Belmond reveals its ‘Town & Country’ summertime escape; a three-night twin stay combining London’s stylish retreat Cadogan, a Belmond hotel, London and charming countryside manor house Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, a Belmond hotel, Oxfordshire.

For the first time since the London hotel opened, guests can make the most of the privileged access to the leafy haven of Cadogan Place Gardens; where they can picnic and play tennis, before being whisked off to the award-winning gardens of Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons where croquet on the lawn and exceptional seasonable cuisine awaits. 

FLORAL ART AT CADOGAN HOTEL 

The journey begins at 75 Sloane Street, behind the beautifully restored Queen Anne style facade of Cadogan Hotel, which has been given a timely floral makeover. Inspired by Chelsea’s famous floral festivities and the hotel’s abundance of original botanical-themed artworks, guests will be charmed by the beautiful seasonal flower installations and pots of colour that decorate the lobby and sweeping staircase and adorn the bar and terrace. Rooms and suites overlooking Sloane Street offer a privileged window to London’s park life with views of the hotel’s private Cadogan Place Gardens.

FLAVOURS OF THE SEASON 

For the foodie adventurists, Chef Patron, Adam Handling conquers up a taste of the season with his colourful afternoon tea, restaurant and bar menus. Celebratory ‘High Tea’ delicacies, such as Clarence Court duck egg with curry mayonnaise and mustard leaf paired with five freshly baked breads, complemented with Granny Smith & Lemongrass Cremeux for sweet, showcase his modern culinary flair. Dishes on the main dining menu such as, John Dory, Oyster and Lettuce Gazpacho and Octopus, Salsa Verde and Aioli, elevate the best of British ingredients.

The recently opened Sloane Street terrace, which spill out from the main bar, is the newest locals’ hotspot to enjoy coffee and a homemade bakery basket or pre-dinner aperitif of Handlings’ own label sparkling wine. The new summer cocktail menu, which includes, the ‘Adam’s Apple’ with apple infused Hendricks, Calvados and homemade apple cordial and ‘The Jersey Lillie’ with Reyka, Saint Germain, aquavit, and gooseberry brine are refreshingly fun and flavoursome. 

Cadogan’s concierge has the best local knowledge and provides insider tips on where to boutique shop on The King’s Road for the latest summer fashions, the local parks and gardens in full bloom, the season’s must see exhibits and shows and where to eat and drink alfresco.  

NATURE IN BLOOM AT LE MANOIR AUX QUAT ‘SAISONS 

From Chelsea life to the peaceful English countryside surrounds of Oxfordshire; guests are transported to the UK’s most famous culinary manor house and home of maître de maison Raymond Blanc OBE – Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons. 

As the vibrant purple lavender footpath, blooming lush gardens and apple orchards come into view, the hotel, which is an easy drive from central London, feels a world away from the everyday.  

On arrival guests are welcome to take a moment in nature and enjoy a Pimms or glass of Champagne in the beautifully rustic glasshouse that overlooks the picturesque Heritage and Maman Blanc Herb Gardens or find a seat in the sunshine on the lush green croquet lawns.  

For the green fingered, an afternoon can be spent at the pioneering world’s first Raymond Blanc Gardening School, which reopens in May and offers intimate classes in and around the gardens on a range of passion points from how to grow seasonal vegetables, exploring the myths of pruning to learning more on micro herbs and edible flowers. 

CULINARY MASTERS PAR EXCELLENCE

Rooms and suites at Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons are full of charm and personality, each one individually designed and inspired by Raymond Blanc’s own artistic eye and international travels. Guests in the Garden Suites can while away the hours in their own private courtyard garden and many of the rooms benefit from views of the trees and hilltops and generously-sized bathrooms where taking time for a bath and glass of bubbly is a must before dinner. 

Guests are invited to start their evening with a cocktail in the lounge bar before heading into L’Orangerie where a 2-michelin starred tasting menu is served using outstanding organic produce sourced from the garden, inspired by what is in season that day.  A summer feast might include, Braised Cornish brill, scallop, oyster, wasabi, Oscietra caviar and Roasted fillet of Wagyu beef, braised Jacob’s Ladder, alliums, red wine essence and Linzer sable, pink grapefruit, lemongrass lemon basil sorbet. 

The Raymond Blanc Cookery School is a place of magic and cooking mastery, where guests learn how to combine ingredients that will boost flavour, nutrition and wellbeing. New healthy eating courses this summer include ‘Blanc Vite’ with nutritionist Natalia Traxel and a ‘Vegan Masterclass’ featuring freshly grown ingredients from the gardens – both offer a chance to uncover the secrets of Raymond’s adventurous recipes.

BOOK NOW

The ‘Town & Country’ three-night package, including, two nights in a Deluxe room on B&B at Cadogan, one night in a Double room at Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons inclusive of breakfast, dinner for two from any menu and private limousine transfer between the two hotels starts from £2,290 per couple during May, August – December. Prices for June and July start from £2,620 per couple. For more information and bookings please visit www.belmond.com/itineraries/europe/town-and-country-uk