THE MONOTONOUS routines that begin to develop after months confined to home are hard to shake when faced with normality again. As much as I had hoped for it all to be over soon, when the day came, I have to admit that I wasn’t quite ready.
So, when the invitations to hotel stays began to arrive, it should have been a cause for celebration, but could I remember how to celebrate again? One hotel stood out in particular – the Mandrake.
The Mandrake Opening
Despite images of hanging passion flowers, an evergreen sanctuary of building high plants, and cosy dark corners of plush areas to relax, it introduced itself as a boutique hotel located in Fitzrovia, London, not far from the bustling streets of Oxford Street.
I was instantly intrigued. Upon visiting, my doubts were cleared. If you are looking for a tropical experience and escape from the city, I can reassure you that the Mandrake is it. Offering staycation experiences for nature lovers, wellness seekers and creative minds, the Mandrake encourages you back into trips away with a comforting ease. Any fears of feeling overwhelmed by the return to normality were put to bed, quite literally.
Our terrace room had its own natural screen of greenery, shrouded in a veil of jasmine cascading from the hanging gardens above – enough to make you want to stay in the large king-sized beds all day to appreciate the display.
The Mandrake Terrace
Known for launching the world’s first spiritual wellness concierge last year, this summer, the Mandrake launched the Soul Revival overnight package in order to “help guests out of lockdown and into the light” – the perfect package for my over-panicking.
The Mandrake History
As part of the package, we enjoyed a sound bath from practitioner Maria Lodetoft, who welcomed us to the power of sound and its ability to bring balance, relaxation, and a sense of well-being to your mind, body, and spirit.
We also enjoyed a meal at Yopo, the Mandrake’s South American cuisine restaurant, where we ate a feast of lobster brioche rolls, tacos, fish fritters and more, prepared by Head Chef George Scott-Toft.
The Mandrake Terrace
For a hotel in the centre of the city, The Mandrake is ironically one of the most secluded, green and spiritual stays I have ever had. My soul is revived, my body is rested and any fears of leaving my habitual cocoon at home seem so far removed that I’ve been to three festivals since. It’s good to be back.
by Lily Rimmer
The Soul Revival Package at the Mandrake includes an overnight stay in an evergreen terrace room and a complimentary meal for two.
The package begins at £730