In need of some inspiration for an uplifting February?
Welcome to the Citizen Femme team’s list of things to eat, buy, watch, try, and experience this month. This is the ultimate inspiration to help banish those cold February blues.
Sheena Bhattessa, Founder
STAY At the Four Seasons in Miami’s bustling district of Brickell. The “beachfront location” had me at hello, city life with a perfectly tropical feel. BOOK The Beaumont Hotel’s hammam, one of my favourite hidden London gems. Located just behind Oxford Street, it’s an ideal end-of-day pitstop, and the new Akwaterra hot stone massage really is a necessary indulgence. I can’t wait to WATCH AFTERSUN, the debut film by director Charlotte Wells which has been received so brilliantly. EAT at Big Mama Group’s newly opened Jacuzzi for a very indulgent carb overload. TRY MZSkin’s brightening and hydrating eye ampoules, for a 5-day transforming eye regime.
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Gemma Louise Deeks, Contributing Fashion Editor
STAY After a very low-key January, I’m looking forward to a city break at The Jaffa Hotel in Tel Aviv this month. BUY I recently discovered luxury London-based candle brand August & Piers and their beautifully designed candles are on my wishlist this Valentine’s Day. WATCH I’ll be continuing The Last of Us on NOW TV, a post-apocalyptic thriller that’s got me hooked. EAT This creamy sun-dried tomato tahini pasta recipe has been on repeat, so quick and delicious. TRY I started off January under the weather, so I’m hoping Bamford’s new Detox & Glow Treatment at their Brompton Cross spa will help me to feel myself again.
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Lucy Halfhead, Content & Partnerships Director
STAY Having opened its oak-beamed restaurant to much foodie fanfare in September last year, Boys Hall in Kent is now offering overnight stays in one of seven characterful bedrooms, each named after the people and stories that have made their mark on the manor since it was built in the 17th century. EAT The weather is still far too cold for my liking, but it’s a good excuse to sample Koya Soho’s delicious and warming Japanese udon noodle soups. BUY We’re going all out on Valentine’s Day gifts this year so I’m opting for Creed’s iconic Aventus scent, a sensual blend of blackcurrant, bergamot, cedarwood, plus their signature ingredient ambergris. SEE Playwright Sam Steiner’s two-hander Lemons, Lemons, Lemons, Lemons, Lemons opens in the West End, starring the dazzling duo of Aidan Turner and Jenna Coleman. WATCH I’ll be logging in to Disney Plus to binge the new true-crime saga Welcome to the Chippendales. VISIT Time for my annual pilgrimage to the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition at the Natural History Museum, where incredible snapshots celebrate the natural world in all its wonder.
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Katie Silcox, Deputy Editor
STAY I’m patiently waiting for the end of the month when I’ll be heading to Silversands Grenada in the Caribbean. I can’t wait to take a dip in their 100 metre pool, and swim a few lengths of it. Ok, maybe one length. BUY I love these bags from BEEN, made using 100% recycled materials. I have my eye on the Desert Tan Cecilia Crossbody. READ Published in late January 2023, The Shards by Bret Eastern Hill is on my reading list this month. I’m also set up for lots of new reads this year, thanks to this list of books being published throughout 2023. EAT With Easter on the horizon it means only one thing – pancake day! I’m usually a lemon and sugar fan, but Badiani Gelato’s tasty treats have caught my eye. Visit their store in Angel on the 16th February between 6.30 and 8.30PM to taste-test some of their 40 toppings. See you there. WATCH I’m ready to settle into film-night at Charlotte Street Hotel: in the run up to their live screening of the 76th BAFTAs on 17th February, they’re spending many a Sunday screening some of this years BAFTA-nominated films.
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Alexandra Carello, PR Director
STAY February means half term. We are going to Dubai and staying at The Anantara. BUY This Sleeper jacket in red is heaven and perfect for the month of love. WATCH Frozen at the theatre, I just took my four-year-old and was as impressed as her! Such a special evening. EAT Micro dining is in. i.e. restaurants that only have a very small allocation of seats. My next destination for February is Trullo in Islington. BEAUTY I’ve been uing 111Skin Celestial Black Diamond Serum daily. My skin feels brighter and firmer.
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Becki Murray, Contributing Beauty Editor
STAY at Cowdray House in West Sussex. The country estate not only offers cosy rooms, but a range of must-try wellness experiences, such as stargazing, forest bathing, tarot and yoga – perfect for this time of year. VISIT Fairgame’s adult-only fairground in Canary Wharf for a novel Valentine’s date night idea; loser buys the drinks. BEAUTY treatments just got easier to fit into your schedule. British beauty brand Romilly Wilde has partnered with luxury beauty concierge Beautii so you can enjoy lifting and firming Metabolic Facial at home. WATCH your eyes deceive you, courtesy of Darren Brown’s Showman at the Apollo Theatre. The performance is equally poignant and mind-boggling. EAT Surrounded by the most exquisite, specially commissioned art at Mount St. Restaurant in Mayfair. It’s said to be a favourite of King Charles III. TRY the new Electronic Music Meditation class in the gorgeous Akasha Spa at Hotel Café Royal. It’s a stress-relieving class for anyone who struggles to unwind.
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Lucrezia Motta, Editorial Assistant
STAY The Hotel Du Palais Biarritz is my top choice to discover the wonders of the Basque Country, one of the most beautiful regions in the South of France. BUY I recently added this leather puffer jacket by Glassworks London to my wishlist, as it’s a great twist on a closet staple, and it’s made with vegan leather. Gorgeous and ethical! READ I want to start Ongoingness: The End of a Diary. Published in 2015, it’s a short book in which the author reflects on her 25 years of keeping a diary, how her writing style evolved, what she hoped to achieve through her journaling, and the making of memory through writing. EAT Going to a brunch with friends is one of my favourite ways to start the weekend, and the Roof Garden at Pantechinon in Belgravia has some of the best eggs Benedict in London, in a lovely winter garden setting. LOVE My Clarins Comfort Lip Oil in the colour Chocolate is the perfect addition to my winter makeup routine, with a colour that stays on all day and a hydration boost as a bonus.
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Morag Turner, Contributing Editor, Citizen Enfants
STAY February is all about skiing for me and I’m off to Zermatt for a week with my family over the half-term break. I can’t wait to ski with my boys again. BUY Years ago on holiday in Kitzbuhel I discovered the skiwear brand Frauenschuh and I’ve loved it ever since. Their salopettes are my absolute favourites so I think I’ll quickly order another pair before I leave for Switzerland. PACK I always have my Nars Afterglow lip balm (in shade Dolce Vita) in my hand luggage. BOOK According to my friend who knows Zermatt well (I’ve never skied there before) Chez Vrony is the best mountain restaurant so I’ve reserved a table for a long lunch. WEAR I’m hoping for great weather so that I can wear my new Celine sunglasses. READ At Christmas I was given Anya Hindmarch’s book If in Doubt Wash Your Hair and I plan to finally read it.
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Any Questions or Tips to add?