All girls know how to multitask and doing three things at once has never been more important than during the festive season. Last minute shopping and socializing seems to be taking up every moment of our day so how to keep up the illusion of effortless gorgeousness and fool the world into thinking that we really do wake up in the morning in a state of zen complete with long elegant lashes, glowing skin and perfectly pedicured tootsies. Fortunately it’s not a problem, London’s destinations hotels, boutiques and department stores have got together to ensure that our secret remains safe!
So after exercising the plastic in Knightsbridge, put your best foot forward to the Lanesborough for its Footloose and Festive Tea! The hotel’s Spa Studio has joined forces with Apsley’s for a match made in heaven. Begin with a 60 minute Pristine Pedicure – perfect for shopped out feet for which flatties are not an option. Uplifting essential oils from Peppermint to Lemongrass will have you raring to go once more and a Leighton Denny colour will finish the job whereupon it’s off to Apsley’s for a champagne tea – with even dedicated tea sommeliers to guide you through its 56-strong tea menu. And for real beauty fascists, there are even gluten and dairy free cake options.
Liberty of London has climbed into bed with the Philippe Starck designed Sanderson. Weary shoppers can enjoy a sumptuous afternoon tea at the hotel’s glamorous Suka restaurant absolutely guilt free. Indulge yourself with turkey and cranberry finger sandwiches and mini chocolate Yule logs and receive a £30 Liberty voucher for your trouble. Ok you do need to spend £150 at the store but as we think you’ll agree, that shouldn’t be a problem!
Shopped out Chealsa-ites can grab themselves a pick me up at Sloane Square favourite, Peter Jones. Choose from five free Christmas Shopping Beauty Boosters in its second floor beauty hall from shoulder rubs at the Clarins Skin Spa and eye energizers at Decleor to hand massages by La Prairie and mini facials from Bliss and Elemis. Then head upstairs to the Brasserie for smoothie boosters packed with wheatgrass and blueberries.
And if you’re braving the ravening hoards of Oxford Circus – new Japanese style crossing or not (like it’s made any difference at all Boris!) – after work before making a night of it, you can make a pit stop for a Lash-tastic party make-over courtesy of Laura Mercier at John Lewis. Simply purchase a pair of falsies and the team of qualified applicator angels will apply them for you and refresh your make-up in one fell swoop.
But top marks by far go to Sweaty Betty. Those who prefer to spurn the trappings of materialism (with the exception of Stella McCartney yoga gear, natch) can combine a spree at Sweaty Betty with a free yoga, pilates or even boxing session. You’ll event get a 50 discount on a pair of trainers if you attend 10 of the drop-in classes!
www.lanesborough.com
www.sandersonlondon.com – til 24 Dec
www.peterjones.co.uk – til 20 Dec
www.johnlewis.co.uk – til 19 Dec
www.sweatybetty.com/sweatyclub
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