Coworth Park, Ascot, England

On my way to Hampshire, I stopped in Ascot to see Coworth Park, the still-new British hotel and spa for lovers of polo and horseback riding (including Kate and William, who came to Ascot last in May). It's also just 15 minutes from Windsor Castle and Eton College. Surprisingly, it's also only 20 minutes from Heathrow Airport, where I picked up my rental car. That first car ride was terrifying as I navigated my way through roundabouts, the left side of the road, insane drivers, and a manual car but I made it to beautiful Coworth Park. Doesn't the name make you think there should be some fabulous British drama set here about rich polo players, their love lives, and clashes with other players?

English countryside at Coworth Park

Common area in the Mansion HouseThere is quite a bit of history at Coworth Park, owned by a number of regal families, but it didn't open as part of the Dorchester Collection until 2010. You can stay in the Mansion House, which is closer to the restaurant and lobby scene, or the renovated stables, which are great for families. Restaurant Coworth Park in the main building is sophisticated and delicious, but I loved dining at The Barn at Coworth Park best, a short walk away and in the original barn frame with a great stone fireplace and views out to the English countryside. The spa is housed in a separate, totally contemporary and airy white building, with 100% organic treatments, a nice gym, and a bar area to enjoy a healthy snack or glass of champagne.

The Barn at Coworth ParkRustic table setting & stone fireplace at The Barn

Hallway in the Mansion HouseCoworth Park Mansion House roomCoworth Park is all about idle pleasuresStable rooms at Coworth ParkActual stables! What's more English than this? Nice gym I'll sit and stay awhileLoved how this teapot was being used!I can't wait to go back when the flowers are blooming at Coworth Park and the entire exterior changes. It's a beautiful addition to the landscape of English country hotels and so close to London!

Before the flowers are in bloom!

Strolling London's Chelsea, From Sloane Square Up the King's Road

London continues to shine as the world-class city it is, from the royal wedding a year ago to the upcoming Olympics. But my favorite part about London, is discovering the best local shops and restaurants in each neighborhood. Sloane Square is the perfect starting point for a day exploring London's Chelsea neighborhood. The term "Sloane Ranger" was coined when Princess Diana was young to describe the London women that call Chelsea home and love shopping on the King's Road. 
Chelsea is where Pippa Middleton still lives in the flat that she used to share with Kate, but it's not about the royal connections here - just a day of shopping and strolling in one of London's great, modern neighborhoods.

Sloane Square: Start in Sloane Square, which has beautiful architecture and is also close to Belgravia and Kensington. The anchor of the square is Peter Jones department store, where Duchess Kate is often spotted shopping for clothes, sunglasses, and handbags. The store's origins date back to 1864, when Welshman Peter Jones arrived in London and started his business.  Today, Peter Jones stocks higher end brands like Mulberry but also more affordable lines like Whistles, Diesel, and 7 for All Mankind.

Walking away from Sloane Square, you'll soon see Duke of York Square, which is a great spot to have a coffee and people watch.  You'll spot the large Jigsaw stand-alone store, a London favorite for both casual and work clothes.  Next to Jigsaw is Partridges, a gourmet grocery store that holds a Royal Warrant.  A Royal Warrant means a company supplies goods or services to the Royal Family. At Partridges, you're sure to find a souvenir, or if you have a hankering for American processed food, they stock cereals like Cheerios and Apple Jacks, as well as Oreos, Pop-Tarts, and Fruit Roll-Ups.  There's a Banana Republic which stocks different items than U.S. stores, and a fabulous L.K. Bennett store to find a perfect pair of pumps or summer sandals.  If you need a haircut or color, the Richard Ward Salon is where Duchess Kate has gone for years, since she lived in the neighborhood.

Continue up the King's Road, where you stop at affordable shop Warehouse for trendy T-shirts, dresses, and pants.  Across from Warehouse is Kurt Geiger, one of Europe's leading shoe retailers.  Londoners stock up on Geiger branded shoes and accessories here, and other lines like Prada and Gucci.  Kurt Geiger branded shoes aren't too expensive, and average about 100-200 pounds.  By this point, you may want a gelato break, and Amorino serves some of the best in London.  For frozen yogurt, you'll spot Snog further up the road.

As you walk, you'll pass by the famous Raffles nightclub, which you can return to in the evening. Austique is a local favorite for its carefully curated selection of fashion, jewelry and accessories. It's where you come when you want to find something that no one else will have when you get home.

Stopping at Bluebird Cafe is an absolute must for lunch or dinner. Their outdoor cafe and courtyard lunch menu has sandwiches, salads, and soups.  For dinner upstairs, it's one of the most popular spots in Chelsea.
Close to Bluebird Cafe is Old Church Street, which shows what a quiet residential Chelsea street feels like.  You'll hit the Thames after a ten-minute walk down Old Church, with nice areas to rest.

BluebirdOther favorite local dinner spots as you continue up the King's Road include Medlar for French-based, locally sourced cuisine or eight over eight for pan-Asian dishes.

Old Church StreetThis article was originally published on the  Exclusive Resorts blog, the online destination for all things luxury travel, from the world’s leading private club for luxury vacations.

Snapshots from The Goring Hotel, London

LobbyI wrote about where Kate Middleton spent her last night before she married Prince William here.  The week after the wedding, my longtime beau Andy went to London and stopped by the hotel.  He took some great photos of the beautiful outdoor garden, the hallway where Kate's suite was and the bar where Prince Harry and Chelsy Davy partied until 6 a.m. after the official Buckingham Palace reception/champagne-fest.

Outdoor Garden 

Outdoor Patio

Goring Bar

Kate Middleton's Last Night Before She Becomes A Princess

(Update: Click here for photos of The Goring taken a few days after the Royal Wedding)

I'm fully caught up in the Royal Wedding fever.  I think us American girls were really introduced to Prince William with his YM cover in 1998.  I kept that magazine for months!  I will be getting up at 5:00 a.m. to watch all the wedding festivities with a box of tissues on hand.

But now what I'm really interested in is Kate Middleton's hotel choice for her last few nights before she becomes Princess Catherine this Friday.  Kate and her immediate family will be staying at London's Goring Hotel, a blissful London hotel a stone's throw from Buckingham Palace. 

I especially love that the Goring family has run the hotel since opening in 1910,  serves a perfect English afternoon tea, and has an absolutely lovely garden.

Can you imagine choosing where you'll stay the night before you marry the future King of England? I'm going to splurge and stay at the Goring Hotel for at least one night the next time I'm in London. For the price of a room night, I can feel like the future Queen of England.