Summer is finally here so it’s all about the feel-good factor this month. Coutts Woman Loves... the following to get you in the perfect sunshine mood.
A picnic along the river is the perfect summer’s day activity, which is why Doubletree Hilton's punting and picnic packages are just the ticket. Whether you‘re planning a romantic date, a family adventure or a larger gathering of friends and family, there is something for everyone.
You simply pre-order the gourmet freshly-made picnic hampers and board the punt for a chauffeured or self-driven cruise. Each punt can accommodate between 2 and 12 passengers. Prices start from £65.95 for two. For more information, call 01223 259 933 or visit Doubletree's website
The latest hotel to open up in trendy east London is located in Bethnal Green’s former Town Hall building. Following a sensitive restoration, Town Hall opened its doors earlier this year, and offers a mix of studios, one and two bedroom suites and feature rooms.
The rooms are airy, light and uber-modern looking, while the lower ground floor houses a pool and gym. Also on site is Viajante, a restaurant specialising in dining experiences. Town Hall certainly has bags of character.
One of our favourite luxury fragrance houses, Miller Harris, has teamed up with Ruinart, the world’s oldest Champagne house to create an afternoon tea with a difference.
The Ruinart and Miller Harris Sensory Tea (£25 per person) is available at each of the West End Firmdale hotels, including The Soho Hotel and Haymarket Hotel. The relaxing experience includes a mouth-watering glass of Ruinart Blanc de Blancs Champagne and a pot of exquisitely blended Miller Harris tea, paired with a selection of scrumptious cakes and sandwiches. Luxe afternoon tea indeed!
Invisible Zinc, is the latest arrival from Down Under. Hailed as the new generation of skincare protection, the range uses natural zinc oxide (which is milled down to its purest form) to create an unseen layer of protection over skin.
Launched exclusively at Selfridges by mother and daughter combo Jerry Hall and Georgia May Jagger, Invisible Zinc offers a hard working range of products including 4hour water resistant sunscreen (£24) and a Tinted Lip & Cheek balm (£15) plus plenty more. Invisible Zinc, available at Selfridges and from Invisible Zinc's website .
Cookery goddess Mallika Basu demystifies the art of Indian cooking in this witty cook book/chick lit novel. Mallika began penning a blog in 2006, after becoming fed up with expensive, oily curries and missing home cooked food.
Recipes are easy to follow, and Mallika’s anecdotes will make you chuckle as you decide what to cook first. Our favourites? The Murgh Makhani (butter chicken) and the Vodka Chilli Cocktails. Miss Masala, available from all good bookshops, priced £14.99
Gladiators, flip flops and sandals are de rigueur for summer weather, so ensure tootsies are looking their best with the latest colours from Ciate. Their gorgeous collection of nail polishes is packed with colour, and what’s more they come in cute bottles.
We love red hot Mistress (039) and Beach Melba (025). Nail polishes start from £9 and can be bought from Ciate.
Summer has definitely arrived with the zesty new Frûs, sister puds to cult chocoholic brand Gû. Perfect whether you’re planning a romantic evening for two, enjoying lunch with friends or engaging in something more decadent, these puds are perfect for those who want to live a little. Our favourites are the Intensely Fruity Key Lime Pies, and the Wonderfully Exotic Mango & Passion Fruit Mini Cheesecakes. In fact they’re so good, we’re betting you decide to keep them to yourself.
If you are fed up of countless waxing appointments and ready to ditch the razor, the launch of a new Intense Pulse Light (IPL) system for home use might just be what you have been waiting for.
E>One (£1,450) is a revolutionary system which will zap hairs from the roots. And due to the size of the IPL head, larger areas like legs can be tackled in super quick time. The system is available in a range of colours and website E-swin.com is even offering a six-month money back guarantee to celebrate the UK launch.
Thinking of redecorating but don’t want to entrust your abode to someone else? Then why not have a go at interior design yourself? The Inchbald School of Interior Design & Garden Design are offering some fabulous courses to get you in touch with your creative side.
Try the two-week Interior Design Drawing course (from £1,276) which starts on 24 August. The course is suitable for students with no previous experience of formal draughting. For more information, visit www.inchbald.co.uk
Raymond Blancs famous Le Manoir Aux Quat'Saisons has just released tickets to the 19th Le Festival aux Quat'Saisons, renowned for showcasing outstanding talent from the world of opera, classical music and jazz. Held in October in the intimate setting of the 12th Century St Mary's Church, the musical extravaganza, which will be held over three evenings and featuring Russell Watson, Lesley Garrett and Courtney Pine, promises to be a truly memorable experience. With the evening starting with a champagne reception and followed by a delicious four-course dinner in the restaurant, the £250-a-head tickets are sure to sell you quickly. To book yours email reservations@blanc.co.uk
