Sarah-Louise outside Sloane Street Deli
The bathroom at The Cadogan, a Belmond hotel
The Cadogan, a Belmond hotel, seen from the Carlton Tower Jumeirah
Carlton Tower Jumeirah's pool
An appointment at Tiffany & Co.'s flagship on Sloane Street is a must
Sarah-Louise Marks and Christopher Phelps are the couple behind Instagram travel journal @the_adventuresofus and their interiors-focused account, No.17 House. United by their mutual passions for photography, art, travel, dining, music and culture, they are best friends and partners, and founders of London creative agency Seventeen Social Club.
With breathtaking images of beautiful places, luxury hotels and vibrant cities, The Adventures of Us now has a following of almost 150,000 people inspired by their regular peregrinations.
After a recent stay on Sloane Street, we asked them about their top travel destinations and advice, and about the evergreen appeal of London.
WHERE DOES YOUR SHARED PASSION FOR TRAVEL COME FROM?
We are extremely passionate about experiencing everything the world has to offer, from different cultures to food, style, landscapes and everything in between. Travelling has always inspired our creative lives. It revitalises us and expands our knowledge and appreciation of the world.
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO START THE CREATIVE JOURNAL AND PERSONAL TRAVEL GUIDE THE ADVENTURES OF US?
It was both our shared passion for travelling and our love of photography. We also love sharing tips and recommendations and want to try and encourage as many people as we can to experience everything the world has to offer.
WHAT MAKES LONDON SUCH A PERENNIALLY GREAT CITY TO VISIT?
London has variety, history and some of the world’s greatest offerings in terms of hospitality, fashion and culinary experiences. It naturally draws some of the most talented people in the world, and that creates a culture that is unlike anywhere else.
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR MOST UNFORGETTABLE TRIP?
Japan. It was like nowhere we’ve been before, so unique, clean and full of culture. The food is incredible and the people are so warm.
ON YOUR TRAVELS, WHERE HAS SURPRISED YOU THE MOST?
India was probably the most surprising travel experience we have had. It is so vibrant and colourful. Its food, culture and landscapes are breathtaking. It’s a bucket-list destination that we feel everyone should experience in their lifetime.
WHAT IS YOUR TOP TRAVEL TIP?
Do as much or as little as you want guilt-free, but most importantly… enjoy it. And try to capture at least a few photographs that you can look back on in the years to come.
WHAT IS THE KEY TO THE PERFECT HOLIDAY?
The key is to have fun. All the stresses or inconveniences are soon forgotten about or short-lived, but if you have fun, those memories will last a lifetime.
THREE WORDS TO DESCRIBE A TRIP TO SLOANE STREET?
Relax, indulge and shop.
HOW WOULD YOU SPEND THE PERFECT DAY ON SLOANE STREET?
It would start with a delicious breakfast at The Cadogan, A Belmond Hotel, then a spa and swim at the Carlton Tower Jumeirah Hotel, followed by a window shop at the beautiful boutiques, some lunch at Granger & Co. followed by an appointment at Tiffany and Co.. Then dinner at the Beaverbrook Town House.
WHAT ARE YOUR CHELSEA HIDDEN GEMS?
Stanley’s, a cute courtyard restaurant just off the King’s Road. We also love Sarah Chapman for facials and to unwind.
WHAT LUXURY ITEMS DO YOU ALWAYS FIND IN YOUR LUGGAGE?
Definitely our Anya Hindmarch travel pouch or Sarah-Louise’s Chanel bag for dinners out.
WHAT IS THE NEXT DESTINATION ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET LIST?
We are heading back to Italy for a babymoon. It’s one of our favourite destinations and somewhere we love returning to regularly for the food, the views and the atmosphere.
YOU’RE EXPECTING YOUR FIRST CHILD EARLY NEXT YEAR, HOW WILL TRAVEL CHANGE FOR YOU BOTH WHEN YOU BECOME PARENTS, EVEN DOWN TO HOW YOU PACK?
It’s extremely exciting and we are very much looking forward to showing our baby the world. Travel will remain a consistent part of our life and we hope to introduce the baby to that as early as we can. In terms of packing, we will just have to pack extra luggage!
WOULD YOU EVER LIVE ABROAD?
It’s something we have spoken about a lot over the years, but London is home for now. I think we would love to try living somewhere with a warmer climate by the sea, healthy food and a warm and friendly culture. At the moment, it’s all up for discussion.
