Feel a taste of the Med in Mayfair, a touch of frost (albeit, indoors) at the new Winter Wonderland, and last-minute gifts for food lovers.
But most importantly, think ahead to ski season and use this top-notch site to build your perfect snowy getaway in minutes, tailored for your convenience, type of ski break and price point. This is what we’re loving in this week’s Citizen Femme hotlist.
BOOK WITH THEM Heidi.com
Ski season is right around the corner and if you’re lucky enough to be planning a winter vacation, narrowing down resorts is no easy feat. Enter Heidi. The new name in the ski holiday market, Heidi is your go-to, making ski holidays flexible and a whole lot easier to put together than doing it all yourself. Booking with Heidi allows for shorter breaks, starting and ending on any day of the week, providing travellers with the opportunity to get the ski fix they want. But it doesn’t stop there, choose ‘beginner to high altitude’, ‘family to short transfer’ and from ‘budget to luxury’, to easily narrow down the perfect holiday from thousands of options. For slick pistes and luxury hotels, head to Courchevel, the diamond in France’s crown. Enjoy rosé-fuelled lunches at Le Cap Horn and phenomenal skiing. For a quick weekend ski escapade, Chamonix in France welcomes anyone that is serious about snow, home to the epic 23km long Vallée Blanche, one of the most spectacular off-piste descents in the world, with an unrivalled après-ski. Plus, its adjacency to Geneva means you can enjoy nights out in the watch capital. Cortina in the Italian Dolomites is where you’ll find ‘Alpine Dolce Vita’ and a spot of superb Italian shopping. And families, Lech Zürs in Austria welcomes little ones testing the slopes for the first time, as well as those looking for big mountain challenges. Heidi has torn up the rule book giving you the flexibility you want from a ski holiday, and none of the hassle.
VISIT THIS Mandarin Oriental's 'Christmas Carousel Bar'
Let magical childhood festive memories take centre stage this week. Perhaps a stroll (and a ride or two) through Winter Wonderland can lead you to the magnificent custom-made Christmas Carousel Bar, in partnership with Moët & Chandon at Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park. From 12-7PM every day, visitors can enjoy a glass of Moët and, depending on your timing, you may be surprised by moments of complimentary delights including Heston’s soul-warming Winter Spice Hot Chocolate, or a Mulled Tea from The Rosebery. The magic does not end there though. Throughout the festive period, the hotel has plenty of other seasonal offers including Wintery Wonderland stays and the Little Festive Ranger package, ideal for family breaks, including Christmas carols and an obligatory visit from Father Christmas.
GIFT THIS Gymkhana at home
Looking for last minute Christmas gift suggestions? Perhaps you can’t figure out what to get for the person that has it all? Or, maybe its just about self-gifting…and we are all for that. If so, one of our favourite Indian restaurants, Gymkhana, has curated a selection of luxury food bundles to enjoy at home this year, straight from the kitchen of their renowned restaurant in London’s Mayfair. Bring Michelin-starred dining to your home with the Marinades & Chutneys Bundle, All Star Sauce Bundle, or the Full Feast Bundle. Offering a selection of the restaurant’s signature sauces and marinades, experience the luxury of Gymkhana’s culinary expertise from the twist of a jar.
DO THIS Kingdom of Winter
Rivalling the outdoors Winter Wonderland, ExCel London has just opened an inaugural indoor festive experience, set across 21,332 square metres and complete with ice rink, traditional fairground rides and an ‘Ice Expedition’ circus. As well as the circus and the rides, there are chalet-inspired bars, two food and drink villages and alpine craft stalls. This incredible alpine-style Christmas market promises plenty of opportunities to pick up some Christmas presents while enjoying a delicious cup of hot chocolate. Families, friends and other groups of seasonal get togethers can enjoy a weather-proof wonderland until January 7th, 2024.
EAT HERE GAIA, Mayfair
It seems Mayfair is endlessly opening high-end restaurants. Enter Gaia, having just opened on Dover Street, after finding success in Monte Carlo and the Middle East. Named after the Greek Goddess of Earth, Gaia refers to itself as a “refined taverna concept” with Greek-Mediterranean cuisine. This 154-cover restaurant offers a daily selection of fresh fish and seafood, outdoor seating, a lounge and cocktail bar, a curated wine room and a member’s club, NYX, on the lower ground floor. Rivalling nearby Mount St. Restaurant and indulgent Bacchanalia, Gaia’s interiors are more earthy, featuring domed arches, Hellenic statues framed by limestone walls and azure blue furnishings. Offering guests the chance to feast on mezze dishes of smoked cod roe and lemon zest, taramasalata, tzatziki and smoked aubergine dip, or larger plates of freshly caught fish, kritharaki – a heady tomato sauce of seafood orzo studded with freshly caught calamari, prawns and clams, and paidakia arnisia – succulent lamb cutlets, it’s a perfect way to enjoy the festivities this December.
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