Valentine’s Day is almost upon us. Usually I do a gifting guide but I think experiences are so much better as memories are much more precious than materialistic gifts and will give a sense of happiness like no other!
Here is my top picks!
I’m wearing Divine Cashmere sweater and skirt
Set in the heart of Leicester Square this hotel is absolutely mind blowing! Set over 16 floors it offers space and exclusivity like no other. This location redefines the meaning of luxury and its striking spaces play host to a wide range of experiences on offer, including inimitable dining, performances, exhibition workshops and spa.
You can start your journey at The Retreat, The Londoner’s subterranean wellness floor, where you would have access to poolside cabanas and spa facilities, as well as a selection of treatments and superfoods from Refuel throughout the day. The wellness area has its very own Gentlemen’ Grooming salon headed by Joe Vipond, a nail bar by the influential AMA and an award winning hairdresser Hiro Miyoshi. It’s the ultimate one-stop shop for all of your therapeutic and beautification needs as part of the Valentines staycation experience.
Later, you can continue the experience into The Courtyard. The Londoner will be hosting a floristry class with a leading Covent Garden florist in their airy internal courtyard. You will receive expert guidance in creating a classic Valentine’s bouquet – perfect as a beautiful gift for a loved one!
There are five restaurants and bars to choose from, offering traditional British, Mediterranean and Japanese cuisines.
My favourite is the restaurant on the eighth floor of the hotel called 8 .
Dark wood, low lighting and scattered comfy chairs create a laid back, easy atmosphere that feels very romantic, not to mention the stunning views you get of the capital’s neighbourhood.
Once you’ve polished off your delicious meal you can conclude your romantic evening with live entertainment, set at The Stage on the ground floor of the hotel or watch a romantic movie ( yes, the hotel has two private Odeon screening rooms!), before retiring to one of the hotel’s exquisitely designed suites for a much-needed rest.
Mount Street Shoe Company velvet slippers
Browns is another one of my favourite hotels and they often do amazing collaborations with different brands and put on spectacular performances throughout the year, like the immersive Nutcracker experience earlier in December.
For Valentines Day, they have created the ‘“Head over Heels with Aquazzura” package.
You can choose either a one or two night stay at the hotel. Your experience would begin with an Aquazzura bespoke gift bag. Then you would be welcomed to the Donovan Bar where you can enjoy the latest collection of Aquazzura shoes on display and enjoy “Tequila Scandal” cocktails named after the Tequila Plexi Sandal 105.
You will have a complimentary “Vital Pedicure” treatment to enjoy at The Spa at Brown’s, as well as personalised in-suite shoe fitting and out of hours store visit including VIP discount.
I, both a heel lover and shoe addict, can attest this experience is a win win if you want to impress your significant other! Moreover, as an add-on to the experience and as a last glimpse, Brown’s knowledgeable concierge team can purchase tickets to Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical, Cinderella, at the Gillian Lynne Theatre, just a short taxi ride from the hotel!
One of the most successful musicals of all time, this new West End production, starring Eddie Redmayne and Jessie Buckley, is a show you’ll never forget!
I went to see it earlier in December and was absolutely awestruck!
The ambience of this theatre is truly remarkable and unlike anything I have experienced before.
Upon entry audiences are engulfed into a 1930’s Germany with pre-show entertainment as you work your way through the basement and bars to your seats. Redmayne is almost unrecognisable, showing that he isn’t a true acting chameleon and one of the best performers of our generation. The show is mesmerising, sexy and full of energy. Perfect Valentines date if you ask me.
Couples workshop with Augustine Jewels
Invite your loved one to immortalise a special moment and make a unique jewellery piece as a couple!
Tucked away in a quiet street of Westbourne Park Road in Notting Hill an unassuming door reveals a beautiful atelier of Augustine Jewels.
I’ve worn their jewellery on a number of occasions and the designs always draw attention and compliments from the onlookers.
Augustine Jewels highlight the concept of modern simplicity yet delicate luxury that can be worn day and night; creating enduring symbols of minimalist glamour, personal memoirs and also timelessness. Alexandra Morris Robson who is the CEO and the founder of the brand prides herself especially on bespoke jewellery. She is involved in every step of the way to make the customer’s vision come to live!
The jewellery is first hand drawn to your liking before the design is placed into CAD, to allow for a more fluid creative process. Upon completion, you will be provided with a signed copy of your hand drawn design as part of the bespoke jewellery process.
It is said bespoke jewellery really does hold much more meaning especially when it is made together as a couple. Great opportunity to try something different and make this Valentine’s Day one to remember!
