The Pan Pacific London is the ultimate urban oasis, offering a true escape from the city beyond. Just a few minutes’ walk from Liverpool Street station, this gleaming skyscraper rises up as a testament to how indulgence and world-class health and fitness can go hand in hand.
Butlers in plush purple velvet suits welcome you into the opulent lobby, handing you fresh fruit lozenges and champagne before whisking your bags away to your room. My Bishopsgate suite spanned an impressive 104 square metres, with the floor-to-ceiling windows offering sweeping views across London. Minimalist yet luxurious, the lounge welcomes you with warm tones and an expansive feel. Beyond it are two bedrooms, with the master offering views of the historic St Botolph’s Church in one direction and the iconic Gherkin in the other.
I immediately ran the waterfall bath and luxuriated in Jo Loves products before slipping into a silken robe and slippers. Treats and thoughtful touches abound in the suite, with plush toys and storybooks for the kids, and sparkling wine, tea and coffee for adults.
Wellness in the sky
The hotel’s dedicated wellness floor offers an elevated escape. The temperature-controlled 18.5-metre infinity pool is a place where children can play, and adults can float in serene contemplation. Steam rooms, saunas,
and relaxation lounges provide restorative moments, all with panoramic views of London. The calming scents of lavender, chamomile, and sandalwood soothe the senses as you sink into a lounger and gaze upon the twinkling lights of London. At the sensory wellbeing centre you can take part in yoga, exercise classes and other wellbeing activities, in the quiet spaces that encourage a slower pace in a hectic city.
At the spa, I sipped a cucumber water infused with seasonal botanicals as I awaited my massage – a relaxing 60-minute full-body treatment to help my body relax after months of stress. My therapist worked out the tension as I sank deeper into relaxation. With the city framed in floor-to-ceiling windows and a cup of herbal peppermint tea to hand, a weighted blanket wrapped me in a soft embrace, easing tension and allowing me to sink into a quiet calm. The plush feather pillows and supportive memory foam mattress hugged my body. Time slowed with every breath. A rare moment of stillness observed in a place where luxury and comfort converge.
Back in my room the Pan Pacific London’s Sleep Programme awaited. The Ooler sleep system promotes temperature-regulated sleep while the Mela weighted blanket wraps guests in a warm embrace. The lights then dimmed as blackout curtains shut out the world and I drifted off to gentle ambient sounds. Each element of the Sleep Programme is designed to counteract the stresses of travel and city life, and promote deep, restorative sleep, allowing guests to awaken feeling replenished, balanced, and ready to embrace the day.
Cutting-edge workout
Mornings begin with a workout in the state-of-the-art gym, where a team of health and spa professionals can help you reach your fitness goals. Warm up on the treadmill and then take a spin on the Peloton bike. The Pan Pacific London is the only hotel in the UK to have a Technobody D Wall – a firm favourite with top athletes. This cutting-edge technology (left) uses 3D cameras and sensors to provide a detailed assessment of your physical alignment, strength, and flexibility. The wall also plays a key part in the hotel’s incredible Body MOT service, a service programme primarily designed for elite athletes.
Five magical courses
At Straits Kitchen, the hotel’s signature restaurant, Chef Adam Bateman combines the finest British seasonal ingredients with vibrant Southeast Asian flavours, creating dishes that are as imaginative as they are indulgent. The innovative menu unfolds over five magical courses, beginning with delicate chilled native scallops, followed by Jimmy Butler’s Pork Skewer, and Cornish crab pappardelle. Next came a main course of beef short rib enriched by a sweet soy and stout jus, before finishing with a delicate ice cream sandwich with sesame caramel centre. Each dish was elevated by carefully curated wine pairings.
Sundays are all about slowing down, and the Pan Pacific London offers the ultimate lazy day. Enjoy a glass of Taittinger before settling in for an indulgent afternoon of jazz and, believe it or not, magic shows. You’re then reminded that the kitchen team are the real magicians, as you tuck into a carvery featuring tender beef, pork belly or Asian-style fish, accompanied by golden roast potatoes and fluffy Yorkshire puddings. If you’ve ever wanted to discover the meaning of total Sunday relaxation, Pan Pacific London is the perfect place to find out.
Further information
panpacific.com/en/hotels-and-resorts
About the author
Donna Richardson is a luxury lifestyle and travel writer. She has appeared in ‘Wanderlust’ and ‘Women’s Fitness’. Follow her on Instagram: @journo_donna and check out her visit to Château de Chanteloup, the ancestral home of Maison Martell here
