This ‘Blue Monday’ we’re focusing on five places and things that are certain to give you a little boost.
Spotlighting the chicest new boutique escape in New York, plus the two-day wellness retreat we’re itching to sign up to, scroll on for this week’s rundown in full.
BOOK THIS Amanwella
Those seeking blissful seclusion would be well advised to book themselves a stay at Amanwella. Its seaside setting in Tangalle, on Sri Lanka’s sun-drenched south coast, is best summed up as: ‘paradisical’. On arrival to this contemporary beach resort, you’ll feel instantly relaxed. If you don’t, head to the coconut grove spa garden for some post-flight reviving.
Comprising of just thirty suites, Amanwella offers guests a heightened sense of privacy and seclusion. Suites are bold and minimal in design – think sleek, modern lines and natural finishes – and boast floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors which lead out to some wowing views of the palm-studded bay and cerulean-hued sea. Whilst all suites come with a private pool, Amanwella’s 47-metre long infinity pool is well worth dipping your toe in. Given your proximity to the coast, why not make the most of the locale’s surfing and snorkelling offering – the resort can arrange one-on-one lessons with experienced local surfers, should you wish. Seeking to roam a little further? Inland, you’ll find ‘revered temples, rolling tea plantations, and Sri Lanka’s finest National Parks’. Back at the hotel, enjoy dinner on the elevated, ocean-facing terrace the menu focuses on Asian, Sri Lankan, and Mediterranean, with an emphasis on seafood from the Indian Ocean. For something more intimate, ‘romantic private dining can be enjoyed in multiple settings on and off the property’.
For those wishing to extend their trip, Aman’s second property on the island, Amangalla, lies within the ramparts of the 17th-century Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
COOK WITH THIS Our Place
‘It’s tradition during Lunar New Year to gift loved ones with little red envelopes full of money as a symbol of good luck and fortune.’ In honour of this custom, cult cookware brand, Our Place are ‘tucking a set of six limited-edition lucky red envelopes – beautifully designed by Chinese artist Vanilla Chi, with a nod to the Year of the Tiger – into each Always Pan or Perfect Pot.’ We know what we’re adding to our virtual cart this week…
TRY THIS The January Refresh Package, The Londoner
This week, we’re signing up to a two-day experience in The Retreat at The Londoner Hotel. Curated to rejuvenate the body and mind with activities, relaxation, and nutrition, The January Refresh Package comprises of yoga and meditation sessions, a personal training session and treatments – all the good stuff. On arrival, guests can expect an early check in from 10AM to settle into their King or Deluxe King room before enjoying an afternoon yoga session, followed by a peaceful poolside lunch from Refuel. Later in the day, enjoy a calming 60-minute evening meditation session and then to bed. On Day Two, enjoy an Ayurvedic Morning Ritual breakfast bowl from Refuel, to give the body energy before participating in a high-intensity 45-minute workout session. Your efforts will be rewarded with a poolside relax, followed by a 30-minute leg and foot massage before a nutritious lunch and a late check out at 4PM.
SHOP THIS Small Woven-Leather Basket Bag, Dragon Diffusion
Hand-woven in India, this chic basket bag is the perfect companion for any scenario – from spin class to lunch date. The Triple Jump basket bag from Dragon Diffusion is deceptively spacious and able to hold all your daily essentials. Rendered beautifully in forest-green, we love its braided top handles. Our favourite feature: each basket bag is finished with ‘an antiqued gold charm of Saint Christopher – the patron saint on travel, health and well-being’.
BOOKMARK THIS INNESS, New York
Immerse yourselves in the natural spoils of the Hudson Valley at this intimate country refuge and members club. Located in Accord, New York, INNESS is a quick 90-minutes journey from New York City. Named after the prominent American landscape painter George Inness, INNESS is dubbed ‘a respite from urban living, rooted in the comfort and contentment of the shared experience’. Designed by Post Company, the estate – plotted on 225 pastoral acres – comprises of ‘40 hotel rooms (28 cabins, and a 12 room farmhouse), a restaurant and lounge, a nine-hole golf course designed by King Collins, a sports outfitter, swimming pools, tennis courts, hiking trails, an events barn, a farm shop, as well as a three-acre organic farm embedded into grounds imagined by landscape designer Miranda Brooks.’ In short, there’s an oh-so chic world to explore.
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