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Claridge’s Christmas Tree 2025: By Daniel Lee for Burberry

On 25th November 2025 the legendary Mayfair hotel unveiled its annual tree which was designed by the Chief Creative Officer of Burberry.

The tree is made with countless Burberry fabric bows decorated down the 16-foot tree. The classic Burberry fabric ties represent the Victorian sign of unity. They are joined by wild foliage, thistle and Scotland’s national flower: a nod to the Highlands where Burberry’s cashmere scarves are made. All the rich landscapes of the UK are drawn together with pallets of deep symbolic colours.

Handmade glass baubles blown by an authentic British glassblower are featured on the tree which is topped with a golden crown. Giant chess pieces are placed by this creation on the classic chess type flooring in the lobby where the tree stands.

Remarking on the tree, Daniel Lee said, “Claridge’s has always felt like home from the moment you walk through its doors, a true symbol of elegance and British heritage where I’ve enjoyed many special moments over the years. Being invited to design the hotel’s annual Christmas tree is a huge honour. I saw it as an opportunity to celebrate tradition and togetherness – expressing the season through vibrant colours and rich textures. Christmas is my favourite time of the year”.

The Burberry theme does not stop there. Guests will be welcomed by doormen adorned with the traditional Burberry check scarf and room keyholders are made with the classic pattern. Even the lift will be themed.

In the bar you can purchase ‘Winter Knight’ cocktails, an iconic Burberry drink. Then in the shop there are limited edition Claridge’s baubles with the famous Bell Boy Teddy Bear wearing the renowned Burberry trench and scarf.

Claridge’s have pushed the boat out on another annual Christmas tree, made exclusively by one of Britain’s most cherished designers. For more information please visit: An Unforgettable Christmas in London at Claridge’s

Gingerlily: The Ultimate Sleep Kit

These smart silk designs can help you capture a well deserved and restful night snuggled between the sheets.

A silk ultimate sleep set in champagne colours is just a sample of the different Christmas presents set to unveil an appreciation of snooze. The soothing eye mask, silk pillowcase and a couple of scrunchies contribute to a guarantee of sweet dreams.

The silk protects hair from breakage, and the protein ingredient in the silk also helps to maintain moisture in the skin. The hypoallergenic and antimicrobial qualities are good for sensitive skin or eczema.

Deborah Fiddy, CEO and Founder of Gingerlily says: “These thoughtful gifts offer more than just comfort, they invite loved ones to unwind, relax, and embrace the joy of self care. Perfect for creating moments of calm and rejuvenation, our silk gifts are a timeless way to show you truly care.”

Comfort is oozed with soft luxurious silk fabric that captures the mood of a sumptuous sleep. For over two decades Gingerlily has been creating collections of bed linen, silk filled bedding, nightwear and accessories. Crafting pure long strand mulberry silk in its work, this luxury can be bought at a selection of high-end retailers such as Bloomingdale’s, Harrods, Saks, Printemps and El Corte Ingles.

For further information on the ultimate Christmas gift from Gingerlily visit: Gingerlily | Luxury Silk Bedding and Silk Nightwear

Robbie Williams x Moooi Collaboration

The Introvert Chair by Robbie Williams has been created in partnership with design masters Moooi.

If only just for a moment, sitting in the chair makes a safe space which has been designed as an antidote against over-stimulation.

Its bold silhouette makes an impact without demanding attention – just like the introverts it celebrates.

Williams says: “The Introvert Chair is more than just a place to lounge, it’s a whole mood. In a world that rarely slows down, we often crave a place of respite, and this chair is just that. Its soft fabric and gentle curves create a sanctuary that offers complete comfort and calm, reminding me of the power that art and design have… not only in shaping our spaces, but in transforming how we feel within them”

With 3D quilting, a padded and soft woolly texture, the chair is comfort wrapped in a theme of an emotional support system. Fabrics are made of virgin wool, alpaca, and cotton, with a hand stitched finish. The option of matching pillows and a security blanket are just teasers which this splendid creation has to offer with its extras. Relaxation is guaranteed with its vibe.

“Robbie’s creativity transcends mediums. With the Introvert Chair, he channels that vision into a design of remarkable clarity —sculptural, daring, and deeply personal” – says Marcel Wanders, Moooi’s Founder and Artistic Director. “We are thrilled to partner with Robbie for his first design collaboration with a piece that fits seamlessly into Moooi’s world of whimsical ingenuity and innovation.”

Moooi has been alive for over twenty years brining forth a world of design wonder and beauty. Moooi is named after the Dutch word for beautiful: Mooi. The third ‘O’ in the brand name stands for an extra value in terms of beauty and uniqueness.

This is not the first time that Williams has turned his hand with his creativity: He has recently debuted his artwork in three Moco Museum exhibitions in London, Amsterdam and Barcelona.

This design collaboration of the Introvert Chair is available in Moooi stores and online at moooi.com for $4,395 USD, £3,463 UK, ¥29,000 CNY, and €3,895 EUR. Introvert pillows are sold separately.

V&A East Museum

On 18th April 2026 the Victoria and Albert Museum open its doors at a brand-new location as one of the biggest gallery projects of the decade.

V&A East Museum is the sister site to V&A Storehouse, both sites have been part of the Mayor of London’s London 2012 Olympic legacy.

Entrance is free to all and seven days a week, from 10:00 to 18:00, with late night opening until 22:00 every Thursday and Saturday.

The first paid for exhibition will be one of the highlight exhibitions upon opening is The Music is Black: A British Story. There will be a sound experience by Sennheiser and Joan Armatrading’s childhood guitar will be one of many artifacts on display. The Museum guarantees a story of Black excellence, struggle and resilience that has shaped British culture.

There will be a partnership with BBC Music for a new annual festival exploring creativity, collaboration and community. The first of this will be The Music is Black Festival at East Bank on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. This launches in Spring 2026.

Tickets for the exhibition Music is Black: A British Story will be made available in early 2026 from the Museum’s website – vam.ac.uk/exhibitions/the-music-is-black-a-british-story

Workation: Moar Gut

For those wanting to spend some quality time abroad but are restricted by work: this splendid location takes into consideration the prospect of a workation.

Equipped with office space in specially set out centres, there is a convenience to this Austrian Resort set in the Großarltal Valley.

The backdrop of the Salzburg Mountains is just a taste of what this extraordinary place has to offer.

Taking the family to relax and unwind is just part of what can be experienced in this place.

The simple blend of work and vacation creates a new way of working remotely with soundproof Talky by VITRA workspaces complete with lots of natural daylight, high-speed Wi-Fi, and a serene atmosphere ideal for focus and creativity.

The rest of the family are then left to explore the hidden treasures of this picturesque area.

Gastronomy is at its highest level in the five-star restaurant and there is time to take a class or two including Reformer Pilates. There is the Nature Spa for those intending on thorough relaxation.

The Moar Gut Nature Resort is a place for the whole family, and it is ready for those guests wanting to work in a serene setting.

Rates start from €600 for a double room and up to €1,450 for a luxury suite, including gourmet full board and professional childcare.

For more information visit: Welcome to your hotel in Großarl Austria | moar gut

Resident Astronomer: InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort

The luxurious, renowned resort is taking a different approach to festive activities this season: They have partnered with astronomer Aleks, for guided stories and telescope sessions for December and early January.

Positioned in a prime spot in this Maldivian hotel guests will discover constellations and distant galaxies from the unobstructed island shores.

Happening from 19th December 2025 until 3rd January 2026, there will be group, private and family sessions occurring for all ages.

To celebrate this romantic offering there will be champagne and caviar under the stars and dinners under the same theme.

Aleks comments: “InterContinental Maldives is the perfect place for stargazing, on a private island at the southern tip of the Raa Atoll with minimal light pollution and 360° ocean horizons. Due to the near-equatorial latitude we can see both northern and southern sky highlights in one night which is rare. December is a particularly good month as it is a monsoon transition time, so skies are often clearer and we are likely to see Orion, Canis Major, and Canopus, as well as zodiac constellations and even meteor showers!”

The resort also offers spectacular events such as gastronomic cooking by the world’s notable Michelin Star Chef, Tom Aikens, who will be focusing on a series of culinary experiences. This runs alongside art from Florence Super, physiotherapy from Emma Diani and Sharky & George for the children.

For further information visit: https://maldives.intercontinental.com/festive-season-2025-26/

Nine Eyes: Jon Rafman

The Canadian artist has brought together a collection of images that depict the storytelling of Google Street View since 2008.

The exhibition will be held at Louisiana Museum of Modern Art from 8th October 2025, and the museum promises to show the humorous, the depressing, the glitchy and the acidic.

The archive touches on how the web affects modern lives. The collection is presented through photography, video and installation in a total scenography, also designed by the artist.

Mathias Ussing Seeberg, Louisiana, curator of the exhibition said: “The technology and the cameras don’t actually see anything despite the ‘nine eyes’ but are, according to Rafman, indifferent to what it photographs. Rafman’s project actually develops the images for the first time, which is similar to the time when you went to the darkroom to develop – and see – the images you had taken.”

The Google project started in 2007 and spanned many miles across over 100 countries. Cars were equipped with GPS and laser scanners photographing the landscapes of their national subjects. Over 200 billion photos exist after this mission.

What was caught on camera was not always straightforward imagery as somethings were picked up by the cameras which were not planned. Rafman worked on this mantra and said: “There are glitches in the technology that highlight how artificial Street View is – lucky little coincidences or accidents that create something beautiful. There are also the more hard-boiled, film noir-like scenes, like the man with the gun, the prostitute, the drunks, the whole seedy underbelly. There are romantic images and surreal, Jeff Wall-like images. There are ironic images, disgusting images, beautiful images and all the extremes of existence.”

For more information or to book tickets visit: Louisiana Museum of Modern Art

Autumn Escape: Istria

In Croatia’s heart shaped peninsula lies the very land to take a post summer excursion.

During one of the region’s most popular seasons there is a wealth of things to do in this area. Take a bike ride round the borders of vineyard covered hills, hunt for truffles or harvest olives: There is something for everyone to do at this location.

The crisp Autumn air brings a flavour of events in this coastline shore. This will be enjoyed by many wanting a break in this province filled with colour and texture.

It aligns with a magical sense of rich offerings ending with the opportunity to taste Istria’s gastronomic feasts. Depicting the colours of the season, I quote there are “rust-toned pumpkins, ruby pomegranates, earthy mushrooms and the region’s famed black and white truffles all echo the landscape’s autumnal palette.’” These flavours leave a feeling of satisfaction of a menu full of variety and depth.

For those enthused with a passion for finding their own palette the Motovun Forest is one of the world’s most celebrated white truffle regions and in October and November they hold Truffle Zigante Days every weekend.

In a neighbouring location Fakin Winery make Malvasia and Teran wines and visitors can sample a product where the creators have been using traditional methods of wine making.

The landscape of adjacent small villages can be enjoyed on a route from Grdoselo to Zelengrad, this can be experienced by cyclists and hikers alike. This is along with an abandoned medieval town and picturesque waterfalls that sit in this location.

This is a getaway for those wanting to experience the Fall in a different landscape, while celebrating the charm of the season’s colours through food, wine and adventure. With direct flights from the UK to Pula throughout October, and convenient connections via Trieste from November, Istria remains both accessible and utterly transportive.

Murder Mystery Dining: Scotland

The Wyndham Duchally Country Estate in Perthshire is holding winter murder mystery events in its realm.

The diary date is on 13th December and is titled ‘Feast your eyes on…Murder’. The night follows a chilling saga of murder in Mary Queen of Scots’ Christmas Court. It is predicted to entertain partakers with drama, food and fun.

The longest established murder mystery company in Scotland, Spirit of Glasgow, will provide entertainment, while food will come in a three-course meal.

Wyndham Duchally Country Estate is a Traitors inspired location set in the Scottish countryside with a close proximity to Edinburgh, Glasgow and the Scottish Highlands.

The hotel has 55 fully equipped lodges available for up to eight and it is a dog friendly location.

There are plenty of amenities on the estate: These include a leisure centre with an indoor pool and a gym.

Guests can enjoy an award-winning restaurant and bar and there is an opportunity to visit the Gatehouse Gin Distillery.

Other events in the festive season include: ‘Witch One Dunnit?’ on 30th October, ‘The Christmas Tree Murder’ on 29th November.

For booking or further information please visit: https://www.wyndhamduchally.com/murder-mystery/

The Sleep Review

Created by Malminder Gill, this concierge service is about the world’s most renowned hotels appreciating the art of sleep.

As one of the most sort after types of travel, sleep tourism is growing and its importance is precious to those who seek the best sleep experience.

With an authentic Five Cloud Scoring System, hotels are able to measure and deliver a better pattern of this truly restorative pleasure.

The programme explores the world’s best sleeps and comes from Malminder’s 15 years of advising celebrities, royals and high-profile clients on how to conduct the ultimate resting habits: she has for the past five years advised the hospitality industry on the subject of sleep.

Hotel brands including Belmond, Mandarin Oriental, and The Maybourne Group have all come aboard with this new movement, where Malminder has offered her influence.

“Sleep is now recognised as one of the cornerstones of wellbeing, and discerning travellers are increasingly seeking hotels that deliver more than comfort – they want spaces designed for deep, rejuvenating rest,” says Malminder Gill, The Sleep Concierge®. “Our Sleep Review equips hoteliers with the insights and tools to stand out in this rapidly growing area of travel and wellbeing.”

By ensuring every detail is not overlooked measurements are taken from the simplicity of factors such as acoustics and light to bedding and ambience.

The Sleep Review Program has already been adopted by some of the UK’s most prestigious properties, including The Savoy, The Pig, The Caledonian, and The Corinthia, each seeking to refine and showcase their commitment to world-class rest.

The Hotel Sleep Review Program includes the in-room review, a written assessment, and a 30-minute private consultation with Malminder Gill. Additional consultancy is available on request. For more information or to book, please visit: thesleepconcierge.co.uk

Amy Kent X Lewis & Wood

Two renowned designers have come together with their expertise to create a collaboration of rugs designed by Amy Kent and Lewis & Wood.

Amy worked for the Cotswold company in her twenties. It was a surprise to find Amy and Lewis & Wood close to each other’s stands at Decorex last year. This was the time that they decided to move forward with a partnership in design making an exceptional alliance.

Not long after, she visited their Mill in the Cotswolds. “It was intriguing watching Amy go through all the designs with her eye for a good rug and make very clear decisions on what she wanted. Now we’re revelling in the skill and work that has gone into the extraordinary results.” Magdalen Jebb, Creative Director, Lewis & Wood.

Now those designs have been transformed into rugs, ethically hand-knotted in Kathmandu in wool and art silk.

Amy Kent has worked with rugs for over twenty years and she has worked with a husband and wife team in India since the very start of her career. More recently she has combined these collaborations with a brother and sister team in Kathmandu.

Her upmost relationships with clients come alive when she visits their houses, she runs a bespoke tailor-made service.

Rugs are priced at £845/sqm inc. VAT, available at amykent.co.uk

Titanic: 40th Anniversary of Discovery

After the groundbreaking discovery of the Titanic wreck in 1985 this free exhibition is open to the general public in Belfast from 1 September 2025.

The RMS Titanic was discovered in the expedition of Dr. Robert Ballard four decades ago. This pivotal exhibition marks a moment in maritime history.

On show during September 2025 this will guide visitors through when the team found the shipwreck and will also mark the discovery of Dr. Robert Ballard’s other iconic missions over the years, including the German battleship Bismarck, RMS Lusitania and the lost fleet of Guadalcanal.

Featuring in this display will be the National Geographic Explorer’s flag that travelled aboard the 1985 expedition ship, Knorr, when Titanic’s ship was first discovered. The same flag was also taken to the Scottish expedition in 1976 to Loch Ness to discover the truth on the mythical monster. This was the focal point on when the Titanic wreck was sought to be discovered.

The curators of the exhibition said: “The 40th anniversary of Titanic’s discovery offers a special opportunity to reflect and learn about one of the most significant moments in maritime history,” said Judith Owens MBE, Chief Executive of Titanic Belfast. “As the most authentic place to discover the history of the world-famous ship, we not only take great pride in telling its story, but also in celebrating the people behind it. We are proud to showcase the incredible work of Dr. Robert Ballard and his team, and share their fascinating journey to one of the world’s most remarkable discoveries.”

A special exhibition celebrating the 40th Anniversary of the discovery of the RMS Titanic wreck will be open to the public daily from 1st – 30th September. The free exhibition is located on Level 1 of Titanic Belfast, and for more information go to www.titanicbelfast.com.