A new standard in luxury healthcare has arrived in the heart of London, where patients can recuperate surrounded by unlimited caviar and original Andy Warhol artwork, though the experience comes at a premium of £750 per night.
Memorial Houston Medical (MhM), a post-operative facility that originated in Texas, has opened its doors in a transformed former jewellery shop on Fulham Road in South Kensington. The centre is pioneering a "design-first approach" to medical recovery, grounding its philosophy in the scientific field of neuroaesthetics—the study of how the brain responds to beauty and art.
An Artistic Environment for Healing
The hospital's belief that art can enhance patient recovery is evident throughout its six patient suites and three outpatient rooms. The walls are adorned with works from renowned artists, including a £50,000 Andy Warhol portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, alongside pieces by Sir Peter Blake and José María García.
Further elevating the aesthetic, Lebanese haute couture designer Elie Saab has supplied specially commissioned furniture. The building's materials have been carefully selected, featuring Calcutta marble, bronzed brass, and eucalyptus wood. A standout feature is a breathtaking 15-ft ceiling mural on the top floor, depicting London's streets and waterways in intricate gold leaf.
Five-Star Amenities and Medical Services
The £750 nightly fee grants patients more than just a unique artistic environment. It includes a three-course dinner and afternoon tea, with the added benefit of allowing a family member to stay at no extra cost. Meals are served on bespoke crockery created by Lebanese ceramicist Helen Zughaib.
While the setting is opulent, the facility offers serious medical support for those recovering from conditions such as cancer treatment, cardiology issues, hip replacements, and diabetic foot disease. An on-site physiotherapist is available at £200 per hour, and minor procedures like vitamin B12 injections (£80) and dermal fillers (starting from £250) are also offered.
A Vision for the Future of UK Healthcare
Danny Shebaclo, vice president of business affairs at MhM, described the opening as an "extraordinary milestone" for both the company and the evolution of UK healthcare. "Our vision is to offer a deeply considered, human-first approach to medicine, where design, dignity, and medical innovation come together," he stated.
Amy Forrest, senior architect at LSI Architects, who led the building's transformation, emphasised that the project was about more than just looks. "It was about crafting spaces that actively participate in the patient's healing process," she commented. "From the material palette to spatial volume and lighting, every detail has been guided by how it makes the patients feel."
