LUXE Serendipity magazine

By Donna Richardson

In December, London transforms into a city of twinkling lights, festive markets, and an unmistakable sense of magic. Amid the bustling streets, Pan Pacific London offers a rare sanctuary where luxury, wellness, and holiday wonder converge high above the city, framed by the glow of London’s tallest Christmas tree.

At 67 feet, adorned with thousands of sparkling lights and hundreds of ornaments, the tree stands in the plaza below like a glittering beacon. From this festive heart, guests are invited to step into the hotel’s most enchanting suites, where every detail has been curated for comfort, celebration, and wellbeing.

From arrival, you can just tell this is going to be a luxury stay. Butlers in velvet suits doff their hats to you, offer you fresh fruit lozenges as you check in, and whisk your bags away. You are then free to head up to the room. We had Bishopsgate suite – a two-bedroom suite spanning 104sqm, one king-sized room for us, with an ensuite and an expansive lounge and hall area and then another double room with a teepee.

The hotel boasts views of the historic St Botholf’s church and the Gurkin. They have thought of everything from the Jo Loves toiletries to their very own kids’ toiletries. Run yourself a waterfall bath and then slip into a silken robe and slippers.

If you want some downtime, kids are catered for at the Singa Cubs club and can also enjoy a scavenger hunt to win a bear, and there is also a tailored spa for kids aged six to 16, the first hotel in the UK to offer Bopont Beauty experiences. When it comes to exploring, you are on the doorstep of adventures to Spitalfields City Farm, Puttsack Bank, and a Tour for Muggles for Harry Potter fans.

Suites that tell a bedtime story

The Family Suite is a haven of joy and calm. Children discover festive treats, storybooks, and plush toys, while parents sink into cloud-soft bedding for restorative sleep. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer sweeping city views, framing the Christmas tree’s glow and creating the sensation of being suspended in a magical holiday moment.

The Bishopsgate Suite delivers minimalist luxury with warm tones and soothing textures. Pan Pacific London’s Sleep Programme transforms bedtime into a ritual: curated pillows, botanical aromas, blackout curtains, and soft lighting ensure restorative rest, making the suite a sanctuary of mindful relaxation.

Each suite is outfitted with a curated selection of pillows -from plush feather to supportive memory foam – so guests can tailor their sleep environment to their preferences. Blackout curtains ensure uninterrupted rest, while subtle, warm lighting guides the transition from evening to night, creating a cocoon of calm.

The experience is complemented by bespoke botanical aromas, delicate scents of lavender, chamomile, and sandalwood fill the air, encouraging relaxation and signalling the body to unwind. For those who wish, a curated playlist of gentle ambient sounds, from rustling leaves to soft instrumental melodies, enhances the sense of serenity. Every element of the Sleep Programme is designed to counteract the stresses of travel and city life, offering deep, restorative slumber so guests awaken feeling replenished, balanced, and ready to embrace the day.

Wellness in the Sky

Above the festive bustle, the hotel’s dedicated wellness floor offers an elevated escape. First, we headed to the temperature-controlled 18.5m infinity pool that shimmers under ambient light, inviting children to splash and adults to float in serene contemplation. Steam rooms, saunas, and relaxation lounges provide restorative moments, all with panoramic views of London sparkling in seasonal brilliance.

The gym is state-of-the-art – voted one of the best in London with a team of health and spa professionals available to help you reach your fitness goals from a paletone machine to a full

Wellness here is festive: baths infused with seasonal botanicals, calming teas, and quiet spaces encourage a slower pace amid the holiday rush. After a signature massage that hits all the right spots, you are invited to rest. As you sink deeper into the cocoon of warmth, the city lights twinkle through the floor-to-ceiling windows, mirrored in the gentle steam rising from your cup of herbal tea. The weighted blanket settles around you like a soft embrace, easing tension and lulling you into a state of quiet calm. Outside, London’s festive streets sparkle, but inside, time slows -every sip, every breath, every shimmering reflection of the Christmas tree becomes a small, meditative pleasure. It is a rare moment of stillness, where luxury, comfort, and the city’s holiday magic converge, leaving you utterly restored before the evening unfolds.

A Feast for the Senses: Pan Pacific’s Tasting Menu & Sunday Lunch

No festive escape is complete without exceptional dining, and Pan Pacific London delivers an unforgettable culinary journey. At Straits Kitchen, the hotel’s signature restaurant, Chef Adam Bateman brings together the finest British seasonal ingredients with vibrant Southeast Asian flavours, creating dishes that are as imaginative as they are indulgent.

The five‑course Experience Menu is a true celebration of taste and technique. Guests can expect a symphony of flavours: delicate scallops paired with aromatic red curry, tender pork skewers glazed with char siu, silky crab pappardelle kissed with a hint of laksa, and succulent beef short rib enriched by a sweet soy and stout jus. The finale is a dessert that surprises and delights with layers of texture and bold,

Playful flavours, ideally suited to the festive season. Carefully curated wine pairings elevate each course, transforming dinner into a whole sensory experience. Sundays at Straits Kitchen offer another form of indulgence: the hotel’s Sunday lunch is a leisurely affair where traditional British comfort meets contemporary flair. Think golden roast potatoes, fluffy Yorkshire puddings, and a selection of hearty mains – from melt-in-the-mouth pork belly to delicately seasoned salmon tartare – finished with refined desserts such as a tangy raspberry and vanilla cheesecake. A glass of Champagne on arrival adds a touch of celebratory sparkle, making the afternoon both relaxed and indulgent.

Whether savouring the artistry of the tasting menu or enjoying a languid Sunday lunch, Pan Pacific London ensures that dining becomes an essential part of the storybook Christmas experience with Vinchenzo our attentive waiter.

As dusk falls, the hotel’s lounges come alive. Live jazz fills the air with warm, melodic tones, while a magician glides discreetly among guests, delighting children with sleight-of-hand tricks. This blend of music, magic, and mindful indulgence creates intimate, luxurious holiday entertainment – perfectly balancing energy and calm.

Christmas Morning in the Sky

On Christmas morning, sunlight floods the suites, illuminating the plaza’s iconic tree. Stockings and festive surprises await, while adults savour restorative breakfasts of fresh fruit, pastries, and herbal teas. Children laugh and play against the backdrop of London’s skyline, while parents luxuriate in the rare gift of a holiday morning without rush or worry. For families, a second swim or steam session adds to the magic; for couples, quiet moments in the suite or spa offer rejuvenation and connection.

Why Pan Pacific London Works for Christmas

From the towering Christmas tree to the infinity pool, from curated wellness rituals to evenings of jazz and magic, Pan Pacific London delivers a multi-sensory festive experience. Families leave enchanted and refreshed, couples discover quiet, elegant escapes, and every guest departs feeling part of a storybook Christmas in the sky – where every detail, from décor to wellness programming, has been meticulously curated to delight, soothe, and inspire.

Insider Tips

• Book early: suites sell quickly during December.
• Request evening turndown service with seasonal treats and storybooks.
• Check the schedule for live jazz and magician performances.
• Combine suite-based wellness with a stroll through London’s Christmas markets for the perfect balance of activity and calm.

Book now