Four Seasons Canary Wharf, London

I have indulged in a few staycations in London over the years and I highly recommend the concept. Hopping in an Uber is always easier than catching a flight and you can always pop back home to feed your pet. I realise a lot of you are actually based outside of London, whether in the U.K. or somewhere else in the world and that my staycations are your vacations. But the idea remains the same: what do we want? RELAXATION. When do we want it? NOW!

With this in mind, we drove across London to Canary Wharf a few weeks ago to discover a side of town we weren’t overly familiar with. If you work in finance or any high flying type business, you probably know more about the area than I do – and that’s good for you. I don’t really have any reasons to head over there, especially as I live in Notting Hill and so I simply don’t. Shame on me for my lack of curiosity, I know – but I am lazy and set in my ways. However, promise me a stunning view of the River Thames and I will drive for miles (well 8 miles).

This is exactly what the Four Seasons Canary Wharf has to offer: wonderful sweeping views of the Thames that you can admire from the comfort of your minimalist modern window seat. Watching life go by on a body of water is always soothing. Whether I am looking at an ocean, a lake or a river, the quickest way for me to reach a state of bliss is to stare at some water (*turns on tap*).

Add to this the usual Four Seasons friendly and upbeat brand of service, truly delicious food and a few festive activities and you have yourself a pretty nice weekend.

On staycation? Head to Canada Square for shopping, food and a large ice rink (it is also a total change of scenery compared to the rest of London).

On vacation? Use the Four Seasons Canary Wharf as a base to explore cool bars and indie shops in East London as well as nearby attractions such as the O2, Tower Bridge or even foodie favourite Borough Market which are all a short Thames Clippers ride away.