Over the past decade, I’ve been lucky enough to fly numerous times to the UK and continental Europe on different airlines, with trips ranging from 48 hours to four months. However, in the fall of 2022, I discovered my favorite way to experience the two biggest cities, London and Paris, and now choosing other ways to travel will be a challenge.
My transatlantic journey began at Newark Liberty International Airport. Before boarding a seven-hour flight to Heathrow, I managed to squeeze in some work in the lounge at British Airways. In my early 20s, I used to fly on the cheapest seats on budget airlines. Still, I was flying in the recently relaunched British Airways Club World cabin this time. As soon as I settled into my seat, I knew this would be a flying experience unlike any other – I immediately started exploring the cabin’s features and facilities.
When I’m on a red-eye flight, I’m strict about my skincare routine and do everything I can to be as rested and prepared as possible when I arrive at my destination. So, of course, the first thing I noticed was the space and privacy I would have. My seat doubles as a full-flat bed, a sliding ensuite door separates my seat from the rest of the cabin, and there’s plenty of storage space for my in-flight essentials. When the plane takes off, I can stretch out, apply moisturizer, remove my contact lenses, and feel comfortable without disturbing other passengers. Each seat at Club World is also equipped with a desk, power port, and white company bedding to ensure complete comfort.
While I usually sleep through the entire transatlantic flight, I can’t miss one of the best flying parts in the “Club World” cabin: tasting the seasonal menu. Curated by British Airways’ culinary experts, “the food on offer was a far cry from biscuits and crackers – I ate sesame seared tuna, fresh fruit, and a cheese board, then closed my eyes during the flight.” When I woke up, rested, and free of typical flight aches and pains, we were 30 minutes from landing, and I was ready to head to my first stop: The Shard Shangri-La.
As the name suggests, the London branch of the Shangri-La hotel brand is housed in the Shard, a 72-storey skyscraper south of the River Thames. The hotel itself starts on the 34th floor and stretches all the way to the 52nd, and when you arrive, it’s clear that the view is at the heart of this five-star hotel – even in the dreary London weather. The Shangri-La Shard’s unique vantage point above the bustling city – through its floor-to-ceiling Windows – allows visitors to appreciate the vastness and grandeur of London from a novel perspective. While, like me, most guests come for the skyline views, they stay for Shangri-La’s unique dining experiences, attention to detail and top-notch service. From TĪNG’s high-altitude afternoon tea and GŎNG’s signature cocktails, to a morning swim in the endless sky pool overlooking Tower Bridge and St Paul’s Cathedral, the hotel’s culinary offerings are a delightful surprise, uniquely London, but also elevated in both senses.
As I was about to leave The Shard and cross the English Channel to Paris, my second and final stop, I couldn’t help but think back to the first time I’d visited two cities in one trip. I paid about $25 for an overnight Megabus ride from Victoria Coach Station to Gare de Bercy – to say I wouldn’t repeat the experience would be an understatement. This time, I was on a more convenient, faster, and more comfortable way to travel: the Eurostar. Just a few hours later, I arrived in the City of Light, excited for my journey: two nights at Shangri-La in Paris.
Suppose you close your eyes and imagine an image of a charming Paris hotel. In that case, chances are it’s like the Shangri-La Hotel in Paris. Located in the 16th arrondissement of Paris, this luxury hotel is known for its “French and Asian style” and historical significance. The former home of Prince Roland Bonaparte, grandson of Napoleon I, Shangri-La in Paris feels both grand and warm – high ceilings and marble corridors parallel the greenery. Freshly baked food is accompanied by Ming-style vases, royal insignia, and crystal chandeliers.
Before arriving in Paris, I did some research – that is, I scrolled through the hotel’s Instagram feed and hashtag posts. From there, I began to understand that the location of the Shangri-La Hotel, similar to the Shangri-La Hotel in London, was crucial to the overall experience. The hotel has 100 rooms and suites, each overlooking the tree-lined Avenue Imsana or the Eiffel Tower. If you’re lucky enough (or ask for it when booking), your room can come with a private terrace where you can sample your morning espresso and croissants. My research also made it clear that I wouldn’t be able to fully experience the affluence of Shangri-La in Paris without attending two in-hotel events: treatment at the luxurious CHI Spa and a meal at the Michelin-starred Palace of Style or the Bauhinia Palace, where guests dine under a glass-domed ceiling designed by famed architect Maurice Glass.
On my final day in Europe, after a day filled with sightseeing, shopping, massages, and multi-course dinners, I was left with a profound sense of fulfillment. I was convinced that this was the most luxurious and satisfying experience I had ever had in London and Paris.
