With the nature of business travel ever-evolving, the last few years have seen the advent of bleisure travel in London and beyond. As a style of travel where executives extend their business trips in order to enjoy the cultural experiences their destination has to offer, the bleisure experience is changing our entire approach to corporate travel.
Rather than viewing business trips as purely functional, professionals are increasingly embracing the opportunity to explore, unwind and gain a deeper connection with the places that they visit.
Bleisure travel is also a way to include the family in a trip that would otherwise be focused purely on work. It’s a way for families to connect more deeply, make core memories and enjoy time together.
London as a Bleisure Destination
For those executives for whom being far away from their family proves to be the hardest part of business travel, the advent of bleisure trips has truly changed the corporate landscape.
Research from Forbes shows that around 79% of high-net-worth travellers now blend business and leisure travel, and the UK capital is one of the most popular bleisure destinations in the world.
As a business travel hotspot, London attracts professionals from all corners of the globe. It is especially popular with those from the finance, tech, and legal sectors.
At the same time, London is home to many iconic cultural sights and experiences. From the Turbine Hall at Tate Modern to the creative heart of Shoreditch and the boutiques of Bond Street, this capital city blends history, innovation and lifestyle to an exquisite level.
Long-stay luxury apartments in London help to make the bleisure dream a reality. This is the city where a morning business meeting can be followed by lunch in a Michelin-starred restaurant. It’s the city where networking occurs against the backdrop of sprawling royal parks and iconic locations such as the Shard.
The Best of Bleisure Travel in London
With such a plethora of sights to explore, more and more executives are choosing to extend their trips. They are taking the opportunity to gain a real experience of the city beyond the boardroom.
Bleisure travel in London offers a captivating blend of work and play opportunities. It’s also home to five-star luxury corporate accommodation designed to support both productivity and relaxation.
Whether you’re seeking some of the finest art museums, cuisine from world-class chefs or simply exploring the diverse range of neighbourhoods across the capital, the opportunities are boundless.
With multiple international airports, extensive rail networks and efficient public transport even in quieter corners of the city, travelling both within and beyond London is seamless.
Its close proximity to other parts of the UK also allows for day trips and adventures beyond the city. Many are tempted by the beaches of Brighton or the picture-perfect Cotswolds landscapes.
The Best London Neighbourhoods for Executive Stays
Another key advantage of London as a bleisure destination is its accessibility and infrastructure. A far-reaching, efficiently structured travel network makes it easy for executives to balance busy schedules while still carving out time for leisure.
With something to see or do in every part of the city, London also provides the perfect backdrop for bleisure travellers who enjoy a spontaneous adventure.
Should a business meeting finish early or you find yourself with an unexpected pocket of time to fill at the end of the working day, the city provides leisure opportunities in abundance.
Renowned for its diversity, London offers a wide range of neighbourhoods suited to executive travel. Convenience, connectivity and luxury living are the order of the day.
Bleisure trips can feel tricky to plan, striking the right balance between business commitments and leisure adventures. Choosing the right location is essential to streamline the entire experience.
The best neighbourhood for bleisure travel in London will, to an extent, depend on priorities. Some travellers may prefer proximity to financial centres. Others may prefer a quieter, more residential neighbourhood.
However, all of the different options offer a high-quality experience. Kensington & Chelsea is ideal for those executives seeking peaceful and prestigious surroundings where luxury is evident in every detail.
This district is well-connected to central business hubs and also offer easy access to some of London’s finest downtime adventures – world-class museums, exquisite dining and royal parks.
Those seeking a neighbourhood within close proximity to London’s financial centre should seek accommodation in the City of London or Holborn where historic city buildings blend with a buzzing corporate vibe.
Luxury Neighbourhoods for Bleisure Travel
Alternatively, Mayfair is another good option suited to those seeking luxury executive living and an ultra-sophisticated neighbourhood. This West London enclaves strikes a good balance between easy access to corporate centres and esteemed surrounds with some of the finest dining and shopping options in the city.
Our apartment on Mayfair Mews is a beautiful one-bed space comprising the finest corporate accommodation that the area has to offer. This high-end residence is situated just a stone’s throw from the Royal Academy of Arts and exclusive restaurants such as Sexy Fish.
It comes with a range of appealing features including regular maid service, 24-hour guest support, BoConcept furnishings and a ready-to-go Netflix subscription.
Travellers to London are privileged in that every neighbourhood offers a unique cultural experience and aesthetic while also offering good access to onward travel.
Should your bleisure trip involve further adventures beyond the city for business or pleasure, it may be worth considering neighbourhoods such as Victoria where national rail services and quick links to Gatwick airport make onward travel a breeze.
Finally, Covent Garden offers a bustling, creative and vibrant setting with unmatched people-watching opportunities and cultural sights on every corner. Especially appealing to those working in the media, tech or creative arts, this is a world-famous location with inspiring surrounds. It also offers easy access to major business hubs across London.
Why Luxury Serviced Apartments Support Bleisure Travel
Bleisure travel is all about maximising every moment and making an extended stay truly worth it. Luxury serviced apartments support travellers in many aspects of their journey.
The apartments are situated in strategic locations across prime business and high-end districts around the city. As London is such a vast metropolis, choosing the right location can significantly reduce time spent travelling around the city.
By offering accommodation in such sought-after locations, high-end travellers also benefit from locations that offer some of the finest London experiences within close proximity.
The best high-end corporate accommodation in London will support and enhance bleisure travel from the moment you book your trip.
Thoughtful features to support practical enjoyment include 24-hour concierge/guest support, business services, free Wi-Fi, dry cleaning service and daily Monday-Friday maid service.
Your Personal Business Hub
Many properties also offer dedicated business facilities, including conference rooms and private meeting spaces. This enables professionals to host clients or colleagues in a comfortable and professional setting.
For example, the luxury serviced apartment at Hyde Park Residence is popular with business travellers for its dedicated conference room. It also offers a prime location with spectacular views of the park. Residents can also enjoy 24-hour security and guest support, twice-weekly maid service and business services.
From a leisure and luxury perspective, luxury serviced apartments also offer a plethora of features to support optimum rest and relaxation. This can prove invaluable during fast-paced, demanding bleisure trips.
Highly-sought-after services include complimentary movies or cinema room, gym, access to spa facilities, communal gardens or private outdoor space and swimming pool access.
Bleisure travel supports executives and their families in making the most of the travel experience. Many luxury serviced apartments include multiple bedrooms as well as pet-friendly options. This supports business travellers in bringing the family along for the experience and ensuring everybody feels comfortable and at home.
The luxury features of serviced apartments also allow the family to enjoy time together and relax in stylish surrounds designed entirely to support a high-end travel experience.
A 3-5 Day Luxury Business and Leisure Itinerary in London
A visit to London is a visit to one of the most dynamic cities in the world. This suggested itinerary offers the perfect balance of productivity and indulgence.
Designed to help executives make the most of every minute, it blends meetings and cultural highlights with unique experiences for an unforgettable trip.
Day 1: Arrival & Settling In
Arrive in London and transfer to your corporate accommodation. Unwind and settle in. In the afternoon, enjoy a light stroll through one of the city’s sprawling green spaces. Hyde Park and Green Park are beautiful, easy spots to ease into the city.
Take a visit to the Serpentine for a spot of culture. In the evening, enjoy a wander and laidback dinner among the glittering lights of Chinatown.
Day 2: Business Focus & Fine Dining
Spend the day in meetings across key business districts such as The City of London or Holborn. Some of the finest luxury serviced apartments in London also offer business lounges and private meeting spaces.
In the evening, enjoy an exceptional dining experience that only London can offer. Consider Michelin-starred cuisine at Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester or contemporary British dining at Core by Clare Smyth. These are both perfect settings for either client entertainment or personal enjoyment.
Day 3: Culture & Upscale Exploration
London is home to some of the finest cultural institutions in the world. Spend the morning in South Kensington and visit the Victoria and Albert Museum or the Natural History Museum.
Take a taxi through the heart of the city, then sit down for lunch at the British Museum. A meal surrounded by world-famous relics is an experience to remember.
In the afternoon, explore another of London’s finest offerings – luxury shopping. Both Selfridges in Bond Street and Harrods in Knightsbridge offer world-class retail experiences.
In the evening, enjoy a performance at the iconic Royal Albert Hall. Alternatively, a West End show offers the quintessential London experience.
Day 4: Leisure, Wellness & Networking
Start the day with a walk in the park, a private training session or spa treatment at your residence or nearby gym. A select range of properties on our books at London Serviced Apartments offer gym and/or spa access. This provides a refreshing balance to business commitments.
At midday, it’s time to attend informal meetings or networking over lunch at a stylish venue in Marylebone. If work commitments allow, enjoy a scenic afternoon walk along the South Bank and River Thames. Take a visit to Tate Modern to enjoy the exquisite contemporary art.
Restaurants in London offer some of the finest food in the world. Combine this with a truly memorable experience by enjoying drinks or dinner at The Shard. Here, you can enjoy panoramic views across the city and an unforgettable setting.
Alternatively, the Gordon Ramsay Restaurants at 22 Bishopsgate offers another truly memorable culinary experience. It is also a five-star venue that will impress friends, clients and colleagues alike.
Day 5: Final Meetings & Departure
On your final day, schedule any remaining meetings and take time for a relaxed brunch in Chelsea. In the home of picture-perfect foodie destinations, you’re truly spoilt for choice.
If time permits, enjoy a last stroll through Kensington Gardens to enjoy the views of Kensington Palace. You might also take a visit to Holland Park and embrace the serenity of the Kyoto Garden.
For a different way to make the most of those final hours, a visit to Carnaby Street provides a unique, vibrant and characterful shopping experience. The independent boutiques and the iconic Liberty of London offer distinctive styles. Continue on to Oxford Street for a broader selection of flagship stores and pick up last-minute gifts or holiday treats.
For a final flourish, enjoy an indulgent afternoon tea at the Ritz – arguably the most authentic London experience of all.
Planning your Bleisure Travel in London
There are so many benefits to bleisure travel in London. But getting started with the plans can be daunting. Our team at Luxury Serviced Apartments support executives from across the world in finding their ideal home away from home in London.
We consider your practical needs and priorities, such as an apartment with a dedicated conference room, 24-hour concierge or proximity to certain business hubs. We also consider any personal preferences such as residential vs. corporate neighbourhood, an apartment with outdoor space or close proximity to specific sights in the city.
Our range of executive serviced apartments in London cover a wide variety of neighbourhoods, features and services. To get your journey started, give us a call today on +44 (0) 203 790 7766. Alternatively, email [email protected] and one of our team will come back to you shortly.
