LWSY Hotels > Back in the Bulgari Bubble

I’d passed through the bar of Bulgari Hotel in Knightsbridge a few times over the years, but after our Bulgari experience in Bali over the summer I was left with a curiosity as to how the city experience would compare. 

The Bulgari Hotel in Milan stands proud as the flagship hotel, therefore it was crucial to the designers Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel and Partners that the London outpost was to reflect the rigour of its classic, solid and contemporary style. 

“Constructing a new building in this part of London is an extraordinary achievement because the city tends to be extremely conservative due to its consolidated plan. The contemporary style will consolidate the urban landscape in an area of London that is undergoing a profound transformation.” Antonio Citterio

Portland stone and bronze, are typical methods of the architectural style of public buildings in London, and the façade of this building reveals a modern approach to this theme. The door and window fixtures are in bronze, the roof cornice is also sheathed in bronze. The balconies and terraces of the upper floors are finished in stained oak, as you arrive into the hotel lobby the polished black granite floors combined with the glossy Sapele mahogany you see throughout the hotel is a signature style of Bulgari’s contemporary Italian interior style. 

The Lounge and house bar, Il Bar both have honed black granite walls and pillars, a polished black granite fireplace, dark silver fabrics and custom Italian furniture throughout. Accents of polished stainless steel, titanium and and leather cladding set the tone of the space which remains humming with activity throughout the day from morning coffee to lunch, afternoon tea into aperitivo hour. Careful space planning allows for an intimate setting throughout the hotel.  

Descend to the 82 seat restaurant Rivea, the nautical inspired Italian restaurant on the lower floor. A laid-back elegant palette of pearlescent creams and blue hues, silk fabrics, polished wooden floors are a gentle nod to the Mediterranean coast vistas. 

La Dolce Vita is brought to life at Rivea, overseen by Chef Alain Ducasse who spend years visiting the vibrant Italian food markets in Italy. Offering French and Italian cuisine, the focus is on simple creations using the best ingredients.

The 47 seat Screening Room is equipped with the most sophisticated AV technology, walls are lined with 3D fabrics and Italian leather upholstery. 

The Suites and Rooms at the Bulgari are inspired by London’s nautical tradition. 85 light filled rooms and Suites are among the largest in London. The seven Bulgari Suites (taken over by Heads of State, actors and Royal families) range between 160-220 sq/m. All varying in shapes and room combinations they feature fireplaces, kitchens, Murano chandeliers in the dining rooms, offices, large walk-in wardrobes, and terraces and views with of Knightsbridge. 

Woodwork is in polished mahogany, with white veined marble for the bathrooms and details in chrome, wool carpeting and silk wall coverings throughout. The traveller’s trunk mini bar is featured in each room. 

Deep into the basement you will arrive at the Bulgari Spa, the first impressions are of the magnificent back-lit reception desk of green onyx and glass. The Vicenza stone walls lead you to the swimming pool, Treatment Rooms upstairs, relaxation room and Workshop Gymnasium. 

There are 11 treatment rooms and the Bulgari Onyx Spa Suite is the ultimate couples suite. Think hydro tub, steam shower, two beds, dressing and bathrooms against a spectacular onyx backdrop. The treatments have been based on traditional Oriental practices, elements of my spa experiences were certainly similar to my days spent in the Bulgari spa in Bali. 

The 25m pool is known to be one of the most beautiful indoor hotel pools in the world. Lined with shimmering green and gold mosaic tiles, with individual cabanas positioned around the pool.

The Vitality Pool at the end is designed to cleanse and detoxify. The walls are tiled in gold leaf glass mosaic, an expression of the hotel’s rich Italian heritage. Activate each hydro area with buttons that turn the pool into the biggest jacuzzi you’ve ever experienced. 

The gym is run by Workshop Gymnasium who we trained with daily during our week at the Bulgari Bali. Founded by Lee Mullins, Workshop is a new level of health and fitness in a hotel environment. Opt for movement and nutrition genetic analysis, metabolic testing and functional movement screening, which all play a part in how you will be trained. More information can be found here. 

Our room & bathroom

Bulgari Hotel & Residences, London, 171 Knightsbridge, SW7 1DW

Images Bulgari & LWSY