We’re leaning into culture this week, with an exciting new literary festival and this London Craft Week experience.
Plus, eat at this restaurant for a sensational Korean dining experience, book a dream London retreat from the City’s hustle and bustle for one of London’s finest new wellness treatments, and we can’t wait to see you at this week’s Passport To summit. This is what we’re loving in this week’s Citizen Femme hotlist.
STAY HERE Hospes Infante Sagres, Porto
Porto is second to none for a city break. Lisbon had its moment, its Porto’s time to shine. And where to stay? Look to Hospes Infante Sagres, first opened in 1951, a hotel that seamlessly blends historic grandeur with contemporary elegance, offering an unparalleled luxury experience in the middle of Portugal’s second-largest city. The remodel masterfully reimagines the space, blending local culture through a story-led design direction inspired by Portugal’s ‘Age of Discoveries’. The interiors pay homage to Prince Henry the Navigator, also known as Infante Sagres, and to “The Lusiads”, a renowned Portuguese poem by Luís Vaz de Camões. Moments from Porto’s historic landmarks, vibrant cultural scene, and renowned wine cellars, this is an elegant retreat for discerning travellers, with 85 beautifully designed rooms, a plunge pool and sundeck, the Scarlett Wine & Food, and a myriad of three elegant drawing rooms and libraries to while away the afternoon.
TREAT YOURSELF TO THIS Jo Malone x AIRE
Originally hailing from Seville, Spain, the Aire Spas are inspired by ancient bathing rituals from the Roman, Greek, and Ottoman civilisations. Escaping to one of its cavernous spaces is like stepping into an otherworldly retreat, a distant memory of the city streets quickly becoming a distant memory. Jo Malone London enters wellness, bringing a new range to AIRE Ancient Baths. The Restorative Ritual By Jo Malone London begins with a sensory journey through AIRE’s signature thermal circuit, followed by a bespoke treatment centred on two products from Jo Malone London’s new Care Collection. During the thermal circuit, guests will move between seven different baths, ranging from warm to cold temperatures, each offering therapeutic benefits for the body and mind. From the Tepidarium; for a gentle transition of warmth and balance, the Caldarium; a hot bath for deep relaxation, to the Frigidarium; a cold bath to refresh and revitalise the body. Following a period of relaxation in the baths, the 75-minute treatment starts with a full-body exfoliation on warm marble beds with the smoothing Restore Body Treatment Scrub. This is followed by an hour-long full-body massage in a dedicated massage room with the Restore Body Oil. Bliss.
VISIT THIS Fleet Street Festival of Words
London’s new literary festival, Fleet Street Quarter Festival of Words, opens this week from 14-17 May, a celebration of storytelling in an area where stories have always been born. With over 40 free and ticketed literary cultural events across London’s historic publishing quarter, the four-day programme features immersive events for both adults and children with a wide variety of topics and formats, covering spoken word and fiction, to broadcast and AI. Expect headline appearances from leading authors and creators including Jeremy Vine and Simon Mayo presenting their new novels, Kate Mosse, co-founder of the Women’s Prize, acclaimed author Jojo Moyes who will dive into the secrets to creating unforgettable characters, Style Editor of British Vogue Funmi Fetto talking about her debut novel Hail Mary and many more. Spanning current affairs and journalism, fiction, screenwriting, and family and children’s events, join in for lunchtime panels, early and late evening talks, and a Saturday programme packed with a programme for the whole family.
EAT HERE Jang, The Royal Exchange
Tucked away on the mezzanine level of the stunning Royal Exchange in London’s City, you’ll find Jang, an East Asian restaurant with an interior that celebrates the lavish glamour of the 1920s, with a menu that draws inspiration from the rich heritage and culture of both Korea and Japan. The restaurant’s striking interiors mixing deep reds, dark woods, and soft linen lanterns, create a luxurious yet intimate atmosphere whilst enjoying sweeping views of the central courtyard, surrounded by the stunning architecture of what was once London’s hub for merchants and traders. Korean Head Chef Dana Choi (who brings extensive experience from her roles at Jinjuu with Judy Joo and as Executive Chef at Seoul Bird) expertly evokes the essence of both Korean and Japanese cuisines. Signature dishes include the Yuk Hwe – a reimagined Korean steak tartare and kimbugak (Korean seaweed chips). For those seeking an elevated version of a street food staple , the Jang KFC is a standout: crispy fried chicken and the Jang Feast, a generous K-BBQ spread, ideal for sharing. Jang also features a stand-alone sushi bar, serving a selection of delicate nigiri, maki, and sashimi. Whether you’re enjoying an intimate dinner, a celebratory meal with friends, or a lively catch up over sushi and champagne to end the week, Jang captures the atmosphere perfectly.
BOOK THIS L’OBJET x London Craft Week
In celebration of its 20th anniversary, L’OBJET invites guests to experience the artistry and intimacy of handcraft through a bespoke in-store activation at its Sloane Street boutique, as part of London Craft Week. From May 15th to 17th, Carlos Pinto, L’OBJET’s artist-in-residence and master artisan from its renowned Portuguese porcelain atelier, will be available in the boutique to personally customise a selection of porcelain pieces. Clients are invited to book a private appointment, select their chosen piece, and watch as it is transformed with a hand-painted decoration by Carlos. The selection available for customisation includes the Bois Vert candle, Nez candle, Coral candle, and Neptune Bowl XL in white. On arrival, you’ll have the opportunity to discuss your vision, selecting from a curated range of signature motifs and colours, with the possibility of including a bespoke detail or initials.
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