>> When Only Five Star Will Do

I’m sure that at times, whilst watching any one of the Bond movies, we have all sat back and longed to be in the same suave surroundings that James Bond was lucky enough to find himself in, as he casually strode into the invariable luxury hotel to meet up with his paramour.

Well, recently, prior to celebrating my 15th wedding anniversary the thought crossed my mind to actually do something about this longing and perhaps ‘kill two birds with one stone’. I was at long last going to find out what it felt like to be 007 and at the same time give my wife a well deserved treat at one of the best luxury hotels. The thought crossed my mind that this was not exactly like James Bond, as this was a ‘bring your own’ paramour of sorts, however, the thought quickly left me...even as we were leaving our abode.

The hotel I had chosen was The Mayfair, in London’s Mayfair district. This is one of the very top hotels in London – a sure bet to impress the wife! On arrival, the first part of my fantasy fell into place as I pulled up at the main entrance. The grandly resplendent concierge cordially greeted us, took my keys and drove my car off to the car park. Wow - this was an excellent start!

As we checked in, I was immediately impressed by the lobby area – as luxury goes, this certainly was a luxury hotel and my eye was immediately drawn to the magnificent chandeliers. I was informed by the girl at check in that they were by Baccarat, and I must say, they looked perfectly in place amongst all the other pieces of art liberally strewn about the lobby.
In our room I tipped the bell boy as he placed our luggage by the wardrobe, once again easily slipping into my 007 alter ego. The room itself was a deluxe room and was as luxurious as you could imagine, but what impressed me most perhaps, was the TV in the bathroom and the fact that the walk-in wardrobe was as big as Hampton Court Maze!

So onwards to dinner, at the hotels’ Amba Bar and Grill. The cuisine is seasonal British so we indulged ourselves with some old favourites rounded off with a traditional cheeseboard and a fine Port. As the night drew in, and thoughts turned toward slumber, we decided upon a final nightcap in the Bar. We had dressed for dinner, and now, with my lady on my arm, I just had to do it…I had to!
“Vodka Martini please…shaken, not stirred”.

Back in our room I could not help but reflect...I had fully played out my innermost fantasies whilst treating my wife to an unforgettable anniversary treat. On occasions like these, a luxury hotel is definitely the way to go...but even then, only Five Star will do.