A SECRET CITY SANCTUARY

After an afternoon spent roaming through west London with journalist Jo Elvin we settled in to a rare pocket of calm in the capital at Knightsbridge Hotel. Tucked away in leafy Beaufort Gardens, just steps from the bustle of Brompton Road, its interiors—by the ever-distinctive Founder and Creative director Kit Kemp layer playful details over a composed, quietly confident palette. It proved the perfect setting for a conversation with Jo on balance, restorative rituals, and the enduring appeal of a London address that remains one of the city’s most discreetly luxurious secrets.

Read on as Jo shares her thoughts on slowing down, being an ‘introverted extrovert’, and why a quiet corner of Knightsbridge still feels like a secret city sanctuary. With a schedule that keeps you on-the-go, how do you create space to reconnect with yourself?

I’m something of an ‘introverted extrovert’. I am not in the least bit shy, and I love socialising and meeting new people. That said, I definitely have a tipping point whereby I need time on my own to recharge. I’ve learnt this about myself over the years so I try to stick to a rule of making sure I have three nights a week where nothing is scheduled. I love a packed schedule, but as long as it has definite pauses diarised as well. I keep those ‘empty’ appointments and treat them with the same importance as an actual work meeting. If my week is full to bursting with commitments, I tend to implode and not want to do any of it, but I love having stuff to look forward to with intermittent lulls, wherever possible!Are there particular rituals or places that help you slow your pace and feel more grounded?

In my downtime, I’m a big fan of exercising. I know exercising sounds like the most counter-intuitive way to relax, but there’s something incredible about that time in that it’s virtually impossible to focus on anything but getting through the next 45-second cardio burst. And the benefits keep paying dividends with my sleep quality and stress levels. Hand in hand with that is taking the time to stretch properly. I’ve been amazed at the aches and pains I thought I was stuck with in my old age that disappear if I just stretch properly. I’m a fan of meditation, and I particularly love sticking my headphones in with a guided one from the app Headspace. I’m a big believer in taking time out to make sure you’re breathing properly and I love the technique of a long, slow inhale where you count to five and then exhale for seven counts. It has an instantly calming effect on your nervous system. And there’s nothing more therapeutic than being forced into a long, slow walk in a park with my gorgeous, but ancient dog, Bella.

When you want to properly step back, what experiences leave you feeling restored and ready to go again?

Honestly? It’s all about sleep. It’s free and it’s more restorative than spending time in a spa, although of course that too is lovely. I find that if I’m in a moment of overwhelm, it’s almost always simply that I’m tired. Giving myself permission to properly rest recharges me, and usually helps me regain any perspective I need to get on top of whatever’s stressing me.Knightsbridge Hotel, with its design-led interiors and sense of calm, feels a fitting choice – what drew you to make it your #RoamingWithRuskin destination?

All Firmdale Hotel properties are utterly gorgeous. Founder & Creative Director Kit Kemp does an incredible job of making them simultaneously beautiful, calming spaces, but also full of bold pattern and colour, contemporary design and craft that are a feast for the senses. Knightsbridge Hotel is, I think, a lovely little London secret. Part of Firmdale’s townhouse collection, Knightsbridge Hotel is intimate and inviting, nestled on an incredibly quiet street in an area that’s otherwise teeming with people and traffic. So you get to experience some London icons like the V&A Museum or the shopping at Harrods or Harvey Nichols, but then you’re only ever five minutes’ walk from your own peaceful sanctuary. And their fries are bloody excellent.Jo Elvin is a journalist, editor, writer, and broadcaster with over 30 years of experience in media. As an award-winning magazine editor, she has led some of the UK’s most recognisable and successful titles. and continues to write, broadcast, and consult across leading platforms.

Imagery by @ceciliaavolpi_ph

With gratitude to the amazing team at Knightsbridge Hotel for your kindness and generosity @knightsbridgehotel - part of @firmdale_hotels and to the wonderful and stylish @jo_elvin

For this trip Jo roamed with her handcrafted The Bennet Bucket in Biscotto and two other companions, The Clutch Con Cinta in Bracken and The Quentin Weekender in custom RUSKIN tweed.