Part 2 of my sublime New York adventure…

After a deep deep sleep in the absolute bed of dreams, I woke early and welcomed in a new day in New York. The clouds had cleared and the sun was streaming through the windows.

I headed to The Tiffany Suite for breakfast (as you do), and settled in for a morning of strong coffee and buttery pastries. This beautiful suite – decked out in the iconic Tiffany turquoise – is one of a handful of designer suites at the St Regis, which has also collaborated with Dior and Bentley to create spaces of incredible style and sophistication. The Tiffany Suite was as beautiful, decadent and poised as you would expect…

After a breakfast of magnificent proportions, we were lucky enough to go behind the scenes at Tiffany 5th Avenue, just round the corner. Seeing some of the jewellery designers and craftsmen working just above the shop floor, looking out onto Central Park and the skyscrapers of New York beyond, created a sense of the days-gone-by aspect of this ancient jewellery house. We were even let into their exclusive design suite, where bespoke pieces are envisioned and created. An incredible experience.

After this it was another day to ourselves, so – making the most of the sunshine – I headed out for a potter in Central Park. I do not think I could have picked a better day to see the Park for the first time. The autumn sunlight, the golden colours, the blue sky and the dizzying buildings beyond were a sight to behold.

So overwhelmed and inspired by its beauty I walked all the way from 5thAvenue to The Met without even realising I’d done it. The Met itself was equally impressive, and with such a beautiful day outside, I found my favourite spaces were the airy Temple of Dendur and  Engelhard Court with its vast windows and filtering light…

Stopping for lunch and a much needed rest, the afternoon light was starting to fade. So instead of wasting time in the queues of the Empire State Building, I headed over to Rockerfeller Centre, where there were no queues and I went straight to the top. I could not have timed it better, the sun was slowly setting and I was able to see New York at day and by night in the space of an hour. The views from Rockerfeller Centre are arguably some of the best in NY and, for me, made better by the fact that you can see the Empire State Building, which you can’t do, if you’re in it. Obviously…

The day ended with a glorious supper at the St Regis, before flying home first thing the next day, hankering to return. What an extraordinary place.

Dearest New York, thank you for sharing your special brand of magic with me. What memories to savour forever….

More information on The St Regis, New York, here.