How To ‘Eat, Play, Love’ Through Paris And London This Summer

Summer 2025 is finally upon us. And while this year has been far from normal, one thing is for certain: Americans are getting out.

A new study from market research company Leger indicates that 49% of Americans plan to take at least one leisure trip this summer, similar to last summer when 51% planned a summer vacation. With Olympic buzz a year behind us and the 15th anniversary of the classic summer flick Eat, Pray, Love on the horizon, what better way to indulge in the season than with a trip to Paris? And while you’re at it, add London to the itinerary.

“London and Paris are a great duo on any itinerary,” says Emma Tames, luxury travel agent at Fora. “There’s always something new to see and do, like the David Hockney exhibit at the Fondation Louis Vuitton in Paris or Burlesque: The Musical in London.” Plus, visiting one or both of these cities means it’s easier to book a direct flight – or make the most of what could be an inconvenient layover.

To ease indulgence in high end escapism, the international luxury hospitality brand Shangri-La launched a summer campaign at its European properties to indulge visitors with an “eat, play, love” experience.

Each property is highlighting dining, exploring, and self renewal (romance is optional, but, well, Paris), and can be paired up for a longer itinerary. Naturally, Paris and London, less than two hours from each other by train, make for a great duo of eating, playing, and loving.

Whether you’re going solo ala Julia Roberts’ character or bringing a travel partner, here’s how to make the most of it, and eat, play, and love every day of vacation.

Eat, Play, Love: Paris

Check into the Shangri-La Paris (rooms start at $1400/night), where spacious guest rooms overlook the Eiffel Tower and are appointed with high-end amenities. Perfectly positioned for a relaxing stroll by the Seine, the property is quiet and comfortable, ideal for a self-care focused getaway.

Named one of Forbes’ Vetted top hotels in Paris, this five-star oasis in the former home of Prince Roland Bonaparte is resplendent in history and luxury. The renovated mansion upholds much of its early 20th Century character via lush textiles, dramatic chandeliers, and artwork evoking the prince’s love of horticulture. The first Shangri-La property in Europe, the hotel also echoes the brand’s Chinese roots, especially in the lower level restaurant, Shang Palace.

Forbes Travel GuideShangri-La Paris – Paris Hotels – Paris, France – Forbes Travel Guide

Eat: Shang Palace

One of few Chinese restaurants included in Paris’ Michelin Guide, Shang Palace is a highlight for Chinese fine dining, available in prix-fixe menus or ala carte. Highlights include the signature sweet and sour foie gras, ice plant salad, gong bao lobster, and peking duck. Those who crave a hands on experience can also book a dim sum workshop with chef Tony Xu, followed by cocktails at Le Botaniste bar upstairs and dinner at the restaurant.

Play: The 16th Arrondissement

Francophiles get it: France is the best. And the City of Lights is so easy to love. The 16th Arrondissement, also known as Passy, is an upscale, residential neighborhood for love and play. Streets are quiet and safe to stroll, natural beauty and 19th and 20th Century architecture is everywhere. A picnic near the Eiffel Tower is always just a few blocks away, and the structure is always in view. Frank Gehry’s Fondation Louis Vuitton is in Passy, as is the lauded hall of contemporary art, Palais de Tokyo.

Love: Chi, The Spa

Rest your wandering feet at the Shangri-La’s lower level spa, complete with a gardenside pool fit for royalty. Treatments include various massages inspired by Western and Eastern practices, plus facials, full body exfoliation, nail treatments, and fitness coaching.

Eat, Play, Love: London

Just a quick jaunt through the Chunnel, London awaits for another half of the eat, play, love escape. Shangri-La The Shard, London is situated in the city’s tallest building, designed by architect Renzo Piano. The property has 202 guest rooms featuring floor-to-ceiling windows with unobstructed views of London, plus a pool on the 52nd floor, a cocktail bar and a restaurant.

Steps from The Thames River, the property is conveniently situated near an Uber Boat stop for those who want to discover both sides of the city by river, and several tube stations and bus stops are nearby as well.

Forbes Travel GuideShangri-La The Shard, London – London Hotels – London, United Kingdom – Forbes Travel Guide

Eat: TĪNG Restaurant

Travelers and staycationers barely have to leave The Shard for a fully air-conditioned, immersive eat, play, love experience. Shangri-La’s signature restaurant, Ting, recently had a menu renovation to create a more playful concept, with executive chef Paolo Belloni merging his experience cooking at five-star properties across China with his Italian upbringing. Think: Wagyu bao buns, dover sole in miso yuzu butter, and scallops in curry.

Play: Borough Market

A few minutes from The Shard is London’s oldest food hall, Borough Market. The once exclusive hub for chefs is now a very popular lunch spot, with various stalls offering street food from around the world, plus specialty British and imported goods like tea, cheese, baked goods, and more.

A new culinary walking tour around Borough Market and Bermondsey with a chef from Shangri-La allows guests to hand select produce and gourmet items, followed by a bespoke lunch at TĪNG, paired with sommelier-selected wines.

Love: Jo Loves Afternoon Tea

Shangri-La’s new “Love is in the Air” afternoon tea partners with British fragrance brand Jo Loves on an indulgent menu of savory tea sandwiches, scones, and artistic pastries including a sticky toffee rose.

Follow up the relaxing tea with an Elemis facial or massage in one of Shangri-La’s private treatment rooms. If you’re feeling creative, you can also book a tour of the design space at nearby local jeweler Alex Monroe and create a personalized pendant as a souvenir.

As Elizabeth Gilbert says in her memoir, “Eat, Pray, Love,”: “The only thing more unthinkable than leaving was staying; the only thing more impossible than staying was leaving.”