It’s cherry blossom season. Whether this keeps you on home turf or you are bursting at the seams to book some sunny travel, we are here to provide you with the ultimate weekly inspiration.
This week we are hopping across to Paris for this unmissable photography exhibition, escaping the Knightsbridge crowds for this wellness boost and booking ahead for our summer Santorini sojourn. This is what we are loving in this week’s Citizen Femme hotlist.
VISIT THIS Robert Mapplethorpe Curated By Edward Enninful
Edward Enninful, disruptor and ex-editor of Vogue, has curated a new exhibition of the work of iconic American photographer Robert Mapplethorpe (1946–1989). If there’s someone that has an eye for photography, its Enninful. At Thaddaeus Ropac, he was given carte blanche to go through the archives of the Robert Mapplethorpe Foundation to curate an exhibition based on his thoughts about the artist. “Mapplethorpe wanted to disrupt the idea of what a portrait is,” Enninful explains. Though Mapplethorpe has been dead for 35 years, his images continues to beguile. This exhibition shows the photographer in a fresh light, with Enninful arranging the exhibition in pairs of images, showing the duality at the heart of the artist. If you don’t find yourself in Paris over the next month, this is a good excuse to make your way there.
BOOK THIS The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Hyde Park
Enter the glass doors fronting the red façade of the iconic Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, and down an unassuming corridor near the entrance, you’ll find the spa. No longer just a side offering of the hotel, this is well on its way to becoming one of London’s leading spas as the first London hotel to offer Clinique La Prairie’s holistic health longevity workshops and nutritional consultations. Additional partnerships with OSKIA and Biologique Recherche lend itself to an extensive menu far beyond fluffy facials and light pampering. The Detox & Renew Retreat by Clinique La Prairie is an ideal way to kickstart your body’s natural cleansing processes. Wellness and movement coaching, followed by consultations with a nutritionist to set you on a path for an intense two-month detox, boosted by Clinique La Prairie Purity supplements. And if time does not allow (although its wise to find the time), its worth indulging in the signature English Rose Poultice Massage. Opening with a foot ritual, begin with a full body scrub, after which you are advised to shower, leaving your skin feeling, quite literally, baby soft. A rose infused poultice massage pursues with a hair and scalp massage. Stress and tension be gone in 2 hours of peaceful indulgence. I encourage day visitors to visit early. In your separate women’s area, you’ll find a small vitality pool, an amethyst crystal steam room and sanarium, as well as a gym and impressive 17 metre swimming pool (both open 24 hours a day for in-house guests).
EAT HERE Koyn
Koyn, the Japanese Izakaya on Grosvenor Street, celebrates Sakura season with a photographic exhibition of ‘HANAMI’ by Rohan Shrestha, envisaged by founder Samyukta Nair and a Kyoto-style menu inspired by the works. To celebrate, Executive Chef Rhys Cattermoul has created ‘Hanami Hako’, a luxuriously crafted oak chest filled with 6 dishes including sea bream, kombujime, irazake, daikon cress; mazaro di value shrimp tartar, rhubarb ponzu, daikon shies pickle and squid salad, ikura, arima sangho dressing, watermelon radish.
STAY HERE THIS SUMMER MAGMA Resort Santorini
Summer travel planning is afoot and on my wishlist for booking ahead is recently opened MAGMA Resort Santorini. It’s a perfect secluded escape, set on Santorini’s north-eastern coast in the village of Vourvoulos. The hotel’s architecture and design is traditionally Cycladic, honouring the natural elements of the hotel’s landscape, seamlessly fitting into its surrounds. Dining experiences include a Greek culinary journey at Magma Soul, while rooftop destination Astra Lounge plays host to cocktail masterclasses, and Bar On The Rocks invites guests to soak in the sun by the infinity pool – or a late-night aperitivo by the fire pit. You can also book a private wine-tasting at Magma Vineyards, to discover the flavour of the distinctive Santorini wines. With 59 stylish guestrooms including 24 suites, all with verandas, jacuzzies and private plunge pools, alongside the largest wellness centre on the island, offering a range of holistic wellness experiences and volcanic-inspired treatments, it’s the kind of escape you’ll want this summer.
WEAR THIS Crystal Haze Jewelry
Crystal Haze Jewelry are stirring up a summer storm with their new DNA collection. Aptly titled, Crystal Haze have gone back into their roots for this collection; abundant with playful nostalgia, colour, healing crystals, talismans, evil eyes, heart motifs and holiday beads. Since its launch 5 years ago, this youthful Norwegian brand has been imbuing luxury watches, earrings and chains with a sense of fun and imagination by founder Ophelia Alickaj, a firm believer in the beauty and healing power of rare crystals and minerals. The pieces are easy, accessible and let you fly your free-spirited flag. Pair a chunky curb chain with a tshirt and leggings for a lunch date with friends. Mix, match and layer different chains and charms, depending on your mood and style. Or opt for the brand’s distinctive and nostalgic resin gummy bear pendant.
Lead image: We may earn a commission if you buy something from any affiliate links on our site.
Any Questions or Tips to add?