It's not too late to plan a spectacular New Year’s Eve in London. The Mayor of London has just released some return tickets (standing in Battersea Park) to the UK’s grandest fireworks display with 12,000 fireworks shot from three barges on the Thames with Big Ben and the London Eye in the background. Simply stunning. If your clients are not much for being out in the cold with large crowds, warmer, more luxurious ways to ring in the New Year are still available.
My top pick: Mondrian London. The hotel is hosting a glittering 1920s affair in the hotel’s glamorous rooftop lounge, Rumpus Room, which has amazing views of the fireworks as the building is right on the Thames. The night starts with a Jazz band, followed by a DJ until 2 am, with Perrier-Jouet flowing, and then a full breakfast buffet on New Year’s Day. Does it get any better? I Don’t think so. A few room packages remain with Studio Suite accommodation, £953 in a studio suite (including VAT) based on two people sharing and including NYE party. Additional room nights are priced lower.
New Year’s also offers a rare opportunity to gain access to Searcys, the private members club situated at the top of the Gherkin, and this year they are tricking-out the building’s iconic dome shaped lounges with sparkles and white lights to create the sensation of being in a life size Snow Globe. How cool is that? For New Year’s, it’s a fancy white (or black) tie affair, and a limited number of tickets left for the Prestige Package (£290, Champagne, five course tasting menu, unlimited access to the top two floors and the members lounge). Tickets and reservations can be made by phone.
While the very top of The Shard is sold out, there is availability at Shangri-La’s Asian themed venue TING, with a five course set menu with wine and Champagne, £395 per person. Fireworks viewing at midnight on the 35th floor.
No matter where New Year’s Eve is spent, book your clients in for some detox treatments the incredble agua spa at the Mondrian London. Hands down, the best facials in London (in-demand therapist Anee de Mamiel is booked six months in advance, but the other therapist are equally skilled) and amazing massages with custom blended oils. So chic and serene, the agua spa is a true hidden gem.
A bright happening not to miss in January, the new light show and festival, Lumiere London 2016, held from 14 to 17. A host of international artists will illuminate London with dazzling 3D projections, interactive installations and other extraordinary light works on landmarks and around the city.
Happy New Year!