For the Lovers: Seven Valentine’s Gifts to Set Pulses Racing
I make no secret of it: I’m something of an old-school romantic, forever chasing notions of love and seduction cemented in my head by a slightly odd teenage fixation with Golden Era Hollywood movies. As such, and despite it feeling somewhat out of touch with the nature of contemporary relationships, I genuinely enjoy the sweeping, orchestra-swell style of romance championed by Valentine’s Day… although I’m also firmly of the opinion that grand gestures of affection shouldn’t be confined to just calendar date of the year.
Until the end of time. Swoon.
This goes some way towards explaining why this – my Valentine’s gift list – does err on the side of the traditional, the archetypical and the classically-inspired. I won’t apologise – it’s in my nature. Sue me.
Yes, I’m a firm believer that sometimes, the old ways are the best. That doesn’t mean that more traditional expressions of love and romance can’t be kept up-to-date with the boundless creativity of new designers, new innovators and those looking to push the envelope, which is what this gift guide is really all about. This year, let’s move away from hesitant proclamations or all-too-modern subtlety and irony. Let’s dive head-first into the rose petals and celebrate that which sets hearts beating faster.
Trust me, that special someone will love every moment… and isn’t that what Valentine’s Day should really be all about?
The Vivien Nightdress, If Only If
Swoon-worthy: The Vivien Nightdress by If Only If
When I said my ideas of seduction are heavily informed by mid-20th century Hollywood glamour, this is pretty much exactly what I had in mind. I’m an unapologetic lover of all things lingerie, and this silk nightdress from The Last Concierge favourites If Only If perfectly embodies the kind of breathless glamour I adore. In fact, their entire Valentines collection – inspired by starlets of the silver screen – is right up there with the best of them.
If you or your partner ever daydreamed about embodying the beauty and opulence of Vivien Leigh, Elizabeth Taylor and all the rest (and if they haven’t, it’s time to update your couple’s movie nights), then this really might be the one.
“Seeing Isn’t Believing” Cocktails at Revery Bar, Mayfair
How do you transform a drinks menu into a profound, sensual and unforgettable experience? Well, The Revery Bar in Mayfair isn’t holding back when it comes to experimentation and playfulness, exploring how a simple blindfold can elevate an encounter with peerless mixology to bold and exciting new heights. Guests are encouraged to explore the drinks menu via touch, scent and voice, before having customised drinks mixed for them by skilled artisans seeking to elicit nothing less than delight.
Available from 13-15 February at Revery Bar, the experience costs £55 per couple, and promises to be nothing short of revelatory.
Dial up delight at Revery Bar, Mayfair for Valentine’s Day
As vibrant as they come, Pink City Prints Weekend Bag
I must admit, I can’t get enough of Pink City Prints playful, gleeful creations, each of which celebrates vibrancy and the impact of colour. I thought long and hard about which of their items would make the perfect Valentine’s gift – and it’s fair to say they also produce some beautiful nightwear and lingerie – but the weekend bag was the one that made perfect sense.
Not only is it a stunning item in itself, it’s a gift that suggests a promise: a gesture of plans to be made, getaways to be enjoyed, romantic rendezvous and adventures to be revelled in. If that’s not romance, then I don’t know what is.
Valentine’s Escape to Burnham Beeches Hotel
Talking of romantic escapes, they don’t come much more swoonworthy than a trip to Burnham Beeches Hotel in Buckinghamshire. It’s only a short hop from the centre of London, but this striking and glamorous hotel and spa is tucked away in ancient woodlands and surrounded by pristine natural beauty – and there’s nothing more romantic than retreating for a night or two from the hustle and bustle of the city and giving in to the utmost indulgence.
This is an escape that truly leans into the joys of seclusion and slow living, where sensory pleasures arrive via sumptuous candlelit dining experiences, Champagne moments and relaxation in the spa. Unhurried and oh-so intimate, it’s the kind of old school romance the world needs more of.
Breathless romance never looked so tempting. Burnham Beeches Hotel
Suave, sexy, sophisticated: Brioni perfumes never miss.
There’s a reason why beautifully-crafted perfumes have a long-standing association with romance and seduction: our sense of smell is profoundly tied to our memory and emotional core, meaning the right scent can have an impact that, quite frankly, lasts forever. Brioni Suave has been a firm favourite so far this year – it’s undeniably sophisticated and sexy; a men’s fragrance that utilises ambery, leathery and spicy notes to communicate an assertive yet boundlessly elegant expression of masculinity.
Simply put, it’s exactly the kind of Valentine’s gift I’d love to receive, and it provides exactly the kind of confidence and sensuality that brings out the very best in me as a lover.
Pelegrim NV by Westwell Wines
There’s a world of English sparkling wine to uncover
No Valentine’s Day date night is complete without a glass (or three) of something bubbly. Here’s the thing, though – the age of Champagne’s dominance over the sparkling wine world is over, and if you’re not already exploring the wonderful realm of English fizzy vino, it’s high time you got with the programme.
Westwell Wines is among our favourite English wineries, and their Pelegrim NV is a bonafide stunner of a sparkler. Crafted from Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay grapes grown on their beautiful Kentish vines (and yes, they’re exactly the same varieties found in Champagne), this is an altogether richer, more textural and expressive drinking experience that you and your loved one are sure to adore.
Teresa Watch by Holzkern
Truly beautiful craftsmanship from Holzkern, a long-standing favourite
I’ve owned many, many watches in my life, but my Holzkern watch – which features a dial emblazoned with a real peacock feature and a stunningly comfortable wooden bracelet – is undoubtedly my favourite. Yes, they’re far from the most expensive or technologically wondrous watches on the market, but there’s something about Holzkern’s use of natural materials (primarily wood, stone and precious minerals) that never fails to turn heads and elicit a sense of delight.
The Teresa Watch is a beautiful case in point: where else have you heard of a ladies wristwatch with a dial made from real lapis lazuli? The precious stone beloved by the Babylonians looks incredible against the stainless steel setting, resulting in a timepiece (powered by a Miyota quartz movement) that’s a true standout and peerlessly elegant choice.
