We’re kicking off July with a little inspiration – spanning holiday escapes to art-inspired supper clubs.
From opera festivals in London to enchanting stays in Provence’s Lourmarin, here’s what’s on our hotlist this week at Citizen Femme.
BOOK THIS Hotel Le Moulin
With its elegant, laid back Provençal style, we’re utterly charmed by Hotel Le Moulin – a converted old 18th century oil mill plotted in the heart of the village of Lourmarin. Surrounded by lime trees and boasting romantic views of the castle of Lourmarin, suffice to say Le Moulin knows a thing or two about enchanted settings. Comprising of 25 rooms – each finished with raw wood, wrought iron, and handcrafted earthenware – it’s an informal, graceful vibe here. On night one, we recommend dinner at the hotel’s vaulted-ceiling bistro restaurant, which plates up local and seasonal fare. Pre-pudding, toast to a ‘bonne vacances’.
SHOP THIS Hotel Byblos e-Boutique
Hotel Byblos’ personalised e-boutique is the online shopping portal we didn’t know we needed. Whether you’re based in London, NYC, Rio de Janeiro, or are positioned in one of the hotel’s suites on the sunny stretch of St. Tropez (and feeling too relaxed to move), the e-boutique provides customers with the opportunity to purchase items linked to the iconic Tropezian hotel direct from where they are. We’re eyeing up their range of exclusive e-shop products developed by specialist houses including Missoni Home, Au Départ Paris, Elie Bleu et al, in addition to original creations by the hotel itself. C’est chic. C’est les notres.
DISCOVER THIS Take Me On A Story by Black Tomato
Parents – this one’s for you (and your little darlings). Black Tomato have curated a whimsical collection of journeys, titled Take me on a Story, a series of immersive, bespoke itineraries inspired by beloved children’s stories. Bringing some of the most iconic tales to life, transporting families behind the pages of five classic books, from a magical mise-en-scène in rural Oxfordshire inspired by Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland staying at Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons (including a very mad, interactive tea party and costume-making workshop) to an adventure in Iceland, descending dormant volcanoes and sailing across expansive glacial lagoons on a Journey to the Centre of the Earth, each itinerary is designed to spark curiosity. A magical, memorable getaway for all the family, we think it’s a holiday story you’ll be sharing for a long time to come.
BOOK THIS Engender Festival, The Royal Opera House
The Engender Festival – which runs in the Linbury Theatre at The Royal Opera House (and online) from 12-17 July – celebrates the work of women and gender minorities in opera, providing a platform for relevant discussions with audiences. Highlight talks include Opera in Progress: Lambs – an opera composed by Laura Bowler, which takes the form of a podcast – and Opera in Progress: History of the Present – a hybrid working-class opera that explores the resonances and legacies of the peace lines. Book your tickets ASAP.
BOOK THIS Summer Supper, Hart Club
Hart Club – a Lambeth-based community gallery and arts centre – are raising funds for their Hart School project; a three-month summer art school to support artists with disabilities. Crowdfunding is open until 27th July 2021 (see here) and their upcoming Summer Supper events on the 8th and 9th July are just one way you can get involved and show your support. As part of your Summer Supper ticket (which costs £45) you’ll enjoy a three-course, plant-based menu designed by Hart Club’s resident chef Alfy Blue, alongside a welcome cocktail featuring rum from Brixton Distillery.
Any Questions or Tips to add?