International model, entrepreneur, author and wellness advocate Alicia Rountree was born in the island paradise of Mauritius – the eighth generation of her family there. Now, the talented multi-hyphenate calls Chelsea home and includes designer and mother in her list of accomplishments, having founded swimwear and resortwear brand ALICIA SWIM in 2019 and given birth to daughter Milla earlier this year. 

We asked her to share how she would spend her perfect day on and around Sloane Street. Here’s what she would do…

I grew up in Mauritius, but now London feels just as much like home. I have lived in Chelsea for a number of years; I always think it’s the best of London condensed into a very small amount of square footage. The neighbourhood has such a wonderful combination of culture, food, shopping and some of London’s most iconic sights. 

I have just had a new baby girl and launched a new season of my swimwear and resort collection for ALICIA SWIM, but if I had a whole day to spend on and around Sloane Street I know exactly what I would do.

A WORKOUT AT KXU

Growing up in Mauritius instilled in me a lifelong appreciation of health and wellness. I was brought up surrounded by and strongly connected to nature, so living well and being well is a huge part of my daily routine. 

I believe that even one sun salutation is better than nothing, so I really try to work out no matter how busy I am. I would start the day with an exercise class at KXU. I love pilates and do this every day (I even did it when I was pregnant). 

BREAKFAST AT OTTOLENGHI

While I was modelling in New York, I needed to learn to look after myself. So, with the healthy focus of my upbringing, what better way could there be for me to do that than becoming a certified nutritionist?

After exercising I would go for breakfast at Ottolenghi – I love the healthy but tasty menu and the display is always beautiful! Raw Press is also a great option for healthy juices and serves a good matcha latte. I don’t go a day without matcha.  

PAMPERING AT TALISE

If I could, I would then go for some beauty treatments at Talise, the spa at The Carlton Tower Jumeirah hotel. The space itself is beautiful (the hotel recently underwent a major renovation), and beauty treatments use really considered products, like the results-driven and clinically proven Seed To Skin range, which is made from sustainably sourced ingredients from its organic Tuscan farm or environmentally friendly micro-producers.  I would opt for the 90-minute Cocoon treatment (£255), given that sleep seems like a distant memory at the moment. This is the ultimate in pampering: a head-to-toe treatment that starts with body brushing, a massage and a nourishing body wrap, and ends with a mini facial to stimulate cellular regeneration. Afterwards, I would have a light lunch in Al Mare, which serves beautifully considered Italian dishes (try the tartare di tonno, with Mediterranean bluefin tuna, avocado, apple, yogurt and caviar).

SOAK UP SOME CULTURE

Feeling my best, I would love to soak up some culture; it is not something I get to do enough of. The Saatchi Gallery on Duke of York Square always has interesting exhibitions on and the nearby V&A is one of my favourite museums. It always has amazing fashion exhibitions and I always find this incredibly inspiring. ALICIA SWIM is predominantly swim and resortwear inspired by tropical island life but, as we look to expand the offering, I like to go outside of fashion for inspiration and often find myself at art exhibitions. The V&A currently has an exhibition called DIVA, which celebrates iconic performers. I would love to see this, but I am particularly excited for the Chanel exhibition coming in September. Talk about iconic! 

STROLL DOWN SLOANE STREET

Next, I might wander down Sloane Street in search of more inspiration. I always love to see what people are wearing, what other brands are doing. There is so much life around the neighbourhood and so many different influences and styles. You can’t fail to walk away with thoughts and ideas. 

I make sure to put my phone away so I am only looking around me and not down at my screen. I would pop into Smythson as I still love to write ideas in a paper journal. I wake up every day and the first thing I do is pen thoughts and ideas. I would then make sure to look at what Anya Hindmarch is doing in Anya Village; I love the quirkiness and personality. Perhaps a little stop by Bonpoint to pick up something for my daughter, irresistible! 

POP IN TO BEAVERBROOK TOWN HOUSE

At the end of the day, I would head straight to Beaverbrook Town House. I love the Sir Frank’s Bar, which is buzzy but never feels too busy. It has a great sushi restaurant, The Fuji Grill, but I also like to eat at the bar with a friend. 

There are so many hidden gems around the area, especially restaurants and bars, it would be hard to fit everything in. The Blue Bar at The Berkeley is always a must and I also love Colbert for easy all-day dining. People-watching at its finest.