Best hotel

The 50-room Mandarin Oriental Mayfair is on Hanover Square – one of London’s oldest squares, and at the heart of Mayfair, developed after George I became king in 1714. There’s an enormous sense of space at this city-centre hotel, although it’s hardly surprising – rooms and suites were designed by a company more familiar with superyachts than hotels. Standout features include a 25m subterranean swimming pool, the spectacularly hi-tech spa and the UK’s first Akira Back restaurant. Head here for chef Akira’s legendary Japanese-Korean cuisine – we recommend the miso black cod with yuja foam and Padrón pepper.

Best shopping

Burlington Arcade, built by Lord George Cavendish in 1819, was one of London’s first covered shopping arcades. Keep an eye out for the burgundy-suited Beadles, originally drawn from Cavendish’s regiment to guard this historic arcade. Tenants include numerous designer stores, and the most popular spots are Ladurée, where you can pick up some of the brand’s famous macarons in a store which feels like a gold-lined cave, and Code8, where you can create your own bespoke lipstick.

Further afield, indulge in some window-shopping courtesy of Mayfair’s numerous supercar showrooms and take the time for freestyle explorations – this is how you’ll find gems like Altea, a tiny museum-like store specialising in historic maps. Don’t miss the beautiful map of London – it’s one of the earliest examples and was drawn in the 1500s, and comes with a price tag of £8500 ($17,800).

Best restaurant

It’s got to be the Mandarin Oriental’s Akira Back, although Mayfair’s other fantastic restaurants mean it’s definitely worth venturing beyond the hotel.

For afternoon tea, it’s hard to beat The Beaumont, an explosion of Art Deco elegance which dates back to the 1920s and (unlike many Mayfair hotels) is privately owned. Head to The Gatsby Room on the ground floor for a delicious afternoon tea. The best bit? You can request as many additional sandwiches as you desire (the pulled ham and English pea ones are to die for). Don’t be surprised to see staff members emerge from a bookcase – the carefully concealed door in The Gatsby Room is one of the hotel’s many quirks.

Best bar

The cocktails at Mr Fogg’s Apothecary are quirky, innovative and delicious, and they’re all inspired by the protagonist from Jules Verne’s Around the World in Eighty Days. Try the Spirited Globetrot, made with Grey Goose L’Original vodka, cumquat and mandarin syrup, or the Age Revival, a heavenly blend of Rémy Martin XO Cognac, Buffalo Trace Bourbon whiskey, Cointreau orange liqueur and liquorice bitters. The fun factor is high – the bar’s packed with paraphernalia from Mr Fogg’s (fictional) travels, and the bowtie-wearing staff are refreshingly laid-back – which isn’t always the case in Mayfair.

Best chill-out spot

Take a seat at one of the benches in Hanover Square and enjoy some people-watching while admiring the Georgian architecture. If a caffeine craving kicks in, head to nearby Mozart Flowers & Coffee on Albemarle Street. It’s both a florist and a coffee shop and smells divine, courtesy of the beautiful blooms. A bench on nearby New Bond Street is also worth checking out – this is where you’ll find bronze sculptures of a cigar-smoking Winston Churchill and Franklin Roosevelt, positioned so that selfie-snappers can wedge themselves in between.

How to get to Mayfair from Heathrow Airport

Flying into Heathrow Airport? Mayfair is ridiculously easy to get to - simply hop on the London Underground's Piccadilly line (the dark-blue one) and get off at Green Park station. You can now use your debit or credit card to tap on and off at London Underground tube stations and on buses in London, so no need to buy separate tickets.

How to get around Mayfair

Mayfair, in London's city centre, is extremely well connected to the rest of London (you'll never be far from Green Park, Oxford Street or Bond Street tube stations) but don't be afraid to pound the pavements. The beautiful architecture and large number of parks and gardens mean it's a joy to explore on foot.

How to get to London from Australia

Qantas now operates direct flights between Perth and London Heathrow, although numerous other airlines - including British Airways, Qatar Airways and Singapore Airlines - offer indirect routes via hubs such as Doha in Qatar and Singapore.

The writer was a guest of Mandarin Oriental.

See also: 

The best non-touristy things to do in London

10 best ways to save money in London

6 best new hotels in Europe