London, England

With an average of 13 rainy days per month, it’s tempting to overlook foggy old London’s brighter side. But don’t make that mistake. There’s more to the city than Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, and all the other places those red double-decker sightseeing buses will take you. Mixing a little bit of flash with a whole lot of class, modern London offers everything from au courant culinary delights to trend-setting fashion.

Begin your UK stay in style by checking in to The May Fair hotel. Situated in central London, about a half-hour from Heathrow Airport, The May Fair immediately welcomes with its friendly staff and shiny lobby. (A Baccarat crystal chandelier sparkles overhead.) Its 406 rooms and 10 signature suites—one has a private lift, making it a favorite among visiting celebrities—are quite roomy, especially by European standards.

If scheduling permits, book a treatment at the Asian-themed May Fair Spa shortly after your arrival. No one looks—or feels—great after a nine-hour flight, but the Jetlag Reviver package promises to invigorate even the weariest of travelers. And the Cooling Cucumber Revitalizing Eye Treatment, which reduces puffiness and redness, is a must-have add-on. Before and after your appointment, be sure to spend some time in the Relaxation Room. In addition to fresh fruit and tea, the complimentary smoothies are sweet and refreshing. And once you lie back on the snooze-inducing and surprisingly comfortable marble Hamman beds, you’ll have a hard time rousing yourself. But be warned: the changing room is on the small side, so modesty isn’t really an option.

Once you’ve revitalized body and soul, you’ll be ready for a night on the town, which should definitely include either pre-dinner drinks or a nightcap at The May Fair Bar. Because the chic lounge is popular with guests and locals, there’s no shortage of dashing men with charming accents. So even if you’re not interested in the bar’s new tapas and cocktail flights (the whiskey flight with chocolate pairings was our fave), just order an adult beverage, sit back, and enjoy the view.

But don’t stay out too late. You’ll need to save some energy for the next day’s retail therapy. The dollar-to-pound ratio might be getting you down, but you can’t forgo shopping in London—even if it’s just of the window variety. Start with massive department store Harvey Nichols, the one so popular with those champagne-swilling gals from the BBC’s Absolutely Fabulous. You could spend at least a half a day browsing the multiple levels at this flagship location. Loads of independent vendors; an in-house med-spa; and the Fifth Floor’s food market, wine shop, and cafe are just a few of the draws.

For a taste of the city’s hipper, trendier side, head over to Carnaby. These 12 streets in the center of London’s West End offer a smorgasbord of boutiques, bars, and cafes. The area features everything from funky vintage shops like Fur Coat No Knickers to UK-only retailers such as cheeky bath and beauty store Cowshed and recognizable international brands like Diesel and Hilfiger Denim.

Getting hungry? Continue your shopping excursion at the Borough Market. A stroll through this huge farmers market, with roots that date back to 1756, is foodie heaven. The goods come from all over, but there seems to be a passion for British produce, including a wide selection of veggies from Kent, “the garden of England.” Exotic meats, artisan cheeses, and imported olive oils and vinegars abound, and many vendors offer samplings of their wares.

If you haven’t filled up on free tastings, step over to nearby Roast for lunch. The restaurant uses goods from Borough Market in its dishes and promotes local farmers and fishermen and British seasonal produce on its menu. When dinnertime rolls around, Cecconi’s is a must. Try the veal Milanese, with its crisp, perfectly seasoned crust, or risotto with English asparagus, a bowl of creamy goodness. The portions are rather large, so splitting an entree is advisable. If you do happen to overindulge, walk back to The May Fair instead of hailing a cab. You can burn off some calories while taking in the buzzing, bustling energy of contemporary London.

How To Get There
British Airways flies direct from DFW to London’s Heathrow Airport.

Where To Stay
The May Fair
London, England
888-442-6767
www.themayfairsuites.com