London is in the grip of Olympic fever, but - without wishing to be controversial - what happens if you are bound for the British capital and the Games are not your thing?
We suggest you do as we did, and make for London's bountiful temples to pampering, sophistication and whim, handily surrounded by some of the world's most delectable foodie destinations. It transpires that a salt scrub and gourmet food really do make uplifting bedfellows.
Our West End weekend begins in style, when we check in to one of the area's hippest hotels on a Saturday afternoon. The Philippe Starck-designed Sanderson Hotel is in a converted 1950s factory and continues to inhabit the cool lane 12 years after its opening. The witty postmodern furniture, glass-encased bathrooms, and all-white bedrooms and spa, are mesmerising. Our bedroom's minimalist d?cor is interrupted only by a sleigh-style bed in the centre of the room, two sculptural metal dumb bells displayed on the wall, and a ceiling painting of a country scene with dark clouds and a sunny sky.
After a cheeky mid-afternoon cocktail at the hotel's 24-metre long onyx bar (the zen courtyard garden is a little too chilly), it's off to the nails inc concession in Debenhams' Oxford Street store for an express manicure and a blissful mini-hand massage. We then manage to squeeze in a quick steam in Sanderson's other-worldly spa, before rushing off to claim our seats at British comedy The 39 Steps - based on the famous spy novel and Alfred Hitchcock film, it is a hilarious old-school romp where four actors play 139 roles.
Day two and our first appointment after a pleasingly healthy-but-not-boring breakfast is at the classy Langham Hotel, only a short walk away.
The philosophy behind its Chuan Spa is re-balancing body and soul, and the Harmony full-body oil massage does induce a state of advanced relaxation. Emerging in a somewhat trance-like state from the spa, we brave the crowds on Regent Street and head for Tibits, a sleek and colourful vegetarian/vegan caf?in London that thankfully doesn't ram its healthful message down one's throat.