Luxurious London Girlfriend Getaway

London is the capital and largest city of both the United Kingdom and of England, and is the largest city in Western Europe. Situated on the River Thames in southeast England, London is historically one of the great world cities and remains a global capital of politics, culture, fashion, trade and finance. London will serve as the host city for the 2012 Summer Olympic Games.

London boasts a vast number of attractions for the traveler. Among the most famous are Westminster Abbey and the Palace of Westminster (including Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament) in Westminster. Shoppers can head to Portobello Road, which claims to be the world’s largest antiques market, for antiques, souvenirs and other knick-knacks or simply a walk through time.

London has a large variety of shows from fringe to Broadway-like musicals and productions. The West End district is where you’ll find the last type, with famous imported Broadway shows and some very good local productions.

Jumeirah Carlton Tower, overlooking the leafy gardens of Cadogan Place, is perfectly situated in the heart of fashionable Knightsbridge, London*s most renowned shopping district. The hotel is a short walk from Harvey Nichols, Harrods and some of the most exclusive boutiques of Sloane Street, whilst the City, West End and theatre districts are also within easy reach. Jumeirah Carlton Tower features 220 rooms including 60 suites and a Presidential Suite that offers guests a superb panoramic view of London.The hotel offers a wide range of mouth-watering cuisine. The Rib Room & Oyster Bar is famous for serving the finest Aberdeen Angus beef and first class seafood while Pengelley*s offers *New Asian* Cuisine. The elegant Chinoiserie, located in the lobby, is the place to be seen enjoying traditional English afternoon tea or a glass of champagne whilst listening to the harpist. The Club Room at The Peak is the ideal place to relax with a view and enjoy a nutritious lunch with a healthy cocktail or a delicious smoothie. Jumeirah Carlton Tower has an extensive 24 hour Room Service menu to suit all tastes. High above the rooftops of London, The Peak Health Club & Spa offers an extensive range of health and fitness facilities including state-of-the-art Technogym equipment, fitness trainers, Jacuzzi, sauna, steam rooms and a heated 20 meter stainless steel pool situated within a vast canopy of glass. The Beauty Spa also offers a full range of products and treatments by Sisley & Pevonia.Jumeirah Carlton Tower is the perfect venue for any occasion. The Garden Rooms, a highly versatile and stylishly designed event space, in addition to the silk walls and Viennese chandeliers of the Ballroom, is the perfect setting for a special event, business meeting, wedding or celebration. Expert event managers will ensure that every function booked will be treated with care & attention.

This is one of London's most prestigious shopping venues and serves as a glittering tribute to opulent and stylish things. Owned by Mohammed Al Fayed, each floor scales the heights of designer fashion clothing and accessories, luxury furniture, cosmetics, fine jewelery and classic toys. If you are in a hurry, you can have a complimentary Harrods personal shopper assist you. This Knightsbridge palace has 19 cafés and restaurants, an online casino and a pet department. Harrods's own brand provisions make perfect presents; you can have your purchases delivered anywhere in the world. In the basement, Al Fayed has erected a small gilded tribute to Princess Diana and his son Dodi who died tragically in August 1997.

The chic and modern Knightsbridge Harvey Nichols store was a real favorite with the late Princess Diana. Harvey Nicks (as it's known) concentrates mainly on selling beautiful designer clothes, and the indecisive or time-pressed can even book a personal shopper to assist them free of charge. All you have to do is tell them what you're looking for and your measurements and they'll pick out the stores' most suitable selection. Other departments include the ground floor perfumery, the fourth floor Aveda Spa, the Fifth Floor Café and Bar, Yo! Sushi. If that isn't enough, you can take some exquisitely packaged goodies away from the food hall. Perch at the espresso bar or browse through the organic and vitamin section, where you can use the touch screen computer for health food information.

This discrete, long-standing Kensington restaurant is famous for its prix fixe menu and creative food. The food at Clarke's may be unpretentious, but it is also rather expensive. The set four-course dinner menu changes daily. From grilled lamb to venison with polenta and red cabbage, you can expect contemporary British favourites. It's a pleasant place to dine. The first floor leads out on to small courtyard garden and the ground floor is brightly filled with modern art and huge floral displays. It's a buzzy rather than a raucous place that usually attracts the older set. You also buy tarts and bread to takeaway from the shop next door.

This celebrated British designer is favored by the Knightsbridge set. Her modern, sleek lines are sophisticated, and are worn by leading models and socialites - Amanda Wakeley was a favorite designer of the late Princess Diana. You'll find beautiful evening dresses and wedding attire and the gorgeous materials often err on the plain and light side. Her clothes are also available at Harvey Nichols. For a cheaper selection of her clothes go to Principles (branches on most high streets), where she designs a best-selling line in less expensive materials. A bridal service is also available. Call for an appointment.

A relic from the (not-so-distant) past, Mary Quant continues to quietly exist in this small street near Harrods. The woman who is credited with creating the '60s miniskirt fad has turned her hand to designing a range of bold-colored cosmetics and accessories. This is the place to come for eyeliner and nail polish; the signature black and white decor punctuated by the bright colors of the make-up still looks mod today. Call number provided for store timings.

Marlowe is any woman's dream come true. You can lay your hands on some fine accessories and apparels. Suits, shirts, skirts are available here are made of the finest spun wool fabric and cashmere. The staff here is friendly and they will be more than glad to help you pick the best apparel to suit your body and style. Accessories are made of leather and other materials, which will help complement your outfit. The products come from the best manufacturers from Italy, who create an awesome outfit or knitwear out of the spun wool.

Your fragrance journey begins from the moment you walk through the Jo Malone doors. Jo Malone is a contemporary, elegant and chic fragrance boutique offering exceptional service and luxury products that inspire and ignite the senses of both men and women. Discover unique philosophies such as Fragrance Combining, Scent Surround, Skin Care Combining and the interactive Tasting Bar concept. Enjoy a complimentary Hand and Arm Massage as a Jo Malone Stylist eases the tension in your hands and arms using a deliciously scented body lotion or crème of your choice, finished with a spritz of cologne. Check website or call 0870 192 5121 for further details.

The Conran designed Michelin house, home to Bibendum and Bibendum Oyster Bar, beautifully blurs the distinction between Conran the interior designer and Conran the restaurateur, and is arguably the best of his ventures. Lush pistachio carpets and armchair covers create a fresh, yet comfortable atmosphere inside this beautiful Art Nouveau building. The Oyster Bar has a relaxed atmosphere, and gets very busy at lunch. Iit makes a great resting stop if you're shopping in Chelsea. Bibendum leans towards European cuisine, with some innovative choices, such as the Roast grouse with liver croute, bread sauce and game chips. Log on to the website for timings.

Now open seven days a week, Camden Market sprawls across Camden High Street, Camden Lock Place and the Stables off Chalk Farm Road. The Camden Lock Market is great for arts & crafts and the Electric Market (Sundays only) is the place to go for the best variations on the latest high street trends. This is one of the two must-visit markets for anyone seeking street, alternative & hippie styles, the other being Portobello Market. Traders sell everything from second hand clothes to cheap antiques, records, clothes & accessories, as well as decorative items.

Regent's Park offers a variety of facilities and amenities for the public to enjoy, including tennis courts, a bandstand, an open air theater, elegant gardens and playgrounds for children. London Zoo is just a stone's throw away from here. Not to far from the park, is the Primrose Hill, a popular neighborhood that's popular with young and trendy families, actors, artists and other media folk. It is particularly steep and offers numerous hip bars and restaurants, and a superb panorama of the London skyline. Queen Mary's Gardens is located within the park, and St. John's Wood Church Gardens is also nearby, offering an additional tranquil retreat off of Wellington Road.

Despite its name, this long-standing jazz club and restaurant does not exclusively play jazz. As well as an eclectic schedule of performers, there are also club nights a few times a month, including the only real jazz dance club session in London. Dark and atmospheric, yet large enough to avoid being claustrophobic, The Jazz Cafe is certainly worth a visit. Watch the musicians from the balcony restaurants. You can also nibble on light meals and snacks during the shows.

Sir John Soane, the eminent English architect and designer of the Bank of England, couldn't resist buying anything that might be a collectible. His house is now a museum in which you can peruse his phenomenal collection of art and antiques from around the world. Inside are Monument Court, the Egyptian Crypt, and a mock-medieval ruin of a Monk's parlor and cloister. The architecture of the house, especially the lovely colored skylights, is also worth checking out. Check website for further details.

This day spa and fitness club for women offers a wide range of beauty treatments and facilities. Situated in the heart of Covent Garden, it is a perfect place to indulge after a hard day's shopping. The air is very humid and there is a very spectacular swimming pool to dive into or just swing over on a trapeze. Other highlights include a large gym and a dance studio. Treatments include Turkish Rasul, reflexology and massage. The Sanctuary's own shop sells products used in the spa, including brands such as Decleor, Guinot and Thalgo. They also sell their own range of bath and body products plus their own slippers, robes, CDs and tapes.

The Opera House is even more impressive than before. The period building has been restored to its original glory and continues to be the largest opera and ballet venue in London, showcasing the works of the Royal Ballet, Royal Opera and ROH Orchestra. Expect famous tenors, famous ballerinas and famous audience members as part of the revamped program. In an active attempt to rope in the masses, a range of cheap tickets will be offered for all performances. You can even take in the stunning architecture without going to a show—the entrance hall and exhibitions are open for viewing and backstage tours. Call the box office for further details.

A tailor in London during the late 18th century, the original Thomas Pink specialized in men's hunting coats. Nowadays the label is known for its classic shirts, and it's no coincidence that this shop is on Jermyn Street, which is to shirts what Savile Row is to suits. Thomas Pink offers shirts in a multitude of styles and fabrics along with ties, accessories, boxer shorts and braces. There's even a range of woman's wear available; Pink Woman is at 161 Sloane Street, SW1.

It's almost impossible to describe Rules without lapsing into cliché; it's the epitome of British, colonial, mustache-twirling, tea-sipping, out-in-the-midday-sun Englishness. However, unlike such a description, it completely avoids self-parody and exudes a classic sophistication. It manages this, not least, by providing excellent food. Plenty of game and fish dishes appear alongside the other sumptuously traditional ones. The service, as you might expect, is similarly superb. It is an experience to be savored, both at the time and in retrospect. Rules will, undoubtedly, leave its distinguished hallmark in the classiest echelon of your memory.

Opened in 2000, Tate Modern has amazed industry insiders, art lovers and tourists alike. The museum, located among the drab, concrete blocks of Bankside, has few of its original features; it used to be a 1950's power station. Inside, there are many innovative and attention-grabbing works, with a variety from 1900 to the present, from the most important artists of the century to today's rising stars. Admission is free for most exhibits. Check website for further details.

This classic Italian restaurant is very popular with the local Chelsea residents, and was frequented by the late Princess Diana. The owners have hung a tribute photo over her favorite table. The large, bustling trattoria is neither rustic nor slick - the decor is white and the tables are simply decorated with starched tablecloths. The excellent, authentic, mostly Northern Italian menu eschews fads. Bear in mind that this may be a local, but it's a Chelsea local, so prices are steep, although the food is worth it. Try any of the risottos (never gluey or too al dente), the wild boar, or the selection of pastas. Finish off with a traditional pudding from the dessert trolley.

Portobello Road is primarily an antiques market, which comes to life on Saturdays, when the rows of stalls stretch far into the distance: antique dealers and merchants selling art, clothing, crafts and second-hand books are abound. Fashion mavens come here to browse and to be inspired. Many successful designers got their start under the tent by the bridge. During the week, there's a fruit and vegetable market every day and on Thursdays, there is an organic market.

Queen Victoria was born in this palace in 1819, and Princess Margaret, and other royals also resided here. A Jacobean mansion in Kensington Gardens (next to Hyde Park), Kensington Palace was the London residence of the late Diana, Princess of Wales. Visitor attractions include the State apartments, and the Royal ceremonial dress collection. Lunch and tea are served in the Orangery or the Winter Café (depending on the time of year).

Once Princess Di's favorite dinning spot, Kensington Place is something of a celebrity institution - it must be those full view windows that allow for maximum posing on the colorful wooden chairs. It has a busy atmosphere that seems open and accessible. However, do remember to book ahead to avoid being disappointed, as Madonna and her entourage were, when they were turned away because a private party was on. The restaurant is always loud, but it's still a great place for a relaxing meal with friends. The food is very seasonal with lots of fish and seafood. Specials change daily but signature dishes that KP's regular clientèle love include the grilled scallops with pea puree and mint vinaigrette, and the chicken with goats cheese mousse and olives. Kensington Place even has a Fish Shop next door, which is as far from your average fish shop as you can imagine. Pick out fresh and cooked seafood here as well as a range of fish-related items and sundries.