique place I’ve ever stayed is Giraffe Manor, where you can have breakfast with giraffes!
Interior design and architecture is important to me too, I love a hotel that has beautiful surrounding and is well maintained.
Lastly, attention to detail is key at the luxury hotel and nothing should be too much trouble. The staff should also make sure that every guest’s experience is personalised and bespoke to them.
You are based in London, what tips can you give our readers about luxury experiences in the capital?
London is world renowned for Afternoon tea! Check out some of the luxury hotels and restaurants for interesting and inspired takes on this quintessentially British meal. Don’t miss some of London’s famous markets if you’re a dedicated foodie, Borough Market is famous but Maltby Market is a hidden gem.
Tell us about some of your most memorable hotel and restaurant experiences?
Hotels:
Deplar Farm in the North of Iceland, a beautiful and remote hotel located in a former sheep farm with access to Iceland’s hot springs. Sasaab in Samburu in Kenya for the ultimate in luxury glamping and authentic safari. Mnemba Island in Zanzibar, a place where you no longer need your shoes as you’re marooned on a gorgeous paradise island.
Restaurants:
Kikunoi – a three Michelin-starred restaurant in Kyoto. We had a Kaiseki dinner in a private room and met the world class chef. The French Laundry in Napa Valley for one of the most outstanding tasting menus I’ve ever had. El Celler de Can Roca in Girona, one of the world’s best restaurants. We had a tasting menu and met the three Roca brothers.
Which city have you not yet visited that is high on your travel to do list?
I’ve heard such wonderful things about Buenos Aires for it’s combination of South American panache with European style. I’ve booked to visit next year and I can’t wait to try the food and wine and to dance the tango!
You can follow Angie on Instagram & at her website.
