Maria Boyle spends a weekend in the capital and combines luxury, laughter and legacy at the Corinthia London.
Few cities offer the sheer variety of experiences that London does, blending world-class luxury with cultural icons and immersive entertainment.
As a self-confessed jewellery lover, I had bought tickets for the Cartier exhibition at the V&A as soon as they were released and decided to make a weekend of it with my husband and daughter Ruby.
The Corinthia London
We chose to stay at the five-star Corinthia Hotel London, regarded as one of the best hotels in the capital, where classic grandeur meets contemporary comfort.
Corinthia London rooms consist of 279 suites, penthouses and rooms all offering understated luxury.
We treated ourselves to the newly refurbished Trafalgar Suite, where the interiors include soft linen wall panels, Calacatta Viola stone, lost-wax cast bronze table lamps, and a gorgeous green curvy couch I wanted to take home – plus views over Trafalgar Square. Its marble-clad bathroom oozed luxury, with a bathtub featuring a built-in tv – the ultimate indulgence. The king-size bed was sumptuous, and thoughtful touches such as a well-stocked minibar, Nespresso machine and tea-making facilities – complete with gorgeous bone China cups by Feldspar instead of the typical tiny ones found in most hotels.
A particular highlight is the Corinthia London spa. It’s the largest day spa in London, spanning 3,300 across four floors. It offers holistic treatments, a thermal floor, and a swimming pool—a perfect prelude to an evening of lively entertainment for our first night in the capital.
Mamma Mia!
After getting glammed up, we headed to nearby Waterloo and took a direct train to the O2 for an evening of pure escapism, Mamma Mia! The Party. This immersive theatrical dining experience transports guests to a lively Greek taverna, where the story unfolds around the audience. The cast delivers a heart-warming narrative woven with ABBA’s greatest hits. It’s pure joy – topped off with a four-course feast of Mediterranean flavours served before the show and during the interval. A memorable evening that got the weekend off to a high-energy start.
Breakfast is at Northall at Corinthia London restaurant is a lavish affair, offering everything from flaky pastries and fresh fruit to made-to-order omelettes and indulgent pancakes. Its homemade granola is the best – so much so, I asked the chef for the recipe.
London’s V&A museum, one of the world’s best art and design institutions, is the perfect home for an exhibition celebrating the craftsmanship, history, and artistry.
Cartier at the V&A
Its latest exhibition, ‘Cartier’ , traces the brand’s evolution from a Parisian jeweller in 1847 to the global powerhouse it is today. Co-curated by Helen Molesworth and Rachel Garrahan – British Vogue’s former jewellery editor – the V&A worked with international museums, the Royal Collection, and private collectors to secure a treasure trove of pieces.
Stepping into the exhibition feels like entering a vault of treasures—diamond-studded tiaras, iconic panther adorned jewels, and legendary pieces owned by royalty and Hollywood stars.
Highlights include the dazzling Tutti Frutti designs, vibrant with emeralds, sapphires, and rubies; the Maharaja of Patiala’s necklace containing 2,930 diamonds – one of the largest commissions ever received by Cartier in 1928, and the Williamson Diamond brooch commissioned by Queen Elizabeth II in 1953 featuring the rare 23.6 carat pink Williamson diamond, loaned from the Royal Collection. There’s also a chance to see the Duchess of Windsor’s iconic flamingo brooch, Grace Kelly’s engagement ring, and a historic Tank wristwatch first owned by Jacqueline Kennedy and later acquired by Kim Kardashian. Each piece tells its own fascinating story.
The exhibition also delves into the meticulous craftsmanship behind each jewel. Sketches, design blueprints, and behind-the-scenes footage reveal the painstaking precision required to bring these jewellery masterpieces to life. Be warned – with over 350 pieces to swoon over, you could easily spend hours being mesmerised as you move from one jewelled room to another. It is one of the best exhibitions currently on show in London and runs until 16 November.
Wining and Dining at the Corinthia London
After being on our feet all day, we decided to have a chilled evening back at the hotel. Its Velvet champagne and cocktail bar, inspired by the Roaring Twenties, was the perfect spot for pre-dinner drinks. With plush interiors and a cocktail menu created by world-renowned drinks expert Salvatore Calabrese – aka ‘The Maestro’ – the drinks are crafted to perfection.
We kept things simple and chose to have dinner at Kerridge’s Bar & Grill, located in the hotel. Highlights included its famous treacle bread (I kid you not!), Brixham Crab Scotch Egg with a crab bisque, parsley emulsion; and the Cornish Lemon Sole with a warm tartare sauce, fried Ortiz anchovy for mains. We didn’t have room for dessert, but the Gary Rhodes Bread and Butter pudding with chocolate ice cream is one to come back for.
Covent Garden
On our final day, we enjoyed a spot of retail therapy. Just a short walk from Corinthia London, is Covent Garden, a treasure trove of high-end boutiques like Chanel and Mulberry to beauty havens such as Diptyque and Charlotte Tilbury as well as unique independent brands. For something more eclectic, the Apple Market is worth a wander, showcasing handcrafted jewellery, artisan goods, and vintage finds. Street performers add to the atmosphere, ensuring that shopping here is as much about the experience as it is about the purchases.
We returned home after enjoying some of the capital’s gems, both old and new. From the glittering showcases at the V&A to the quiet elegance of Corinthia London and the high-octane joy of Mamma Mia! The Party, it was a weekend that reminded us how much London has to offer — whatever your mood, whatever the moment.
The Corinthia London
Corinthia Hotel London, Whitehall Place
Corinthia Hotel London Prices
The Luxury in the Heart of London package includes exclusive privileges at the London hotel Corinthia, early check-in at 1pm, late check-out at 4pm, English breakfast served in The Northall, or in-room, a bottle of Laurent-Perrier Héritage Champagne, and a guaranteed room upgrade from a Superior to a Deluxe Room. Prices start from £650 per night, available until 30 September 2025. Click here for details.
Main image: Corinthia London Exterior Front ©Jack Hardy