‘Tis December — and we’re fully leaning into the festive magic Think twinkling lights, luscious tree decorations, and the chicest seasonal glamour.
Ready to treat yourself? Dive into a rich chocolate yule-log, book a dazzling night out at a show that transports you far from the everyday, and melt away emotional and systemic stress with this dreamy treatment. Got a trip coming up? We’ve got you – this clever travel set makes decanting your beauty essentials effortless before you jet off. Let’s make this season unforgettable with plenty of inspiration in this week’s Citizen Femme hotlist.
VISIT THIS The London Edition x Skye McAlpine Festive Celebration
The London EDITION has outdone itself with a gorgeously whimsical holiday installation — a lobby-tree created in collaboration with celebrated cookery writer Skye McAlpine. Drawing on the warmth and nostalgia of her new book The Christmas Companion, along with the magic of fairy-tales such as Hansel and Gretel and How the Grinch Stole Christmas!, the tree is festooned with handmade edible decorations — gingerbread, sweets, chocolate — and stands over a snow-dusted gingerbread village, transforming the hotel’s lobby into a childhood reverie. To complement the installation, guests can enjoy two specials paying homage to this collaboration, available until 31st December, both taken from recipes featured in Skye’s latest book (Chocolate & Chestnut Yule Log served on one of Skye’s own TAVOLA plates, and Chestnut Martini – Belvedere vodka, chestnut syrup.) In a season saturated with sparkling lights and grand decor, this tree is a charming reminder that beyond the glamour, Christmas is — at heart — about the simple pleasure of gathering, sharing sweet treats and feeling a little childlike wonder again.
EXPERIENCE THIS Andrea Hurst Reflexology X Raffles London at The OWO
Even though the end of the year indulgence and social calendar is at a high, don’t neglect yourself. Andrea Hurst’s welcome arrival at the Guerlain Spa in Raffles OWO brings a sense of refined calm and serious restoration, that any Londoner (or individual further afield really) would find huge benefit from. Her reputation as a reflexologist trusted by high-profile clients is matched by an offering of bespoke, deeply considered treatments that invite guests to pause, reset and reconnect with their body. Her sessions are described as “intuitive”: she works via reflex points on the feet to rebalance not just muscle tension or circulation, but deeper internal systems (nervous, hormonal, digestive), as well as emotional or energetic imbalances. Her menu — from the one-hour “Reset: The Grounding Reboot” to the three-hour “Purification: Full System Detox & Release” — speaks to her ambition to offer more than relaxation. Following a carefully considered conversation, Hurst manages to target her reflexology skills making them more than therapies, helping people relieve emotional or systemic stress. For real inner recalibration, the experience is tailored, intentional and genuinely restorative. This is not just pampering, this is far more.
GETAWAY HERE Tatvani, Northern Thailand
If you’re looking to escape the grey skies this December and trade them for soft mountain light, rice paddies and candle-lit dinners, then book a getaway to Tatvani, a newly opened all-inclusive private estate in northern Thailand’s Golden Triangle that blends seclusion, nature, and luxury. On 29 acres just outside Chiang Rai city, Tatvani offers six modern Thai-style villas accommodating up to 18 guests, with manicured gardens, koi ponds, a heated pool, private spa and beautifully rustic common spaces. From unlimited spa treatments to bespoke Thai and international dining, yoga, meditation, guided nature walks, ethical elephant encounters and cultural excursions — everything is included and tailored to your pace. For a serene, slow-paced winter-sun getaway — far from the crowds, full of calm and warmth — Tatvani offers a rare chance for true escape, for family trips, or couples seeking peace and connection.
BOOK THIS The Nutcracker Noir
The Nutcracker Noir has officially opened its doors, inviting you into a glamorous festive world where dining, performance and storytelling for an unforgettable night out. This all-new immersive dining experience from Secret Theatre, fronted by an esteemed cast of West End talent, has transformed Shoreditch’s Protein Studios into a sumptuous Christmas setting for a limited Christmas run. A bold and contemporary reimagining of Tchaikovsky’s timeless tale, The Nutcracker Noir follows Clara, an orphan raised in an eccentric fantasy world, who creates her own spirited version of show. You’re transported through five interactive spaces, with hidden theatrical moments encountering everything from secret rooms and bustling Christmas bodegas to a playful fantasy elf and even a trip to the North Pole, before stepping into the grand theatre for the main show accompanied by a perfectly curated menu. Food is central to the storytelling, with an inventive multi-course menu created by immersive dining specialist Jenny McNeill of Feast + Fable. Each dish subtly reflects the key moments in Clara’s journey – think Brick Lane Butter and Sourdough, Chalk Stream Trout, richly indulgent Burnt Ends ‘n’ Grits and a Basque cheesecake layered with nostalgic warmth. This is one night that offers a rare chance to experience Christmas as theatre, dinner, and fantasy all at once.
TRAVEL WITH THIS Keep Your Cadence
Thought ultra-luxe (and leak-proof) travel containers could be a thing? Well, yes they are. I’ve never been a fan of ‘travel-sized’ bottles but insist on decanting favourite products into tiny reusable bottles – in a ziplock – praying that they wouldn’t leak in my carry-on. Then, I discovered Cadence Capsules, a reusable (TSA-approved for USA travellers) travel toiletry system — leak-proof, BPA-free and made from partly recycled plastic — that let you decant shampoo, conditioner, lotion, skincare, jewellery and vitamins into small, magnetic, hexagonal, stackable vessels great for transporting anything you might need. What do I love about them most? They are designed without any right angles and with a wide opening at the top, so you have full access to the interior, making cleaning simple and foolproof, as well as their reusability. Plus, you can ‘Make Your System’ your own by selecting sizes, colours, and labels that fit your personal routine.
We may earn a commission if you buy something from any affiliate links on our site.
Any Questions or Tips to add?