Arabs and winter in London? An eternal love story. The cosy atmosphere, the hot
drinks, the layered outfits, the general “I’m cold but I’m cute” vibe – it’s practically a
seasonal ritual at this point. If you’ve been waiting for a little motivation to spice things up, this is your sign, delivered straight to your screen (and from me, hi).
Let me set the tone: You arrive in a chilly London, the kind of cool that feels
exhilarating rather than annoying, and head directly to The Londoner, a hotel that
calls itself a “super boutique”, and honestly? It lives up to the name.
London: The Londoner Hotel & the most amusing ‘Pride & Prejudice’ ever
Checking in to The Londoner is like entering a stylish and cosy, luxurious but lowkey environment. The soft-glow lighting of the lobby gives every person who walks
in the impression of having slept well, even if they just flew in and the interior
design of each room features elegant lines, plush bedding, and designs that will
give you pause long enough to say, “you know what? I could live here.”
The Londoner is the ultimate winter base, located in the heart of Leicester Square,
near twinkling lights, theatre vibes and cafes releasing warm scents into the cool
air. After settling in and doing the classic “coat draped over the back of the
armchair like you own the place” you’re off to enjoy the evening.
London has a unique glow in the winter; the streets, buildings, and everything
seem more photogenic than ever before. Wandering around the neighbourhoods
while holding a hot latte, heading into stores whenever your hands get cold, and
taking in a city that feels both familiar yet exciting in the cooler months are some of
my favourite things about traveling in London in the winter.
Your first night in London is spent watching Piled and Perjested, a ridiculous,
incredibly intelligent spoof of Pride & Prejudice. Fast-paced wit and humour
abound, and you’ll find yourself laughing along with the audience like you haven’t
laughed in months. The experience puts your entire trip into “fun” mode
immediately.
Bath: a regency era dream (as guided by In & Beyond Bath)
When leaving London to travel to Bath, the atmosphere changes. The softness,
slowness, and elegance of the destination make for a great contrast to the energy
of London. Our home for our time in Bath was Hotel Indigo Bath, a property that
features colourful patterned walls, warm lighting, and thoughtful details throughout
the interior design that create a cosy and artistic atmosphere.
We travelled around the iconic film locations of Bridgerton and Jane Eyre in Bath
and the surrounding countryside with the assistance of In & Beyond Bath, a
company known for creating immersive and detailed tours. We walked through
historic squares, quiet lanes, and Georgian crescents that felt like they were
straight out of a novel. Bath does not try too hard and that is exactly why it is so beautiful.
The Cotswolds: a real life fairytale
Next came the countryside chapter of the journey, as CJ Tours drove us into The
Cotswolds, an area that feels like a painting. Honey-coloured cottages, small tea
rooms, rolling hills, and picturesque villages all surround you. It is peaceful, beautiful, and the perfect ending to a trip that blends the excitement of the city with the tranquillity of the countryside.
London in winter is already iconic, but add Bath’s elegance and the Cotswold’s
charm, and you create the most beautiful escape. Combining the best of culture,
comedy, architecture and cosy weather is impossible to beat. And, if you have been waiting for a sign to finally book a trip, well, you are reading it now!