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Western Daily Press   

A little gastronomic heaven is also vital, with a table at one of London's top restaurants and, to round it all off, some culture - either a great show or an outstanding exhibition.

Located in the heart of Kensington and Chelsea, and just a stone's throw from Knightsbridge, Durley House boasts one of London's most exclusive addresses - except that the hotel does nothing so vulgar as to boast. Indeed, so unimposing is its front door that I had to double check that I was in the right place.

Once a private residence, Durley House still feels more like an elegant townhouse than a hotel.

The 11 beautifully-decorated suites each come with a huge sitting room, kitchen and bathroom, and there's no restaurant, although with breakfast served in your room and champagne and canapes in the drawing room, you hardly notice its absence.
 

So discreet is the hotel, and so friendly its staff, that it's favoured by several celebrities, including Kevin Costner and Jamie Lee Curtis.

Be sure to time your visit to Durley House with one of Elaine de Oliveira's monthly trips to London. A Brazilian massage therapist who lives in Amsterdam, Elaine has so many fans in London that she visits once a month.

After a blissful hour's treatment, I can understand why. It's not just the massage, which is superb; Elaine is also a nutritionist and a specialist in Chinese physiology and, afterwards, she tells you what she's learned about you in terms of your health and your personality. The results are astonishing and revealing.

It would be easy to spend your entire weekend luxuriating in Durley House but that would be a shame as it's perfectly located for shops, galleries, restaurants and museums.
 

I spent a delightful hour at the Natural History Museum, which I'd last visited as a schoolgirl. I'd forgotten just how fascinating a place it is. It's well worth a visit, even though its flagship autumnal show - the Diamond Exhibition - unfortunately closed early last month after police heard that criminal gangs were planning a heist. There's plenty more to see in the area, with the Science Museum and the Victoria & Albert just a few yards away.

If visiting exhibitions has exhausted you, revive your energy at Gordon Ramsey's Boxwood Cafe at the Berkeley Hotel. You won't hear Gordon's fruity language emerging from the kitchen - it's under the charge of head chef Stuart Gillies  but you will find superb food.

It's not outrageously expensive either, with starters from about £7 to 14 and mains from £8.50 to £28. No one can visit this part of London without indulging in some shopping.

TRAVEL FILE

Durley House is just yards from Sloane Square and close to Harrods, Hyde Park and the King's Road. Suites from £340 per room per night, plus VAT.

Special offer this winter - one night's accommodation with butler-served Continental breakfast costs just £135 per person (plus VAT) based on two people sharing a one-bedroom suite. It runs from December 11 to January 29.

The hotel also does a great hen night package - call 020 7235 5537 for details. If Durley House is full, check out the Cadogan, just up the road. From £245 per room per night, plus VAT. Call: 020 7235 7141. See http://www.thesteingroup.com/

For booking appointments or enquiries, please contact Toshiko:

Tel/Fax: +44 (0)20 8458 4597