'I celebrated Virgo season with a night away at The Standard's Zodiac Retreat'
I would consider myself pretty 'woo'. I avidly check my horoscope (and those of everyone in my social sphere), have a rotation of crystals in my handbag at all times and have been known to conduct a Moon phase ritual in my time.
So when I had the chance to stay at The Standard London in Kings Cross to try out their Zodiac Retreat offer it was a no-brainer.
First impressions matter in a hotel, so when I walked through the doors from the hustle and bustle of St Pancras station into the cool, calm and collected energy of The Standard I knew I was in for a truly zen night. The outside Brutalist architecture and external red-pill-like elevator adds a unique break to the city skyline and inside the art-deco decor whisks you back in time.
After a speedy check-in with the effervescent George at the front desk who gave us a tour of the public spaces, I headed straight up to the King of Kings suite to see what was awaiting me.
What's the vibe?
Think of the coolest, trendiest people you've seen wandering the streets of London. Yea, that's the usual clientele. Some of the celebrities that have checked in as of late include Suki Waterhouse, Jade Thirlwall, Jodie Comer and Raye to give you an idea.
I tend to think of myself as a pretty cool person (cue: everyone agreeing unanimously), however, I definitely felt as if I could have stepped in up a notch in order to fit in with the vibe. There's soft jazz-funk house music playing throughout the public spaces and the decor is a reflection on the general energy of the hotel, ie. good vibes all round.
The rooms
The expert design continues to the rooms where you walk into a retro-futuristic space of block pattern rugs and furniture, paired with decadent tiling, an enormous bathtub practically screaming my name and matte mint green fixtures that ensure you know you're staying at the coolest hotel on the block. A sweeping curved bay window overlooks the Gothic revival St Pancras station and makes for the perfect evening view as you wind down in bed.
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With silky soft Italian sheets and black-out curtains that keep out the morning light, I must say I had the best sleep I've had in months, and the wind-down experience of a luxurious bath/shower (with Davines products no less!) made for the perfect nighttime routine.
What actually is the Zodiac Retreat offer?
On the table lies an expertly curated selection of gifts waiting for me to celebrate the Virgo season—a Bio Sculpture manicure set in 306 Gemini which is a perfect red in my opinion,(and also happens to be both my star sign and birth date—coincidence?), a very on-the-nose Scrub Daddy sponge, and a box of star sign reading cards that were freakishly accurate upon reflection.
The Zodiac Retreat changes with each season with other goodies across the signs including a cheeky toy from SmileMakers for Leo season, Ismaya beauty tools for Libra and Scorpio, a cocktail set for the bold and brash Aquarius and more to be revealed.
While I love the concept, some signs seemed to get more thoughtfully curated gifts than others, which may be a slight bummer (sex toy vs. sponge? Hmmm). A little more thought into the quality and value of the offerings would go a long way in making sure every guest whether they're Leo, Gemini or Pisces feels equally appreciated.
The retreat offers a welcome, and unique, chance for you to get in touch with your cosmic connections and a welcome staycation if you're London-based or respite amidst the big city if you're just passing through.
What is the rest of the hotel like?
Regardless, with rooms so nice why would you ever want to venture out? But in reality, the magic of The Standard lies in its various public spaces. While we love our wellness and pamper-ready stays here at WH, sometimes we all need a chance to let loose and enjoy some quality times and this is the place to do it.
Downstairs is the Library Lounge where you can curl up with one of 3000 books that line the bookshelves, or stroll over to the dimly lit and ambient Isla restaurant which makes for a cosy (albeit pricey) dinner spot. We decided to treat ourselves and dined at Double Standard, a 70s-inspired diner that had Copenhagen-based burger joint Gasoline Grill take over the space to bring their delicious burgers to London.
Other spaces include The Rooftop bar with an exceptional view of London's skyline, a 24-hour gym and the mirror-ball-filled discotheque, Sweeties, which is a must-visit if you like your drinks strong and music pumping. Heartbreakingly it was closed on the night I attended however it is high on my list to return to in order to enjoy their impressive drinks menu and DJ lineup.
Final verdict
I'm a big believer in taking the time to truly get in touch with our cosmic placements, and a luxury stay away where debauchery and fun are encouraged sounds like a match made in the stars. And although I do wish they took the Zodiac-inspired offer even further (I'm talking tailored room service menus, curated playlists and just a general amp-up), I thoroughly enjoyed my stay, even if just for the ambience.
So if you're a self-confessed astrology lover on the hunt for a splurge-worthy stay in the hustle and bustle of London, a night or two at The Standard's Zodiac Retreat will leave you calm, centred, and positively celestial.
Go there!
The Zodiac Retreat is available to book at standardhotels.com from £519 and runs through to 2025.
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