By Ann Abel

For all of the buzz about London’s emerging, edgy neighborhoods, there’s still something unabashedly delightful in visiting the posh precincts of the West End. Among the poshest of them all is Mayfair—especially on the heels of a £1 billion investment by the development company Grosvenor Britain & Ireland. They spiffed up the existing high streets, revamped formerly sketchy streets (yes, they existed), initiated a major restoration and redevelopment project for a major landmark, and are bringing a more diverse, democratic kind of luxury to the neighborhood’s north side.

And it’s not only their efforts: a slew of ambitious young, international designers and restaurateurs are joining the ranks of the legacy brands. Soon, a railway station will bring more people to the neighborhood, but for now, says a spokesperson, it remains a hidden gem in which to revel in luxury—close to Oxford Street but far more quiet … continue

Ann Abel is a travel writer and editor, and was a senior editor at ForbesLife. She writes for Forbes, Departures, Conde Nast Traveller, Robb Report, Afar, National Geographic Traveler, Islands, Hemispheres, Brides, Modern Bride, , Well + Good NYC, and other print and online publications.”In the name of lifestyle journalism, ” she says, ” I’ve gotten a tattoo in Bora Bora, been bitten by a massage therapist, and flown small aircraft above three continents.” She lives in Lisbon.