There’s something deeply satisfying about the ritual of opening a tiny door each December morning, a quiet, joyful pause before the day begins. What started as a humble countdown marked by milk chocolate squares has evolved into one of the most indulgent traditions of the festive season. From limited-edition beauty capsules to artisanal food collections, this year’s advent calendars promise a sense of anticipation that extends far beyond Christmas morning, each miniature surprise designed to deliver a touch of glamour, comfort, or self-care in the grey of winter. In 2025, brands have truly mastered the art of turning delayed gratification into a lifestyle. The latest crop of luxury advent calendars reads like a who’s who of design, fragrance, and fine living: Dior, Diptyque, Fortnum & Mason, and an array of small-batch makers giving heritage names a run for their money. Whether you’re drawn to the clink of miniature perfume bottles, the gleam of skincare ampoules, or the scent of cinnamon and oud wafting from behind embossed doors, these are the advent calendars worth gifting - to yourself or the person who already has everything. Inside, you’ll find 20 full-sized products (an upgrade from last year’s 18), 12 new brand additions, and 26 Liberty exclusives you won’t find anywhere else. The line-up reads like a beauty editor’s wish list: Emma Lewisham’s Skin Reset Serum, Sisley’s Floral Toning Lotion, Augustinus Bader’s The Rich Eye Cream, and La Mer’s Lip Balm. And, in true Liberty fashion, 15 lucky recipients will discover a £1,000 Golden Ticket tucked inside. Willy Wonka, but make it skincare. High Luxury Advent Calendars Specialty Advent Calendars: because not every calendar needs a serum or lipstick to earn its spot under the tree. Some deliver their joy in more unexpected forms - scent, flavour, or even speed.

Few things capture the magic of a London Christmas quite like an afternoon tea. In December, the city’s most celebrated hotels and restaurants transform their menus, swapping cucumber sandwiches for gingerbread scones, festive pastries, and inventive twists on childhood favourites. From delicate mince pies at Pan Pacific London to hand-iced biscuits at Biscuiteers, London’s festive teas offer a season of indulgence that feels both luxurious and joyful. Whether you prefer the traditional elegance of The Ritz or the playful charm of a Hamleys-inspired tea at The Langham, there is something to enchant every visitor. Beyond classic indulgence, many venues embrace whimsy and storytelling, turning afternoon tea into a full festive experience. At One Aldwych, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory comes to life with fizzy lifting drinks and chocolate milkshakes, while The Swan at The Globe offers a Pinocchio-themed tea that feels perfectly magical during the holiday season. With sparkling settings, imaginative treats, and seasonal cocktails, London’s festive afternoon teas combine luxury, creativity, and nostalgia to create memorable Christmas moments for families, friends, and anyone looking to savour the spirit of the season. The Langham - Hamleys Festive Afternoon Tea Available from 10 November to 4 January At The Langham, Christmas arrives with a playful wink thanks to its collaboration with Hamleys, the world’s most famous toy shop. This winter Palm Court transforms into a festive wonderland where nostalgia and luxury meet. Children are treated to a whimsical menu of patisseries shaped like classic toys, while adults can indulge in The Langham’s elegant afternoon tea reimagined with a hint of Hamleys magic. Think childhood favourites elevated with a refined, grown-up twist. Beyond tea, Palm Court’s festive lunches and dinners promise a season of indulgence, with dishes like venison, halibut, and traditional turkey served with all the trimmings and just the right amount of sparkle. The Lanesborough Available from 12 November to 6 January Festive Bridgerton Afternoon Tea This season, The Lanesborough’s celebrated Bridgerton Afternoon Tea receives a festive twist. Guests can indulge in a Regency-inspired spread infused with holiday flavours, served beneath the hotel’s grand glass dome. Expect elegant finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones, and exquisite pastries worthy of a royal ball - an afternoon tea that captures the opulence of the Bridgerton world with a touch of Christmas magic. Pan Pacific London At Pan Pacific London, Christmas indulgence takes a sophisticated turn with its Festive Afternoon Tea, served daily in the elegant Ginger Lily Lounge. Priced at £68 per person, the experience begins with a spiced parsnip velouté and a pork and apricot sausage roll before moving on to delicate finger sandwiches filled with roast turkey and cranberry, dry-aged beef with horseradish, and truffled Burford Brown egg. Freshly baked plain and gingerbread scones are served with Cornish clotted cream, strawberry preserve, and orange marmalade, while the patisserie selection feels almost too beautiful to eat. Highlights include the Bobble Hat Mousse with toasted coconut and sea salt, a Christmas Present Cremeux infused with mulled wine spices, and a Christmas Pudding Macaron with brandy buttercream. Guests can also enjoy a glass of Taittinger Champagne to complete this elegant festive experience. Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill Available from 28 November to 4 January At Hyatt Regency London, the much-loved Flavours of the World Afternoon Tea gets a festive makeover. Served every Thursday to Saturday in the afternoon, the experience blends global inspiration with classic Christmas indulgence. Guests can enjoy delicate pastries, festive sweets, and freshly baked scones, each thoughtfully crafted by the hotel’s pastry chefs. Signature teas and a glass of champagne add a touch of celebration, while the warm, elegant setting makes it an ideal spot to slow down, share stories, and savour the magic of the season. Waldorf Hilton London At The Waldorf Hilton, Christmas arrives with a touch of theatre. This year, the hotel partners with Elf The Musical to present a festive afternoon tea that blends indulgence with entertainment. Guests can enjoy an array of delicious cakes and treats, alongside a thoughtful selection of teas served in the hotel’s elegant surroundings. With prices from £59 for adults and £40 for children, it is a charming experience for families and anyone seeking a little extra sparkle in the heart of London’s West End. Taj London At Taj London, the Secret Garden transforms into a winter fairytale for the Enchanted Christmas Edition of its A Midsummer Night’s Dream Afternoon Tea. Available every Thursday to Sunday, and daily from 18 December to 4 January, the experience captures the whimsy of the season with a hot chocolate bauble, a selection of sweet and savoury delights, and a festive cocktail to toast to Christmas. Set within one of London’s most elegant hotels, this afternoon tea feels like stepping into a storybook, where indulgence and imagination meet beneath a canopy of twinkling lights. The Chesterfield Mayfair Available from 14th November 2025 to 4th January 2026 At The Chesterfield Mayfair, the holiday season is celebrated in style with the Winter Wonderland Afternoon Tea. Guests can immerse themselves in festive cheer while enjoying a selection of indulgent treats. This imaginative take on a classic British tradition transforms the elegant setting into a magical winter escape, offering a perfectly indulgent way to savour the spirit of Christmas in the heart of Mayfair. Hotel Café Royal Available from 7 November At Hotel Café Royal, Regent Street glamour meets festive indulgence with the Festive Afternoon Tea. Set within the gilded Café Royal Grill, the experience is crafted by Head Pastry Chef Maxence Blondelle and features seasonal treats, overflowing Champagne, and a carefully curated selection of teas. Golden interiors and the gentle melodies of a live pianist set the scene for a Nutcracker-inspired celebration, while the iconic Domino Room offers a weekend extension of the experience from 6 December to 28 December. Priced at £79 per person or £95 with a glass of N.V. Veuve Clicquot Brut, with children under 12 welcome at £39.50, it is one of London’s most elegant ways to savour the magic of Christmas. The Ritz London Available from 15 November to 3 January Celebrate Christmas at The Ritz London with a festive Afternoon Tea in the stunning Palm Court. Enjoy 20 loose-leaf teas, delicate finger sandwiches, pastries, mince pies, Christmas cakes, and freshly baked scones with Cornish clotted cream. Sip a glass of Barons de Rothschild “Reserve Ritz” Brut NV while the Ritz choir fills the room with carols. The Palm Court is transformed into an Edwardian winter wonderland, and each child receives a charming Ritz teddy bear. Prices start at £120 per adult and £79 per child The Savoy Afternoon Tea at The Savoy takes on an extra sprinkle of magic during the festive season. Set in the stunning Gallery, guests can indulge in featherlight scones, seasonal finger sandwiches, and an exquisite selection of festive pastries, all paired with the finest teas curated by the hotel’s expert team. The luxurious surroundings, twinkling holiday décor, and warm, celebratory atmosphere make it the perfect setting to savour Christmas in style. With limited spaces, this seasonal tradition is as exclusive as it is enchanting. One Aldwych Available from 12 November to 10 January Step into a world of festive whimsy at One Aldwych with the Charlie & the Chocolate Factory Afternoon Tea. Inspired by Roald Dahl’s beloved story, this magical experience combines indulgent treats with playful theatrics, from fizzy lifting drinks and snozzberry jam to chocolate swudge milkshakes mixed by waterfall. Guests can savour creative savouries such as beetroot and horseradish ‘hot ice cream for cold days’ and roast turkey with cranberry sandwiches, before moving on to a box piled high with mince pie-flavoured floss, cakes, sweets, and creams. Choose from chocolate or lemon sherbet tea, mulled snozzberry cocktails, mocktails, or Champagne for the ultimate festive indulgence that will delight both children and the young at heart. The Library at London Marriott County Hall Celebrate the season with Festive Afternoon Tea at The Library, London Marriott County Hall. Set in a timeless, historic space overlooking the River Thames, guests can enjoy a curated selection of seasonal finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones, and indulgent festive pastries. The elegant setting and thoughtful menu make it the perfect spot to savour a classic Christmas treat with a touch of London charm. The Swan at The Globe Photo credit Key & Quill Set against the iconic backdrop of the River Thames, The Swan at The Globe introduces a whimsical Pinocchio-inspired Afternoon Tea, running until early 2026. While not directly Christmas-themed, this playful experience makes for a magical outing during the festive season. Guests can choose from a classic Pinocchio menu, a vegetarian option, or the Geppetto savoury afternoon tea, each offering a creative twist on the traditional British pastime. Perfectly positioned for theatre-goers and riverfront strollers alike, it combines the charm of London’s historic South Bank with a storybook-inspired experience that feels wonderfully festive.

Dubai’s skyline is about to get a spectacular new addition. Come November 2025, Ciel Dubai Marina, Vignette Collection by IHG will officially open its doors, and with it, claim the title of the world’s tallest hotel . Soaring 377 metres over Dubai Marina, this 82-floor marvel is more than just an architectural feat—it’s a new benchmark for luxury hospitality. From the moment you arrive, Ciel promises an experience that blends jaw-dropping design, panoramic views, and world-class facilities . Designed by award-winning architects Norr, the hotel’s “eye of the needle” silhouette is as striking as it is elegant, offering 1,004 rooms and suites, all framed by floor-to-ceiling windows capturing uninterrupted views of Palm Jumeirah, the Arabian Gulf, and Dubai’s glittering skyline. For the culinary-minded, Ciel Dubai Marina is a playground of global flavours. West 13 celebrates the Mediterranean with fresh pasta, mezze, and artisanal breads, while East 14 takes you on an Asian odyssey with live Ramen and Pho stations, sushi, dim sum, and rich Indian curries. For more relaxed indulgence, Risen Café and Artisanal Bakery serves breakfast, all-day café-style dishes, and award-winning coffee, all sourced from local ingredients. The hotel’s pièce de résistance, however, is Tattu Dubai , the UK-born modern Asian concept reimagined across three levels. On level 74, diners enter a world where mythology meets contemporary Japanese and Chinese cuisine. Ascend to level 76 for the world’s highest infinity pool , where Japanese-fusion bites and sunset DJ sets create a day-to-night energy that’s hard to rival. Finally, level 81 unveils the Tattu Sky Lounge & Terrace , an opulent rooftop escape with 360° views, craft cocktails, and music that perfectly complements Dubai’s skyline. Wellness and leisure are equally spectacular. The 61st-floor spa blends advanced rituals with time-honoured traditions, while the 24/7 gym offers panoramic vistas for an energising workout. Guests can also enjoy exclusive access to Soluna Beach Club on Palm Jumeirah, a serene retreat just 15 minutes from the hotel. Families are not forgotten: a Splash Pad, Kids Club, child-friendly menus, and bespoke amenities ensure even the youngest visitors are pampered. Strategically located with direct access to Dubai Marina’s boardwalk, world-class shopping, beaches, and iconic landmarks such as Ain Dubai and Bluewaters, Ciel is more than a hotel—it’s a gateway to the city’s vibrant sophistication. For business travellers, the Executive Lounge Nest and stylish meeting spaces high above the city offer the perfect blend of privacy, comfort, and skyline inspiration. Ciel Dubai Marina is The First Group’s most ambitious project to date and a shining jewel in IHG’s Vignette Collection, which celebrates one-of-a-kind hotels offering authentic, memorable experiences. With its bold architecture, unmatched views, and multi-sensory dining and wellness offerings, Ciel is set to become Dubai’s ultimate luxury destination and a must-visit for travellers seeking sky-high indulgence.

This September, Londoners will have a rare chance to explore Japanese wine at its finest. From 9 to 30 September 2025, LUNA Omakase will partner with Château Mercian, Japan’s oldest vineyard, to present an exclusive wine pairing menu at the city’s highest omakase restaurant. Tucked away on the ninth floor of 100 Liverpool Street, LUNA Omakase is a 12-seat dining room with sweeping views of St Paul’s Cathedral. Led by Executive Chef Leonard Tanyag, the restaurant is known for its Sosaku-style Edomae cuisine, a modern interpretation of traditional sushi that follows the twelve phases of the moon. For this special collaboration, Thesleff Group’s Head of Wine and Sake, Michele Orbolato, has curated four Japanese wines that match the precision and artistry of Chef Tanyag’s twelve-course menu. The pairings include the Château Mercian Rivalis Left Bank Chardonnay, which balances rich acidity with tropical fruit, and the Iwade Koshu Ortum, a limited release of just 1,100 bottles with citrus notes and a cooling mineral finish. The Koshu Gris de Gris brings a textural complexity with hints of apricot and Darjeeling tea, while the Mariko Syrah offers depth with spice, dark fruit, and fine tannins. Each has been selected to complement dishes ranging from king crab nigiri to wagyu beef sando, creating a dining experience that is both rare and memorable. Founded in 1870, Château Mercian was the first Japanese winery to adopt French winemaking techniques. Today, it produces award-winning wines across Yamanashi, Nagano, and Fukushima, and continues to shape Japan’s reputation in the global wine industry. For LUNA Omakase, this collaboration marks the first time London diners will be able to experience such a refined collection of Japanese wines in a single sitting. With only twelve seats available per service, the September series is one of the most exclusive dining events in London this year. It combines theatre, intimacy, and a deep respect for Japanese craftsmanship, offering a new perspective on both omakase and wine pairing in the capital. LUNA Omakase x Château Mercian runs from 9–30 September 2025.

There are few places in London where you can slip behind the kitchen door of a private members’ club and be guided through a menu by a chef with two decades at The Dorchester. Yet that is exactly what The Lansdowne Club is offering in its ninetieth year, with a new calendar of intimate one-day masterclasses led by Executive Head Chef Henry Brosi. The Mayfair institution, set within a Georgian mansion with 1930s Art Deco interiors, has long been admired for its discretion and elegance. Now it is inviting both members and non-members to experience its culinary world in a way usually reserved for insiders. Each masterclass welcomes no more than four guests, beginning with breakfast and a Buck’s Fizz in the Club’s Dining Room before moving into the private kitchen for a hands-on tutorial. Under Brosi’s direction, participants prepare seasonal dishes that reflect his signature style, which marries classical finesse with a reverence for British and European produce. The experience concludes with a five-course lunch paired with wines, served in the Dining Room where the atmosphere feels both timeless and quietly indulgent. The programme spans both seasonal and year-round themes. Spring guests might work with asparagus or sea trout, while autumn brings the allure of white truffle. Pasta making, chocolate work, and British shellfish are among the options that appeal to cooks who want to refine their technique while enjoying the intimacy of learning directly from one of London’s most accomplished chefs. Prices begin at £350 per person, a detail that underscores the exclusivity of the offering. In a city where most cooking schools feel either too formal or too commercial, The Lansdowne Club has found an appealing middle ground. The series is intimate, expertly run, and rooted in the atmosphere of a private club that has always attracted those with an appreciation for life’s finer details. It is an anniversary programme that feels celebratory but also quietly confident, an invitation to step inside Mayfair and discover the pleasures of cooking at the side of a master.

At Monterey Car Week, where collectors arrive with seven-figure classics and concept cars pose like runway models, a different kind of unveiling stole the spotlight. Aston Martin, the brand of Bond and understated British bravado, has announced a global partnership with Glenfiddich, the single malt Scotch that’s been teaching people to pronounce the word “Glen” properly since the 19th century. On the surface, whisky and cars might not seem like natural bedfellows. One is meant to be savoured slowly in crystal glasses, the other roars down racetracks or idles on Knightsbridge streets outside Harrods. But this collaboration makes a kind of luxurious sense: both brands are built on the alchemy of craftsmanship and performance, and both are searching for ways to turn heritage into experiences that feel relevant for the ultra-wealthy in 2025. To mark the partnership, Glenfiddich unveiled its 1976 Vintage — a 48-year-old single malt so rare only 50 bottles exist. Malt Master Brian Kinsman chose it not just because it’s old enough to remember disco, but because the mid-1970s marked a turning point for both brands. That was the era Glenfiddich put its stag’s head on every bottle and doubled down on innovation with a new still house, while Aston Martin was reimagining what a performance car could look and feel like. In other words: two icons reinventing themselves before anyone even knew they’d become icons. And in case anyone wondered whether a nearly 50-year-old Scotch pairs well with a hypercar, Aston Martin rolled out the Valhalla, its first plug-in hybrid supercar. A name that nods to Norse mythology but in practice means 998 horsepower, Formula One-inspired engineering, and a £600,000 price tag. Think of it as a glimpse into the future of Aston Martin: performance electrified, but with the emotional pull of its combustion ancestors. The 1976 Vintage itself sounds almost edible. Red berry sweetness on the nose, buttery pastry and spice, followed by oak tannins and stewed fruit, with a toasted wood finish that lingers like the scent of a good cigar. The whisky is bottled at 48.8% ABV, but of course you won’t be drinking this after a spin in the Valhalla — the brands are eager to stress they want you to “never drink and drive.” Instead, it’s a trophy bottle, the kind collectors display in temperature-controlled cabinets next to their car keys. The partnership will go beyond this launch. Both brands teased more “exclusive products and experiences” — code, most likely, for ultra-limited whiskies and Aston Martin events where the guest list is tighter than the security. At Monterey, the tie-up was toasted at The House of Aston Martin, complete with a pop-up whisky bar designed to appeal to the kind of collector who sees whisky not just as a drink but as an asset class. So why does this matter? Because it’s another example of how luxury brands are teaming up to sell not just products but lifestyles. Glenfiddich doesn’t just want to be on your bar cart; it wants to be part of your identity, the same way Aston Martin wants to be more than a car. Together, they’re crafting a story of British heritage meeting modern innovation, and they’re doing it with the kind of confidence that assumes their customers have the disposable income to collect both. Only 50 people in the world will get their hands on the 1976 Vintage. A few more will get to own the Valhalla. But for the rest of us, the partnership is still a spectacle — proof that even in an age of digital everything, the rarest forms of luxury are still about what can’t be replicated.