1 Hotel Mayfair is a new kind of luxury experience that’s in step with nature.

The lobby at 1 Hotel Mayfair is buzzing in the morning. Guests and locals are drawn to seating that encourages hanging out and a menu that serves up healthy grab-and-go treats with provenance. Forget a glass of OJ—the “I am Resilient Phyto Nectar Latte,” a blend of turmeric root, vitamins C and D, zinc, sea buckthorn, Chaga mushroom, and mango, is a popular pour here. 

This is my first stay at 1 Hotel Mayfair, and as soon as I arrive, I’m impressed. The uniformed doormen, who wear cheeky flat caps, usher me into an airy, plant-filled space and offer a cup of tea or coffee before I’ve even reached the front desk. I’ve arrived early but am told that my room is ready (isn’t that what every traveller wants to hear at 11 in the morning?). The welcome is superb and forms a seamless start to a stay at the greenest luxury hotel in the UK.

Any effort towards sustainability and less impact on the planet is worthwhile, but 1 Hotel Mayfair goes above and beyond the usual hospitality options. There is more at play here than choosing to forgo the daily replenishment of bedding and towels. The building itself was reconstructed rather than demolished. To lessen environmental impact, 80 percent of the existing structure was utilized and augmented with two new top floors that house 44 jaw-dropping suites.

All guestrooms feature plants, living moss walls, wood flooring crafted from fallen British oak trees and bathroom vanities carved from Welsh slate—they are tactile beauties. Everything looks and feels spectacular, but my favourite in-room feature is the dedicated bottle-fill station—turn on the faucet and delicious, filtered drinking water is ready to enjoy. Even the in-room cups and carafes, which are the chicest shade of smoky green, are made from recycled wine bottles. 

Reusable wooden room-key cards are FSC certified, and at least half of the minibar items are local (give in to the Daylesford organic single-origin dark chocolate bar with Cornish sea salt). Bedside paper notepads have been replaced with little chalkboards, and all linens, towels, and robes are sustainably sourced and OEKO-TEX® certified. Non-toxic and eco-friendly mattresses are dressed with organic bed linens, and the rooms are so quiet you can expect a Sleep Score in the 90s. Even the house car is fully electric (bonus: it’s available daily, on a first-come, first-serve basis, for guests brave enough to drive on the other side of the road).

The credentials here run steep, but 1 Hotel Mayfair isn’t remotely pedantic. This is a stay that’s all about comfort, ease, and well-being. There’s a spa offering holistic treatments and organic Bamford products, as well as three food and beverage options, including Dovetale restaurant, which is run by two Michelin-starred chef Tom Sellers. His popcorn-fried chicken with wild garlic and miso mayo is a very good way to start dinner. 

Throughout the hotel, the honeyed lighting (LED and energy-efficient) feels sophisticated, and the décor’s natural textures and hues create luxurious but subtle depth. The location amps up the luxe factor too. Mayfair is one of London’s most historic and sophisticated neighbourhoods. You are steps from the resplendent Green Park, around the corner from The Royal Academy, and minutes from Buckingham Palace. Berkeley Square and the shops of Bond Street are also nearby, and Fortnum & Mason is just around the corner. It’s pretty much a wonderful spot for exploring all that the city has to offer.

When I first arrived, I mentioned to the staff that my husband and I were heading out to have lunch at a Polish restaurant. When we returned, we found a selection of Polish candy bars in our room and a handwritten note that said, “Here’s a little taste of Poland to end your lunch on a sweet note.” It was the most thoughtful touch and also a symbolic one. Every detail at 1 Hotel Mayfair is thoroughly considered, from the mission-driven, sustainable luxury to the little things, like uplifting notes and sincere gestures. It’s infallible, and you should stay here if you can. 

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