The inimitable style and design of Jaguar’s luxury cars are reflected in an exclusive new suite at a London property
The name Jaguar brings to mind the quintessentially British classic motor car famed for its sleek elegance and timeless style, so it’s only right that the world’s first Jaguar Suite – a hotel suite drawing on Jaguar’s design inspiration – should be in London’s 51 Buckingham Gate, Taj Suites and Residences.
Launched in October, the venue is an exciting collaboration between two Tata-owned companies, Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces and Jaguar, which has been overseen by Jaguar design director Ian Callum and his in-house design team.
The 1,832-sq-ft, luxury two-bedroom suite references classic and contemporary Jaguar models, from the legendary 1960s’ E-type to the state-of-the art C-X75. The space features specially-commissioned autoinspired artwork and displays using materials taken from the cars such as high-quality leather, metal and high-gloss veneer.
The Jaguar experience starts subtly at the door, with sleek wood panelling greeting guests on arrival and Jaguar damask lining the bedroom walls.
Intriguing design features are evident throughout, from the minimalistic clean-fuel fireplace, which draws on the shape of the brand’s hallmark rear window, to the ebony veneer doors and custom-made Jaguar wallpaper.
Small Jaguar wave motifs and Jaguar trapeze detailing accompany an array of carefully selected collector’s items which adorn the suite and will be familiar sights to those who know and love these luxury motoring masterpieces.
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The leather wall with clean-fuel fireplace |
The bedrooms are fitted with super-king sized beds with Italian leather headboards, soft carpets, state-ofthe-art fittings and a 32-inch wall mounted television. The en-suite bathrooms feature top-end design with adaptable mood lighting, marble floored walk-in showers and oversized baths.
The spacious yet homely living room has comfortable sofas and large windows with a courtyard-facing balcony, creating a light and airy ambience. One wall is covered in Italian leather, embedded with a 42-inch television and the modern and minimalist clean-fuel fireplace and the suite offers the best in sound systems (Denon and Creston), with Blu-ray DVD player, iPod docking station and Sonance ceiling speakers throughout.
An archway leads through to the chic dining room which doubles up as a meeting space, seating up to 10 people. For those needing a quiet workspace, the separate study, with its custom-made desk, modern design and latest IT equipment, is just the spot.
Complete with a fully-equipped, gloss-black kitchen, guests can dine as if in the comfort of their own home. However the hotel’s restaurants, the Michelinstarred Quilon and The Courtyard, are bound to tempt residents from their suite. The beautiful Anne Sémonin Spa at 51 is also only a few steps away.
Combining all the facilities and convenience of a luxury hotel with the space and exclusivity of a private home, 51 Buckingham Gate, Taj Suites & Residences consists of three individually-designed buildings: Kings, Falconers and Minsters. The buildings have been beautifully restored and ‘51’ now offers 86 elegant suites each with their own separate kitchen and living area. Located in St James’s and just minutes from Buckingham Palace and the shops and theatres of the West End, the townhouse hotel is an ideal base for a long-weekend visit to London.
And with the addition of the world-first Jaguar Suite the venue is sure to attract motoring buffs as well as those looking for a one-of-a-kind experience.
This year, 51 Buckingham Gate is celebrating its 10th anniversary, having opened its doors as a Taj hotel in 2001. Celebrations have been ongoing throughout 2011 with specially-designed offers and events to mark the hotel’s landmark birthday.
Established in 1903, Taj Hotels Resorts & Palaces is one of Asia’s largest and finest hotel groups comprising 91 hotels in 52 locations across India with an additional 17 international hotels in the Maldives, Malaysia, Australia, the UK and US, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Africa and the Middle East.
For more than a century, The Taj Mahal Palace, the iconic flagship, has set a benchmark for fine living with exquisite refinement, inventiveness and warmth. Taj Hotels Resorts & Palaces is part of the Tata Group, India’s premier business house.