On a surprisingly warm November evening, I stepped into the Everyman Broadgate cinema, welcomed by the team behind LUNA Omakase , London’s highest and most intimate dining experience. We gathered for the premiere of LUNA: The Art of Twelve , a short film that explores the beauty and philosophy behind this extraordinary omakase restaurant. Before that night, I hadn’t thought much about how spiritual sushi could be. How precious a single cut of fish might become, or how intentional the process of choosing each ingredient truly is. The film, and the people who brought it to life, made me see it differently. Executive Chef Leo Tanyag explained that “the art of twelve” represents both the twelve seats and twelve courses that define LUNA’s Sosaku-style Edomae Omakase. The concept follows the phases of the moon. Because water makes up most of the human body, the menu is alive, constantly shifting to match the lunar cycle. Some nights call for earthier seasonings, others for lighter and more delicate touches. The food changes with the moon, feeding the body what it needs most at that moment. Perched high above the city on the ninth floor of 100 Liverpool Street, LUNA Omakase is not just another sushi counter. The space feels almost suspended in the sky, where every detail, from the architecture to the plating, seems to be in quiet conversation with the surroundings. The dining room seats exactly twelve guests, a deliberate choice that echoes the twelve lunar phases inspiring the experience. The film mirrors this sense of stillness and focus. Directed with the same restraint that defines LUNA itself, it takes us into the creative worlds of Oms Rocha , the Mexico City–based artist behind LUNA’s interiors, and Chef Tanyag. Rocha’s twelve circular paintings, each representing a moon phase, line the restaurant’s walls and bring a celestial calm to the space. Watching Rocha layer gold over grey in his studio while Tanyag in London prepares the day’s catch feels like observing two artists orbiting the same idea of balance and precision. After the screening, when asked whether they inspired each other’s work, both Rocha and Tanyag smiled. The connection was clear. Their shared sense of peace and rhythm - one expressed on canvas, the other through food - tells a story that feels both ancient and new. To mark the occasion, Rocha unveiled Luna Gold Premiere , a new artwork inspired by his original series for the restaurant. It’s now being auctioned alongside a private twelve-seat LUNA Omakase experience worth more than £5,000. All proceeds will go to The Felix Project , a London charity fighting food waste and hunger. The auction, which opened at £500, runs until 14 November, a fitting reflection of LUNA’s cycle of creation, renewal and giving back. For those of you willing to take part in the auction and wanting to donate to this amazing cause, you can follow this link . For Markus Thesleff , founder of the Thesleff Group (which also includes Los Mochis and Viajante87), the project represents something deeper than fine dining. “ LUNA: The Art of Twelve is a cinematic reflection of the dialogue between art and cuisine,” he said. “It’s about harmony, and how creativity, craftsmanship and emotion can come together to create something timeless.” After the screening, guests were invited next door to Los Mochis for an afterparty that brought LUNA’s philosophy to life. Between the music, the cocktails and the fusion of Mexican and Japanese flavours, the evening captured what LUNA calls La Familia - a sense of community rooted in generosity and shared experience. Standing by the window, looking out over the city skyline, it was easy to see how everything connects: the moon, the art, the food, the people. LUNA: The Art of Twelve isn’t just a film about a restaurant. It’s a meditation on rhythm, renewal and the quiet pursuit of beauty in everything we create. Should you find yourself craving a taste of the moon’s rhythm, book your experience at LUNA Omakase .

There’s something deliciously cinematic about arriving at Strawberry Hill House on a rainy morning - the white Gothic turrets glistening under the drizzle, the gardens turning that particular shade of English green that only seems to appear after a storm. Families in wellingtons splashed through puddles at the gates, seemingly oblivious to the quiet drama unfolding inside: Henry VIII’s Lost Dagger: From the Tudor Court to the Victorian Stage. On view from 1 November 2025 to 16 February 2026, the exhibition traces the extraordinary journey of a vanished 16th-century Ottoman dagger, once believed to have belonged to Henry VIII himself. Its story begins with Horace Walpole, the 18th-century writer, collector, and architect who transformed Strawberry Hill into a Gothic dreamscape and filled it with treasures that fuelled Britain’s obsession with the fantastical. Among them was this mysterious dagger. When Walpole’s collection was sold in 1842, the piece found a new home with Charles John Kean, the celebrated Shakespearean actor known for pioneering historically accurate productions - what critics of the time called “living museums.” The dagger disappeared after Kean’s death, leaving behind a trail of intrigue that Dr Silvia Davoli, Principal Curator at Strawberry Hill, has spent years trying to unravel. Stepping inside the exhibition, it’s easy to feel the pull of the past. The entrance, discreetly tucked behind the gift shop, opens into a dimly lit hall where two sculptural figures - woven from twigs, holly, and moss - stand sentinel at the foot of the grand staircase. A single candle flickers within a replica chandelier, throwing soft light onto the crimson walls. Each room of the house feels like a storybook. The library, perfectly framed by two circular stained-glass windows, glows in the muted afternoon light. It’s the sort of room that makes you wonder whether Walpole ever imagined his fictional Castle of Otranto could one day become so tangible. Upstairs, the famous Red Hall gives way to the exhibition space, where a display of Ottoman daggers, exquisite, intricate, and unmistakably regal - offers a glimpse of what the lost treasure might have looked like. It’s not just an exhibition; it’s an act of historical imagination. Henry VIII’s Lost Dagger doesn’t simply catalogue artefacts - it invites visitors to follow a mystery through centuries of art, theatre, and obsession. And like all good mysteries, it leaves you wondering whether the dagger’s true story has been found, or whether it’s still hiding somewhere in the folds of history, waiting to be rediscovered.

If you’ve ever walked through Shoreditch and wished for a wellness space that felt as beautiful as it was grounding, The Pink Pilates Studio might be the answer. Nestled on Fashion Street - yes, it really is called that; this newly opened, mat-based Pilates studio has already caught the attention of London’s wellness insiders. Equal parts sanctuary and statement, it’s a place where elegant movement meets community, all under a wash of soft pink light. Founded by instructor Natalie Louise , The Pink Pilates Studio is her love letter to the practice, and to the colour pink. “I wanted to build a space that reflects how Pilates makes you feel; strong, empowered, and uplifted,” she says. “And pink felt like the perfect expression of that energy; soft, elegant, and joyful.” That philosophy radiates through every corner of the open-plan studio, from the pastel tones and green accents to the airy lounge designed for lingering conversations post-class. Unlike many of the city’s high-intensity studios, The Pink Pilates Studio takes a slower, more considered approach. Classes combine the fundamentals of traditional Pilates with classical and contemporary elements, focusing on form, alignment, and lasting results. With only twelve mats per session, each class feels intentionally intimate - think personal guidance without the pressure. The experience extends beyond the workout. Natural light floods the studio through its courtyard entrance, a welcome contrast to the urban buzz just steps away on Brick Lane and Spitalfields Market. There’s a sense of calm here that feels more like a boutique hotel than a fitness space, complete with design-led interiors, premium equipment, and meticulous attention to detail. But what truly sets The Pink Pilates Studio apart is its community-first ethos. The studio hosts private sessions, corporate wellness programmes, and regular events with London wellness collectives - creating a space that’s as much about connection as it is about core strength. The Pink Pilates Studio is more than a place to move - it’s an invitation to slow down, stretch out, and find a little joy in the process. And yes, it’s unapologetically pink. Visit: The Pink Pilates Studio, Unit 7, 11–29 Fashion Street, London, E1 6PX (courtyard entrance). Nearest stations: Liverpool Street, Aldgate East, and Shoreditch High Street.

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.