Indulge in 2023 with a touch of 2024 planning, whether thats your physical, mental or emotional wellbeing.
From cake and bubbles and new favourite Provençal wine from Hollywood moviemakers, to 24 Karat facials from London’s exquisite new spa, this is what we are loving in this week Citizen Femme loves. Whatever your fancy, take the month of December to do it indulgently.
SPA HERE The Peninsula London
Life Lived Best is the motto that underpins The Peninsula, London. An impressive addition to London’s hospitality scene, this opening has all the hallmarks of one of the world’s most iconic hotel brands. Staying the night is one dreamy option, but the new opening of the Spa and Wellness centre may be an even bigger regular draw. A sanctuary of serenity, the pièce de résistance is the 25-metre heated pool, whose walls are adorned with mosaic landscapes and whose overhead light panels change throughout the day to simulate natural daylight. Dip your head under the water and you are accompanied by music piped through speakers, or lounge and enjoy a tea from plush chaises or three semi-private cabanas. The extensive but incredibly well curated treatment menu partners exclusively with Margy’s Monte Carlo and Subtle Energies to enjoy in one of the seven softly lit wood-panelled treatment rooms. Among the treatments are two favourites, the 24 Karat Gold Mask and e-Finger Facial, which uses Margy’s; and Blissful Marma Massage, by Subtle Energies founded on Ayurveda principals to promote holistic harmony. It doesn’t stop there, this luxury facility collaborates with a select group of wellness providers who are leaders in their fields of physical, mental and emotional wellbeing. Practitioners include Susan Siklawi, whose thousands of hours of experience in craniosacral and lymphatic massage let her provide a deeply personalised healing experience; Dr. Li Ping Bartlett, who employs Traditional Chinese Medicine and targeted acupuncture to relieve issues like fatigue, anxiety and insomnia; and osteopath Emanuele Calabrese, whose therapeutic application of musculoskeletal massage effectively treats pain. The Spa also features four thermal cabins; and a sleek fitness studio. A dedicated hair atelier by Belgravia stylist Errol Douglas MBE takes appointments to finish off a perfect spa retreat.
DRINK THIS Mas des Infermières
It’s not the first time movie makers have turned to wine makers. Blade Runner, House of Gucci, and now Mas des Infermières, Ridley Scott and his family have created their own branded winery estate within the Oppède commune in Luberon, in the Provence region of southeast France. He would often retreat there to paint, (which, also as a magnificent story boarder, is why you’ll find exquisite hand drawn labels on the bottles, all designed and drawn by Ridley Scott himself with the message of “Health, Happiness and Elegance of Provence”). In 2009, encouraged by the quality of the soils and the climates of the vineyards, they decided to vinify and bottle their first cuvées, with the help of a local cooperative. In the years that followed the project, a desire grew to create true quality wines. They built a modern and superbly equipped cellar to mature the various cuvées. Not forgetting sustainability, one of the most important environmental commitments concerned the health of the region’s bee population. This is why the Mas, of about thirty hectares, is certified “Bee Friendly” and HVE. The wines have since gone on to win several awards and the estate’s growing portfolio now encompasses seven different bottles. Enjoying the rouge, rosé or blanc, at home is one option. Another is to visit Mas des Infermières itself, which is home to three magnificent holiday homes allowing guests to experience first hand a piece of this unique pocket of Provence.
DO THIS Tarot reading 2024
Don’t know where to begin when it comes to the world of tarot? For tarot and psychic readings, energy healing, aura diagnosis, astrology and natal birth chart readings, The Wellness Foundry is a one-stop shop for all things spiritual. Set up by former fashion designer Fiongal Greenlaw after the pressures of work and life, he delved into the world of spiritual exploration. If you’re a fan of tarot, a session with Fiongal comes highly recommended. For the sceptics amongst us, this is more about making the most of your year to come rather than predicting it. During the course of the reading, Greenlaw’s to intuition and perceptiveness is surprisingly accurate. The main aim? To help heal, guide, reset, and re-energise a person or their space.
STAY HERE The BoTree
One of London’s most exciting hotel openings The BoTree is inviting guests to spend an enchanting first Christmas with them on Marylebone Lane. A pioneer in sustainability, the hotel has partnered with fellow local independent brands to celebrate the season, including Christmas carols played on a grand piano provided by master craftsmen and neighbour to the hotel, Steinway & Sons and independent female-owned florist Sage Flowers, who has transformed The BoTree’s lobby into a festive wonderland. You’ll also marvel at the Christmas rendition of the hotel’s iconic art sculpture made from discarded coffee cups, which has been adorned with blooms and bows made with ribbon by modern haberdashery and local resident VV Rouleaux. Book in for the hotel’s Christmas Break package available throughout December, including a champagne breakfast, credit in the hotel’s restaurant, LAVO or in The BoTree Bar, a personal Selfridges digital shopping experience, and tickets to Winter Wonderland. – Gemma Louise Deeks.
EAT THIS Cakes & Bubbles, Hotel Café Royal
As you start preparing your Christmas lunch at home, take the stress off and add the genius of the ‘World’s Best Pastry Chef’, Albert Adrià to your table. Quite literally the pastry powerhouse, Adrià’s Cakes & Bubbles situated in Regent Street’s Hotel Café Royal brings you delicious festive desserts that you can take away and enjoy at home. Chocolate Christmas Trees filled with a hazelnut and almond whipped praline, decorated with holly leaves, snowflakes and pearls; mini gingerbread men with white chocolate and speculoos spices; and a vegan Christmas ‘plum’ cake with vegan yogurt, soy milk tofu, Christmas spices and candied fruits. If you are popping in to take some away, make sure to nab a seat to try his famous cheesecake.
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