As I reminisce about my recent adventures, I find myself overwhelmed by the beauty and magic that unfolded before my eyes. Among all the unforgettable moments, none compare to witnessing the enchanting wedding of my beloved goddaughter Talulah Riley and Thomas Brodie-Sangster. The entire event was nothing short of a Jane Austen novel brought to life, with the picturesque English countryside serving as the perfect backdrop for their union.
With my cherished gaming buddies, Lysa and Grant Heslov, jetting off to London for their latest project, The Department on Paramount+ – a series produced by their company Smokehouse Pictures with Michael Fassbender in the lead role – there’s just one logical next step: secure my own ticket to join them on this exciting adventure!
Over the past decade, I’ve struggled to secure a flight ticket using air miles on my preferred days. Not even once! I never thought it was possible until I stumbled upon David Fleming, also known as The Miles Guy. Born into Hollywood Royalty, his grandfather being the renowned publicist Warren Cowan, David has made a name for himself by assisting individuals in maximizing their frequent air miles and credit card points for flights. In his own words, “there are many people who have a substantial number of points but don’t know how to utilize them efficiently. That’s where I come in.” And lo and behold, he managed to secure me a British Airways first-class round trip to London.
The other part of making commercial travel as private as possible is joining P/S at LAX the experience that I promise you will become addicted to and won’t want to fly without. Thank you to my producer friend Hilary Shor — whose film The Deliverance is out on Netflix on August 30 — for telling me about P/S, which has its own private terminal at LAX and takes you by car right to your plane. I booked the Salon experience ($1,250 annual fee; then $850 per flight per person) and it was the fastest customs and TSA screening with a vibe that’s like a private members club. The service is unmatched. The hamachi was Nobu quality. I had a young talented movie star actor and his manager on my flight who were using the Salon service as well.
Upon arriving in London, the delightful moment of reuniting with Lysa and Grant was at hand. Their residence was a sight to behold, and every morning, I embarked on leisurely strolls through Regent’s Park. As soon as my plane touched down, Hilary Shor graciously treated us to high tea at Claridge’s – an indulgence hard to resist!
On the following day, Lysa and Sybil Robson Orr, a philanthropist and film producer, dined at Oswald’s, an exclusive club, with Ebs Burnough. Ebs is the chairman of the Sundance Institute, working on a feature documentary about Jack Kerouac’s groundbreaking novel “On the Road“. Alongside his partner, Pierre Lagrange, a hedge fund manager, they epitomize a loving modern family. The meal was marked by laughter and engaging conversations, particularly focusing on Sundance’s upcoming relocation from Park City by 2027.
On weekends, nothing beats Lysa’s renowned Southern Sunday Suppers, featuring mouthwatering homemade Southern fried chicken and an array of accompanying dishes. During this particular weekend, Lysa’s culinary expertise was enjoyed by Keleigh Thomas Morgan – a partner at publicity firm Sunshine Sachs Morgan & Lylis who happened to be in London for Wimbledon, one of her clients, and an event where Salma Hayek, another client, served as the guest of honor that evening.
As a devoted fan, I journeyed to London not just for sightseeing, but to witness the enchanting wedding of my cherished English goddaughter, the captivating Talulah Riley, actress extraordinaire, and her dashing partner, Thomas Brodie-Sangster. In Los Angeles, I had been like a protective mama bear for Talulah, and now, watching her walk down the aisle was one of the most heartwarming moments of my life.
Last weekend, we jet-setted southwards to France, revisiting the location where Lysa orchestrated Grant’s remarkable weeklong 60th birthday bash last year. I lodged at Hostellerie de l’Abbaye de la Celle, now managed by esteemed chef Alain Ducasse who refurbished it. The experience was flawless, and I resided in the Lucrèce de Barras suite – a place General de Gaulle once rested during wartime and crafted his letters at the desk. Our dance party extended well into the night, etching an indelible mark on my subconscious. As everyone in this field understands, the most cherished recollections are those that escape camera lenses and social media feeds. Among the guests was Darren Walker, president of the Ford Foundation, with whom I shared a memorable night of dancing. He truly embodies the epitome of the most captivating individual in any room.
On the 6th of July, I attended Robbie Williams’ sold-out concert at Hyde Park, a truly memorable event under clear skies and a beautiful rainbow after heavy rains. Robbie Williams is a national treasure, and his performance was particularly moving as he shared his personal struggles with substance abuse and emerged stronger than ever. It was an inspiring spectacle that left you feeling excited about the next chapter of his life.
Last Friday, prior to the concert, a luncheon was held in honor of Jennifer Smith, founder of C magazine and owner of Santa Barbara magazine, by Whitney Bromberg Hawkings at her magnificent residence. Whitney is the CEO and founder of FlowerBX and invited an impressive gathering of women such as Lhuillier, Louise Roe, Allegra Hicks, Berry Bloomingdale, and Alexandra Dwek to celebrate our cherished friend. Sybil and I attended the event together and enjoyed ourselves immensely. Sybil is a renowned American film and stage producer who seamlessly navigates between the art world and the global arena. Along with her husband Matthew Orr, they are philanthropists who support art for British embassies and host an annual party at their Los Angeles home for the Serpentine America Foundation prior to the Frieze Los Angeles art fair.
On that particular evening, Sybil and Matthew graciously escorted us to exclusive venues – 5 Hertford Street and Loulou’s. Incidentally, Matthew, an accomplished rower, joined us there fresh from the Henley Royal Regatta. That time of year sees London teeming with good-looking men adorned in their school colors and jackets, reminiscing about their races. The night was one where the dialogue flowed effortlessly, ultimately leading to the closure of 5 Hertford Street restaurant and our relocation downstairs for a peek into the happenings at LouLou’s. I must admit, I danced more in Europe during that span than I have in the preceding year.
Following our departure from London, Lysa and I embarked on an exciting journey to the Chenot Palace Weggis medical spa in Switzerland, which I was eager to explore for my upcoming article.
Upon returning to London en route to Los Angeles, I chose to stay at The Dorchester. It served as an ideal rejuvenation stop after my med spa visit. The Dorchester Collection appreciates the significance of health during travel and offers a Nourish and Thrive menu that not only tasted wonderful but also maintained my health-conscious lifestyle during my journey home. I eagerly look forward to returning.
The property is currently being refurbished, and I had the pleasure of staying in the Hyde Park Suite which underwent a complete makeover. The beds, linens, and pillows are like heaven itself, while the bathrooms boast Toto toilets – an experience that left me feeling as if I’ve been transformed, much like Josh Brolin described after trying automated bidet-style toilets in London.
At The Dorchester, the service is flawless, its location is unrivaled, and it’s home to the city’s top-notch Chinese restaurant, China Tang, serving delightful dim sum. If you, like my husband and I, cherish The Dorchester Collection’s other gems, Claridge’s and The Connaught, then The Dorchester makes an excellent swap in London.
Originally, this account was initially published in the August 7 edition of The Hollywood Reporter magazine. To stay updated and enjoy more such content, consider subscribing here.
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2024-08-11 20:25