The Connaught Adds The King’s Lodge, An Opulent Suite Adorned in Jewel Tones

The Connaught, Mayfair’s iconic five-star hotel, just got even more opulent—the historic retreat recently unveiled its newest suite, The King’s Lodge, a luxurious set of Mughal-inspired rooms decked in rich colours and handmade details. The project was a collaboration between The Connaught’s legacy interior designer, Guy Oliver, and Turquoise Mountain, an organization founded by King Charles III to help preserve historic areas and crafts. It is the second joint effort involving the hotel, the charity, and Oliver, since the completion of The Connaught’s Prince’s Lodge suite in 2010.

“True luxury has always been made to measure, and since it was built, The Connaught has been known as the handmade hotel, constructed by the finest artisan builders and cabinet makers,” Oliver says. “Now, working with Turquoise Mountain, we can support the highest level of craftsmanship in communities at risk around the world. It is a delight and an honour to bring them together to create such a remarkable and unique project.”

Celebrating exemplary craftsmanship from artisans from the Levant, Afghanistan, Myanmar, and India, the 484-square-foot suite is indeed fit for a king, with handwoven oriental carpets, ornately carved arched doorways, beautiful textiles from Myanmar, and stunning woodwork by Syrian artists in Jordan.

Guests enter the fifth-floor suite through a lobby with a cozy window seat nook overlooking Carlos Place and outfitted with plush cushions and pillows in shades of orange. Traditional Afghani walnut jali woodwork separates the rooms, with the delicate lattice admitting light while still creating distinct sitting and sleeping areas.

In the bedroom, a handcrafted four-poster bed was made specifically for the suite, its base and headboard carved with intricately looping vines and leaves. Along with a low wooden shelf filled with books, a plush red sofa, a cushioned coffee table, and a compact mustard-coloured armchair furnish the sitting room, while the bathroom features a bath with carved marble lilies above it, a walk-in shower, and a Japanese Toto toilet. A stay in the suite includes 24-hour butler service, and a portion of the proceeds goes to Turquoise Mountain.

Beyond, The Connaught lives up to the high standards of The King’s Lodge, continuing the celebration of quality and craft. Its vast art collection of 3,000 pieces includes works by Damien Hirst, Julian Opie, Graham Sutherland, and Barbara Hepworth, and interiors feature creative musings from designers including India Mahdavi, Robert Adam, and David Collins. Gastronomy is taken seriously at The Connaught, and its culinary offerings are expansive, ranging from Hélène Darroze’s three-Michelin-star restaurant to a joyfully pink patisserie and multiple spots for imbibing.

The other rooms and suites are equally luxurious. The Library Suite is a split-level abode by architect Michael Blair adorned with books and art, and The Terrace Suite has access to the largest terrace in the neighbourhood and a private elevator entrance. But The King’s Lodge adds a colourful jewel with international flair to The Connaught crown, while also supporting global artisans.

“The King’s Lodge has brought together over 100 master artisans and team members from across Afghanistan, Jordan, Syria, Myanmar, and India to create and celebrate the finest craftsmanship and heritage design,” Turquoise Mountain creative director Thalia Kennedy says. “Thanks to commissions like this suite, and the vision and commitment of Guy Oliver and The Connaught, artisan communities and these important traditions continue to thrive today.”