Mayfair — London’s billionaire hotspot — is a perfect destination for a luxurious weekend away. With its long history of grandeur and charm, Mayfair has been captivating travellers for centuries. Its close proximity to Heathrow Airport ensures easy access from any part of the world and allows visitors to discover the area’s hidden gems quickly. For those seeking an unforgettable experience in this vibrant neighborhood, these 10 exclusive spots offer something unique and luxurious.
1: The Ritz London
The Ritz London is the epitome of luxury and opulence. Steeped in history, this illustrious Mayfair hotel was built in 1906 by César Ritz, a pioneering Swiss hotelier. It quickly became a symbol of royal elegance, frequented by both royalty and dignitaries. Today, it remains one of the most sought-after accommodations for those seeking an exclusive experience during their stay in London and once you check in, you’ll be struck by its lavish suites with fine furnishings. These suites include antiquities from around the world that add to their unique character. As you might imagine, staying at The Ritz is not cheap. Rates start at £825 per night. The Ritz is also easy to get to. You can take the tube from Heathrow right to Green Park Station, which will have you just a short walk away.
You don’t have to stay at The Ritz to experience its lavishness, as Mayfair has plenty of accommodation to offer. To get a feel for the variety of hotels, apartments and more in the area, you may choose to consult travel companies. Their price comparison tools can help you find deals not just on hotels, but also on flights and holiday packages, making them useful to Mayfair visitors from all over the world. Some go even further than providing a simple comparison tool: those who book Opodo trips on a regular basis might opt for their Prime subscription service giving regular travelers a number of benefits for a yearly fee.
Even on a day trip, The Ritz is still worth the visit. The hotel features a Michelin-starred restaurant that is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with the aim of putting a modern twist on classic British cuisine. You can also relax in the stylish Rivoli Bar or the beautiful Palm Court, or even enjoy a drink and a cigar in the Cigar Lounge if that piques your interest.
2: Savile Row
Now you’ve had a cultural experience, it’s time to make sure you look the part. Savile Row has long been a prestigious address in London’s Mayfair. It is renowned for its bespoke tailoring, which dates back to the 19th century and has remained an iconic symbol of British fashion ever since. Here, you can find some of the world’s most famous tailors. This includes Gieves & Hawkes and Henry Poole & Co. — both of whom offer exceptional craftsmanship at different prices.
Appointments must be made with individual tailors in advance to discuss fitting specifics. Visitors expecting traditional British style should come prepared with images or descriptions of their desired look to ensure they get exactly what they are looking for. Once all details have been discussed and finalised, you will typically receive your hand-crafted garments within six weeks.
3: Royal Academy of Arts
The Royal Academy of Arts is a prestigious institution that has been providing cultural and artistic enrichment since 1768. Located in the middle of Mayfair, this incredible space holds an immense number of British national treasures. It showcases some of the most iconic works from Britain’s greatest artists. From J.M.W. Turner to David Hockney, visitors can explore over 500 years of British artistry in all its forms.
If you’re looking for something more immersive with your visit, then there are plenty of options. Talks and lectures throughout the week offer guests an insightful look into selection pieces or events happening at the academy, and guided tours that provide exclusive access to unseen pieces. For those looking for creative pursuits as well as visual enjoyment, there are weekly workshops run on a range of different subjects. The price points range depending on the specific exhibitions, and it’s easily accessible from both Heathrow and Gatwick.
4: Sketch
At this point, you might be getting hungry, so let’s talk about one of the best restaurants in the region — Sketch. This unique dining and bar experience located in the heart of London’s Mayfair district is known for its signature quirky design.
Where Sketch shines is with its standout dishes, among them lobster ravioli with sea urchin cream and roasted sirloin steak with onion purée and crispy shallots. Their selection of drinks also includes creative cocktails concocted by their master mixologists and an impressive wine list featuring labels from around the world. Sketch offers everything from afternoon tea and light bites to full tasting menus, and no matter what you choose off the menu, you can be sure that your taste buds are in for a treat.
5: Fortnum & Mason
Fortnum & Mason is the quintessential British shopping experience. It’s only about a 10-15 minute walk away from Sketch, and the iconic luxury department store is a staple of British culture. It has really stood the test of time, given it was first opened in 1707.
Given how long it’s been around, there are many interesting historical facts about Fortnum & Mason. The store was a frequent provider of food for court functions during the Victorian era, and its concentrated beef tea was so popular that Queen Victoria sent shipments of it to Florence Nightingale’s hospitals.
At Fortnum & Mason, you can expect to find a range of speciality teas from around the world, and their afternoon tea service draws in many eager guests each day, offering patrons an exclusive experience that will not soon be forgotten. You will also find a range of luxurious goods here, including things like crystal glassware and branded apparel — perfect for the weekend luxury shopper.
6: Bonhams
Bonhams is one of the most well-known auction houses in Mayfair. Specialising in fine art and antiques, Bonhams has a long-standing reputation for showcasing some of the most exquisite items from around the world. Whether you’re looking to buy or sell unique pieces, Bonhams offers something for everyone.
At any given auction, you can find a wide range of items. You should expect to see jewellery, watches, fine art and furniture from different periods of history. All items are carefully inspected prior to being put up for bid and accompanied by detailed descriptions that are available both online and at the auctions themselves. The experienced team at Bonhams will help guide prospective buyers through each step of the process, ensuring that their experience with them is as smooth as possible.
Given the diversity in products on offer, you should also expect diversity in their prices. Bonhams Auctions regularly has auctions for things like wine and antiques where the prices of items exceed £100,000. To participate in an auction, bidders must register beforehand by providing a valid ID and relevant payment details. Bonhams is a must for a luxury-minded weekend traveller.
7: Bentley Motors
While we’re on the theme of luxury purchases, now sounds like a good time to talk about cars. The cars produced by Bentley Motors have been some of the most sought-after vehicles since the company first began manufacturing in 1919. Back from when founder W. O. Bentley created “the world’s fastest motor car” and raced it on Brooklands track to today — where you can visit their sleek showroom in Central London — Bentley Motors has been a symbol of luxury and prestige throughout the last century.
At the dealership in Mayfair, visitors can explore a range of luxury cars. This includes their iconic Continental GT model with its impressive 600-horsepower engine and stunning exterior design. Visitors can also take advantage of test driving opportunities to get an up-close experience behind the wheel before committing to purchase.
8: Claridge’s Wine Cellar
Immersed in the core of Mayfair, Claridge’s Wine Cellar is a hidden gem for wine connoisseurs. Better known as a hotel, the wine cellar is an integral part of Claridge’s boutique. It houses an impressive collection of over a thousand champagnes and wines, curated meticulously by Claridge’s knowledgeable sommeliers.
Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or a curious beginner, the selection offers something for every palate. There are also frequent tasting experiences on offer where guests can enjoy a guided tasting from Claridge’s experts, with each experience focused on different regions of the world.
In addition to wine and champagne, Claridge’s also has other great alcohol on offer, including Chichibu single malt Japanese whiskey. Whether you want to simply pick up something from the cellar or be immersed in a guided tasting experience, Claridge’s should be on your weekend luxury to-do list.
9: Watches of Switzerland
Watches of Switzerland is a luxury retailer that is renowned for its timeless elegance and exceptional craftsmanship, making it a must-visit destination for any luxury traveller. Watches of Switzerland offers a range of luxury watches from top brands such as Rolex and Patek Philippe, featuring stunning designs that will turn heads wherever you go. Whether your style is classic or modern, these luxurious timepieces will surely fit your needs perfectly.
The buying process at Watches of Switzerland takes place in their showroom located in Mayfair. Here shoppers can view an impressive selection of high-end watches in all shapes and sizes. This even includes limited edition pieces that simply cannot be found anywhere else. Prices vary depending on brand and style, but at the very high end, there are watches here worth in excess of £1 million pounds.
10: Pickett London
As you round out your luxurious weekend in Mayfair, it’s time to start thinking about what you can bring home with you to give to friends and family. Enter Pickett London — a luxury retailer offering some of the most exclusive and unique offerings in London. This boutique specialises in high-quality, handmade leather goods, showcasing the best of British craftsmanship and tradition.
What sets Pickett London apart from other luxury stores is the array of exclusive collections — diverse enough to cater to all tastes — and presented at differing price points. Avid game enthusiasts will delight in Pickett’s selection of traditional games, including backgammon, dominos, and chess sets — perfect future heirlooms that also make excellent wedding gifts or special keepsakes. For those who appreciate fine leather goods, explore their selection of gloves, wallets, and briefcases.
Pickett London also offers an exclusive range of luggage, scarves, and jewellery. These items are exquisitely crafted and adorned with a touch of luxury that will remind you of your visit to Mayfair. To add a personal touch, consider their leather-bound notebooks and photo albums, perfect for capturing memories.
Mayfair’s elegance creates an unforgettable luxury-filled weekend. Its cultural heritage, delectable dining, and high-end shopping ensure a diverse, enriching experience. Every corner turned unfolds another piece of its captivating charm. From prestigious art galleries to the finest tailoring and exclusive boutiques, a weekend in Mayfair is a true immersion into a world of sophistication and elegance. Coupled with the ease of access from Heathrow, Mayfair is the perfect place for a luxurious London adventure.
