As the sun dipped below the London skyline, casting a warm glow over Knightsbridge, my wife and I stepped into the opulent embrace of Jumeirah Carlton Tower. Life had been a chaotic blur of nappies and broken sleep but along with our two month old son Xavier, we were about to embark on a staycation that would forever weave itself into our hearts.
Our adorable little boy was wide-eyed with curiosity as we entered our ultra chic room. The hotel had thought of everything—a cozy baby crib nestled by the window, soft blankets inviting dreams, and an inviting bowl of fruit on the coffee table. Xavier cooed in my arms and we knew he was already feeling at home.
But it was the little touches that truly moved our hearts. As we stood before the bathroom mirror, we discovered a welcome message written in an elegant scribble: “Welcome, Xavier” It was as if the hotel knew us intimately, acknowledging and celebrating our unique journey as a same-sex couple with our precious bundle of joy.
We also discovered matching family slippers, each pair embroidered with our initials. Xavier’s tiny feet wiggled into his, and we couldn’t help but smile. It was a thoughtful gesture that whispered, “You belong here.”
After a much needed nap, the luxury spa awaited—a tranquil haven where time seemed to slow. We were truly impressed as we made our way towards the indoor pool. The water sparkled, and Xavier kicked his little legs as we dipped his little toes in. We held him close, feeling the weight of our love and the promise of this special getaway – it was a much needed break after a difficult birth and sleep-deprived few months.
Breakfast was a feast fit for royalty. Freshly baked pastries, exotic fruits, egg dishes galore and steaming coffee—the aroma alone was intoxicating. Xavier sat in my lap, staring in wonderment at my buttery croissant every time I took a bite. We laughed, imagining his delight at this new world of various baked goods.
The pièce de résistance of our whole stay was the British afternoon tea—an experience that transcended mere indulgence. Inspired by the botanics and flora of iconic British gardens, it was a symphony of taste and artistry. Each delicate pastry was a tribute to nature itself, a celebration of the seasons.
Chef Martin, the visionary behind this culinary masterpiece, had roots in Byblos—a city where the Mediterranean Sea breathed life into every aspect of local culture. His pastries mirrored the rhythm of the seasons—the vibrant colors of spring, the sun-kissed warmth of summer, the earthy hues of autumn, and the cozy comforts of winter.
Martin’s journey had taken him to the prestigious Bellouet Conseil academy in France, where he honed his craft. His understanding of French pastry merged seamlessly with the rich flavors of the Mediterranean. As Executive Pastry Chef at Jumeirah Carlton Tower, Martin brought this deep respect for nature to London.
The Afternoon Tea was a canvas of unexpected pairings—lavender-infused scones, rose-petal macarons, and delicate tarts bursting with seasonal fruits. There was even a large red chocolate rose that was simply a work of art – and tasted amazing too. Each piece was a sophisticated display of flavour, taking guests on a surprising journey. And woven through it all through the decor and the china were the botanics and local flora, echoing Martin’s commitment to England’s finest ingredients.
Under Martin’s guidance, the Afternoon Tea became more than a meal—it was a celebration of heritage, creativity, and the ever-turning cycle of seasons. As we sipped our tea, Xavier nestled in our arms, we felt connected—to each other, to nature, to our very happy bellies and to the legacy of the joyously luxurious Jumeirah Carlton Tower.
Knightsbridge had become our tranquil oasis in the bustling city, where precious memories of our baby’s first staycation was made and much needed relaxation was relished. Jumeirah Carlton Tower is a place to truly unwind when life gets a little bit too hectic and where rainbow families like ours are not just welcomed, but celebrated.
I can’t think of a better memory to embrace this Pride month.
