Affinity Luxury Lifestyle Magazine October 2025

How to Cope with Perimenopause Anxiety using Hypnotherapy

As the days grow shorter and the nights draw in, we’ve curated the ultimate guide to help you embrace the season in style. This issue is packed full of everything you need to feel nourished, inspired, and ready for the months ahead.

Discover our favourite warming recipes (page 32) to keep you cosy on chilly evenings, alongside the best body lotions (page 20) to protect and soften your skin through autumn and winter.

October is Menopause Awareness Month, and we’re shining a light on one of the most commonly overlooked challenges: perimenopause anxiety. For many women, the shift in hormones can trigger feelings of restlessness, worry, and emotional overwhelm – often without them realising its linked to this natural stage of life. We share expert advice from specialists in women’s health, alongside gentle lifestyle support designed to bring balance back to mind and body, turn to page 8 to find out more.

Whether you’re dreaming of sun-soaked escapes or alpine adventures, our travel edit takes you from the serene beaches of Sri Lanka and Cyprus, to the snowy peaks of Purple Ski and Casa Cook Dolomites. Closer to home, discover indulgent UK breaks including the elegant Donnington & Co.

With next month comes the sparkle of the festive season, we’ll be starting our Christmas countdown with stylish gift guides, winter tablescapes, and ideas to make the season magical.

So pour a glass of wine, light a candle, and settle in – your perfect luxury lifestyle inspiration starts here.

How to Cope with Perimenopause Anxiety

Practical Strategies and How Solution Focused Hypnotherapy Can Help

Perimenopause and menopause are natural transitions, but for many women they bring unexpected emotional challenges. One of the most common is anxiety, ranging from a sense of unease, to racing thoughts, sleep disruption, or even paniclike symptoms.

Hormonal shifts, especially changes in oestrogen and progesterone, influence brain chemistry and stress responses. This can leave the nervous system on high alert. The good news? There are a variety of tools that can help you manage anxiety and move through this stage with calm and confidence.

Understanding Perimenopause Anxiety

Fluctuating hormones can:

• Reduce “feel-good” neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine.

• Heighten stress hormones like cortisol.

• Disrupt sleep, making the mind more vulnerable to worry.

When this happens, the brain can trigger the fightor-flight response, even in safe situations. Recognising that these reactions are physiological, not personal weakness is the first step in coping effectively.

Practical Strategies for Managing Anxiety

1. Support Your Body

Lifestyle choices can make a big difference:

• Gentle movement such as walking, yoga, or swimming helps release endorphins.

• Balanced nutrition and hydration help stabilise energy and mood.

• Good sleep hygiene keeping a calm bedtime routine reduces anxious thinking.

2. Stay Connected

Talking with supportive friends, family, or a group going through similar experiences can reduce isolation. Simply sharing “me too” moments can ease anxious feelings.

3. Use Relaxation and Mind-Body Approaches

Techniques like mindfulness, deep breathing, journaling, or guided relaxation audios can help

regulate the nervous system. Many women also find massage, acupuncture, or gentle meditation helpful.

4. Consider Professional Support

Working with a therapist, counsellor, or hypnotherapist can provide tailored support. One evidence-based approach worth exploring is Solution Focused Hypnotherapy (SFH).

How Solution Focused Hypnotherapy Helps

SFH combines positive psychology, neuroscience, and hypnosis to help reduce anxiety and strengthen resilience. It doesn’t dwell on problems or symptoms but instead focuses on:

• Solution-building: shifting from “what’s wrong” to “what’s working” and what’s possible.

• Relaxation through trance: calming the nervous system and reducing the stress response.

• Positive rehearsal: helping the subconscious mind practice feeling calm and confident in everyday situations.

• Empowering small steps: supporting you to take achievable actions that boost mood and confidence.

Many women report that SFH not only helps them cope with perimenopause anxiety, but also improves sleep, clarity of thought, and emotional balance.

Perimenopause anxiety is not a personal failing, it’s a physiological response to hormonal shifts. With the right strategies, you can train your brain to respond differently. Solution Focused Hypnotherapy offers practical, empowering tools to calm anxiety, restore sleep, and help you rediscover confidence during this stage of life.

If anxiety during perimenopause or menopause is affecting your daily life, you don’t have to face it alone. Waves of Change Hypnotherapy, provide gentle, personalised Solution Focused Hypnotherapy sessions to help you feel calmer, sleep better, and regain a sense of balance and control.

Book your free consultation today and discover how positive change is possible.

www.wavesofchangehypnotherapy.com

Beauty NEWS

Pucker-Up

Want a long-wear formula for your lips? It’s time to introduce the Laura Mercier Caviar Hydra-Crème Lipstick (£36), now in a crisp crème finish for all day full coverage. Available in 12 crème shades, all inspired by the streets of Paris and New York and infused with 89% natural ingredients, providing up to eight hours of pigment-true wear, this hydrating formula resists creasing, feathering and fading.

Pocket Size your Beauty

Award-winning British beauty tech brand, Magnitone, has launched its most advanced innovation yet - Pebble Pro (£89.99, www.magnitone.co.uk) . Pebble Pro is your advanced facial toning device that lifts, sculpts, and revives - bringing serious skin energy in just 10 minutes a day. Powered by precision Microcurrent and a tripleshot of LED Light Therapy, it targets fine lines, loss of firmness, dullness, and puffiness. Think of it as your personal facial trainer - pushing your skin to boost collagen, improve elasticity, and reveal that lit-fromwithin glow.

Beauty Box Edit

Face the Future and Holland & Barrett have partnered together to launch nearly 40 beauty brands and over 450 products on the Holland & Barrett website and to mark the launch, the brands have created a Beauty Edit Box Priced at £70, www.hollandandbarrett.com (worth over £270, a saving of 74%). The Beauty Edit includes 16 products designed to nourish, protect, and enhance skin, hair, and overall wellbeing - from cult-classic conditioning treatments to dermatologistapproved SPFs and glow-boosting supplements.

The Restorative Power of Prickly Pear

Meet Glow Recipe’s newest obsession: Prickly Pear Peptide Mucin Serum (£26, www.cultbeauty.co.uk), a power-packed, barrierboosting formula that redefines glow from the inside out. This ultralightweight, non-sticky serum deeply hydrates while leaving skin bouncy, supple and smooth. It helps skin retain moisture, reinforces the barrier, and boosts elasticity, for resilient skin that looks and feels healthier than ever.

Foods to Boost Your Immune System This Autumn 5

As the days grow shorter and the temperatures drop, our bodies naturally face a higher risk of colds, flu, and seasonal infections. Supporting your immune system through your diet can help you stay strong, energetic, and healthy during the colder months. Here are five nutrient-packed foods to include in your autumn and winter meals.

1. Citrus Fruits

Oranges, grapefruits, lemons, and limes are rich in vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that supports the production of white blood cells, your body’s frontline defence against infections. A daily serving of citrus can help reduce the duration of colds and keep your immune system primed. Try a warm lemon and honey drink in the morning or add slices of orange to your salads for a vitamin boost.

2. Garlic

Garlic isn’t just a flavour powerhouse, it’s a natural immune booster. Packed with compounds like allicin, garlic helps fight off viruses and bacteria. Incorporate fresh garlic into soups, stews, or roasted vegetables to add both taste and protective benefits.

3. Ginger

This spicy root has been used for centuries to combat inflammation and nausea. Ginger contains gingerol, which has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can support immune function. Enjoy ginger in teas, smoothies, or stir-fries to warm up your body and keep your defences strong.

4. Leafy Greens

Spinach, kale, and Swiss chard are rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals like iron and magnesium, which are essential for a healthy immune system. Leafy greens are also full of antioxidants that combat free radicals and reduce inflammation. Sauté them lightly, add them to soups, or blend into a nutrient-rich winter smoothie.

5. Nuts and Seeds

Almonds, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, and sunflower seeds are packed with vitamin E, zinc, and healthy fats, all of which support immune health. A small handful each day can help maintain your body’s defences. Sprinkle them on porridge, salads, or roasted vegetables for a crunchy, nutrient-dense boost.

Don’t forget hydration! Herbal teas, soups, and water help your body flush out toxins and keep your mucous membranes healthy, which is another crucial line of defence against seasonal illnesses.

By incorporating these five foods into your daily meals, you can nourish your body from the inside out, helping to protect yourself against the seasonal sniffles and keeping your energy levels high during autumn and winter.

HOT PICKS AFFINITY

This month’s must have gifts and accessories

Keep Fit All Year Long, Even When You Take a Break from Exercise

Staying fit isn’t just about long workouts or strict gym routines, it’s about building small, consistent habits that support your body and mind every day. Even during busy schedules, travel, or breaks from formal exercise, these habits keep you strong, energised, and healthy. Here’s how to make fitness effortless with simple, daily practices.

1. Keep Moving Throughout the Day

Gentle, frequent movement keeps muscles engaged, circulation flowing, and energy levels high.

• Take the stairs instead of the lift.

• Walk during phone calls or meetings.

• Stand and stretch every hour if sitting for long periods.

2. Hydrate Mindfully

Water fuels metabolism, aids digestion, and supports energy and mental clarity.

• Start your morning with a full glass of water.

• Carry a water bottle and sip throughout the day.

• Infuse water with lemon, cucumber, or berries for variety.

3. Prioritise Restful Sleep

Quality sleep repairs muscles, regulates hormones, and improves focus and mood.

• Aim for 7–9 hours of sleep nightly.

• Establish a calming bedtime routine.

• Keep your bedroom dark, cool, and quiet.

4. Eat Mindfully and Nourishing Foods

Nutrition fuels your body and helps maintain healthy weight and energy levels.

• Include a vegetable or fruit in every meal.

• Choose whole grains and lean proteins over processed foods.

• Eat slowly, savouring each bite and listening to hunger cues.

5. Micro Workouts

Short bursts of exercise preserve strength, flexibility, and muscle tone.

Morning: 3–5 stretches or yoga poses to wake up your body.

Midday: 5–10 squats, push-ups, or lunges.

Evening: 5–10 minutes of gentle stretching to relax muscles.

6. Cultivate Mental Fitness

Reducing stress enhances sleep, appetite control, and overall vitality.

• Take 5 minutes to meditate, breathe deeply, or visualise a positive outcome.

• Spend a few minutes outdoors, walking or observing nature.

• Reflect on one positive thing each day to support mental wellbeing.

7. Stay Active While Traveling

Travel often disrupts routines, but small adjustments can maintain fitness.

• Walk or cycle whenever possible.

• Use hotel gyms or resistance bands for short workouts.

• Stretch after long flights or car rides to prevent stiffness. Consistency, not intensity, is the key to lasting fitness. By incorporating even a few of these habits daily, your body stays active, energised, and healthy, even when you step away from formal exercise. Start small, track your habits, and watch how effortless wellness becomes part of your lifestyle.

& mother BABY NEWS

Dream in Cashmere Clouds

Now the Autumn months are upon us, award-winning nursery brand Snüz have added a brand-new edition to their bestselling baby sleep aid, SnüzCloud, in a stylish ‘Cashmere’ shade (£29.95, www.snuz.co.uk). This plush and portable cloud companion, has 4 unique soothing sounds and two calming light options, making it the perfect choice to help comfort and settle baby to sleep in and out of the home from day one.

Pumpkin Picking

Get your little one autumn-ready with this personalised Pumpkin Picking (£24) sweatshirt from www.my1styears.com . Made from the softest cotton, it features a cheerful pumpkin front and centre with bold orange lettering, ideal for leaf jumping, puddle splashing and hunting out the juiciest pumpkins in the patch, this cosy layer is made for seasonal adventures. Add their name for that special touch and watch your autumn explorer light up. Oh, and here’s a tip… the matching grown-up versions are a must too!

My New Best Friend

Say hello to your little one’s new best friend: the personalised and super cute soft toy bunny’s from www.my1styears.com. This ohso-adorable bunny (£27.500) is made from soft plush fleece that’s perfect for your tot to snuggle up next to during story time, drifting to dreamland and to take on adventures big and small. Its floppy ears and stitched face details give it a playful personality, while the rich autumn shades bring a cosy, autumnal charm.

Sweet Dreams

Getting little ones into bed just got easier (well, almost). These two-piece P.O.P pyjamas (£28, www.polarnopyret.com) are crafted from buttery-soft organic cotton that’s gentle on skin and kind to the planet. The top comes with long sleeves and clever fold-up-or-down cuffs (so they grow with your mini astronaut or tiny dreamer), while the bottoms have a comfy elastic waist and ankle cuffs made for bedtime wriggles. Spaceships for boys, hearts for girls – the sweetest ticket to dreamland.

Diptyque Body Lotion, £52, www.spacenk.com

Laura Mercier Ambre Vanille Body Cream, £58, www.johnlewis.com

Body Beautiful

As the air turns crisp, skin craves extra care. This season’s body lotions go beyond hydration, wrapping you in rich textures, warming notes, and nourishing oils. A touch of everyday luxury, perfect for autumn’s chill.

Bufarma Body Cream, £35, www.bufarma.com

L'Occitane Shea Butter Body Lotion, £29, www.uk.loccitane.com

Malone Lime Basil & Mandarin Body Cream, £64, www.jomalone.co.uk

Origins Ginger Souffle Body Cream, £42, www.sephora.co.uk

CHANEL Coco Mademoiselle Body Lotion, £58, www.johnlewis.com

Elemis Frangipani Body Cream, £30, www.uk.elemis.com

L'occitane Almond Milk Concentrate, £45.50, www.loccitane.com

FASHION

The Power of Burgundy

Rich, bold, and endlessly sophisticated, burgundy is the shade rewriting the rules of timeless style this season. More than just a colour, it’s a statement, evoking depth, passion, and quiet luxury all at once.

Button Up in Style

Whether draped over shoulders for understated polish or buttoned up as a statement piece, a button up cardigan is a wardrobe staple that’s back on trend, with fresh textures, bold colours, and a contemporary edge.

Beyond the Boardroom

Sharp, versatile, and endlessly chic, the blazer is the wardrobe icon that never loses its edge. This season, it steps out of the boardroom and onto the streets, worn layered for effortless sophistication or styled solo as a statement piece.

Untamed Elegance

Fierce, fearless, and forever iconic, leopard print never truly leaves the fashion pages, but this season it’s roaring louder than ever. Whether splashed across statement coats, sleek accessories, or head-to-toe looks, it injects instant confidence and untamed glamour into any wardrobe.

Flare with Flair

Relaxed yet refined, wide-leg jeans are the denim silhouette rewriting the rules of casual cool. Effortlessly balancing comfort with elevated style, they bring a fresh, flowing shape to every outfit.

1. Agolde Jeans, £330, Harrods

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Food & Drink

FOODIE NEWS

Dubai Chocolate Rum

Project #173 have added a fun new flavour to their range of craft rums with a Dubai Chocolate expression, inspired by the viral dessert that has taken social media by storm Priced at just £20.95 and availablewww.masterofmalt.com, it is perfect for creative cocktail creations this autumntime.

Sage or Sandstone?

British brand Dualit have introduced two new colourways to its Classic and Lite collections, Sage and Sandstone.

The new Sage finish brings a touch of serenity and style to any kitchen décor. A quick and easy way to bring a sense of the outdoors in, this tranquil green finish complements modern neutrals, natural textures and warm, earthy palettes.

The Sandstone colourway combines warm, earthy hues with everyday elegance, this timeless tone brings a neutral look to worksurfaces with its sunbaked clay-inspired design that’s perfect for modern, rustic and minimalist kitchen décors and with prices starting from £89.99 the only decision you’ll have to make is Sage or Sandstone.

A Spellbinding Afternoon Tea

As autumn casts its golden spell over Hyde Park, Royal Lancaster London invites guests to step into a whimsical world where pollinators meet pumpkins. In collaboration with the Natural History Museum, the hotel’s Blooming British Afternoon Tea transforms a quintessentially British ritual into a seasonal celebration of flora, fauna and a touch of Halloween magic.

The experience begins with delicate savouries, think maize-fed chicken with bee pollen and smoked salmon with dill, before warm scones arrive, fragrant and fresh from the oven. But it’s the sweets that steal the show: a glossy Beehive of yogurt mousse and blackberry, a Pear Babadrenched in Poire William, and the star of the season, a sage-infused Pumpkin Cheesecake that feels made for crisp October afternoons. For younger gourmands, playful treats such as The Ladybird and Chocolate Seedball bring a dash of storytelling to the table.

Sip on bespoke brews from Camellia’s Tea House, including the honey-kissed Pollinator Blend, or elevate the occasion with a glass of Nyetimber or Taittinger.

Spicy Peanut Soup with Sweet Potato & Kale

Bold flavours meet seasonal produce in this autumn-ready soup. With creamy peanut butter, hearty kale, and naturally sweet potatoes, it’s a nourishing dish that’s as vibrant as it is satisfying.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil

Half an onion, diced

1 jalapeño, minced

2 cloves garlic, minced

3 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed

One 14oz can fire roasted tomatoes

One 14oz can light coconut milk

2 cups water

1 tsp salt

1 tsp curry and/or turmeric

1/2 cup chopped peanuts

1/4 cup peanut butter

1–2 cups kale, stems removed, chopped

Method

Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot over a medium heat and add the onion, garlic, and jalapeño. Saute until soft and fragrant, add the sweet potatoes, tomatoes, coconut milk, water, spices, and peanuts. Simmer until sweet potatoes are fork-tender.

Add the peanut butter and kale. Simmer until everything is thick, creamy, and delicious. Top with more peanuts and a little coriander.

Recipe by, www.pinchofyum.com

Lasagne Soup

Hearty, cheesy, and soul-warming, this Lasagna Soup has all the flavour of the beloved baked classic, perfect for chilly autumn nights when you’re craving comfort without the fuss.

Ingredients

Kosher salt

8oz lasagna sheets, broken into bite-sized pieces

1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

1lb Italian sausage meat

1 onion, chopped

3 garlic cloves, chopped

2 tbsp tomato puree

1 tsp dried basil

1 tsp dried oregano

1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes

4 cups chicken broth

1 tin chopped tomatoes

1/2 cup ricotta cheese

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Dash freshly ground black pepper

2oz mozzarella cheese

6-8 fresh basil leaves, torn

Method

Bring a large pan of salted water to a boil. Cook the broken lasagna sheets according to the package directions. Drain, rinse the pasta with cold water (this will stop the cooking process and prevent the pasta from sticking together), then set aside.

While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large pan, add the sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon and cook until the sausage is mostly browned, 5 to 7 minutes.

Add the onion and garlic to the sausage, stirring occasionally, until the aromatics are softened, 5 to 7 minutes. Add the tomato puree, dried basil, dried oregano, and crushed red pepper and cook, stirring, until the tomato puree darkens, about 2 minutes.

Add the chicken broth, chopped tomatoes, and 1 cup of water and bring the soup to a boil, uncovered. Skim any film that may rise to the surface from the sausage. Reduce the heat and simmer, uncovered, for 15 minutes. While the soup simmers, combine the ricotta and Parmesan in a medium bowl. Season with 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt and a dash of black pepper. Add about 1 cup of cooked pasta to each individual serving bowl. Ladle soup into each serving bowl, over the pasta (the heat from the soup will warm the noodles to serving temperature). Top each bowl with mozzarella cheese, the ricotta mixture, and torn basil.

Recipe by, www.simplyrecipes.com

Ingredients

230g plain flour

50g almond flour

15g baking powder

1/2 tsp kosher salt

1 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp ground ginger

1/4 tsp grated nutmeg

90g salted butter, softened

200g caster sugar

2 large eggs

1 tsp vanilla extract

120ml ricotta cheese

3 small peaches, pit removed and sliced thinly

Icing sugar, for dusting

Autumn Spiced Peach Cake

Bask in the delightful embrace of autumn with this Autumn Spice Peach Cake, a symphony of warm spices harmonising with the sweet essence of ripe peaches.

Method

Preheat the oven to 375° F (191° C). Grease an 8-inch tin with butter and dust it with flour. Cut out a piece of greaseproof paper to fit into the bottom of the pan. Set this aside.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, almond flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.

In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until the butter is pale yellow and fluffy, about 2 to 4 minutes. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, until fully incorporated, about 3 minutes total. Then stir in the vanilla. Fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring until all of the dry ingredients have been absorbed into the batter, about 3 minutes. Then, fold in the ricotta cheese until just combined, about 2 to 3 minutes more. Spread the batter, which will be quite thick, into the prepared tin. Arrange the sliced peaches over the top of the pattern in a circular pattern. Press them into the batter gently.

Bake the cake in the preheated oven for about 60 minutes or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean and the cake is a deep, golden brown. Allow the cake to cool for about 20 minutes before removing it from the pan. Dust the finished cake with icing sugar and serve at room temperature. Recipe by, www.underatinroof.com

Famille Lafont Gigondas

This generous red is a tribute to the sun-soaked terroir of the Southern Rhône. Supple and smooth, it offers luscious sweetness, silky tannins, and aromas of ripe red berries and warming spices.

£17.50

£21.00

Raise a Glass to Reds

Savour rich reds from across the globe and enjoy a glass (or two) of our Tesco favourites.

This vibrant Portuguese red boasts bright flavours of ripe berries, supple tannins, and a fresh, youthful character — all without the influence of oak. The wine complements roast lamb and potatoes.

£8.50

Maruxa Mencia

This Mencía bursts with fresh red fruit, layered with mineral and earthy undertones. Intense yet elegant, it highlights the unique character of one of Galicia’s most sought-after grape varieties.

£12.50

La Burgondie Beaujolais

This garnet-purple Beaujolais offers aromas of raspberries, redcurrants, and wild strawberries. Silky and expressive on the palate, with a delicate finish of peonies and a touch of spice, it complements

£9.00

The Great Christmas Feast

Transports yourself into Charles Dickens’ parlour

This winter, behind a door in West Kensington, audiences are invited to step through a Dickensian portal and travel through time, right into Christmas Eve, 1843, to take their seats as the very first parlour guests gathered to hear Charles Dickens’ latest (and arguably, greatest) work, A Christmas Carol.

Now open for bookings, The Great Christmas Feast will run from 14 November 2025 to 4 January 2026, in a festive extravaganza combining live performance, music and a lavish Victorian hospitality, all combined to create what is perhaps London’s most transportive festive experience. Since it began eight years ago, the show has sold out every season - a secret underground Christmas tradition that has quietly become one of London’s great cult hits.

Conjured up by celebrated creators of immersive experiential storytelling, The Lost Estate – specialists in holistic works of art that fuse music, theatre, design and hospitality; The Great Christmas Feast blends performance and dining into immersive experiences that transport audiences into an entirely new world. At its centre is a one-man tour-de-force David Alwyn (Secret Cinema, War of the Worlds Immersive Experience) as Dickens, moving seamlessly between narrator and character to bring Scrooge, Marley and Tiny Tim to vivid life.

This hybrid of storytelling, theatre, music and feasting places audiences right inside Dickens’ own parlour as they become Dickens’ honoured guests and the very first captive audience to this most epic of festive cautionary tales. Here they witness a brand-new Christmas ghost story, from one of the most celebrated authors of the time. The setting is designed for shared experience - a gaslit parlour where strangers dine together, and in between the explosive moments of the ghostly tale are a handful of truly touching moments that create a special and heart-warming ripple through the room.

Echoing Dickens’ real reputation as an exceptionally generous host, this innovative take on storytelling is accompanied by a sumptuous threecourse Victorian Christmas menu, curated by Executive Chef Ashley Clarke (Gordon Ramsay Group, SmokeStak, Temper Soho). Each dish uses produce and flavours specifically selected to accentuate Dickens' London and mirror the fare that Charles’ house staff would have served up in the home. Starters draw on the flavours of Victorian London’s markets, with options such as potted rare breed beef, hot smoked salmon or a vibrant potted cheese. The feast continues with a choice of confit Gressingham duck leg or a king oyster mushroom pithivier, each served with classic seasonal trimmings, before concluding with a traditional Christmas pudding with brandy ice cream. Seasonal cocktails - including the legendary Smoking Bishop, the Pear Tree Cup and the Rumfustian - are available and served from Dickens’ recreated cellar, alongside wine, ale and soft drinks.

The Lost Estate’s West Kensington home is meticulously designed and dressed to allow audiences to step over a magical threshold, right into the heart of Dickensian London, Christmas, 1843. Audiences enter a vast Victorian realm of snow-dusted streets and lantern-lit alleys, before arriving in Dickens’ richly dressed parlour - all designed by Darling & Edge.

The Great Christmas Feast is directed by Simon Pittman (Royal Shakespeare Company, National Theatre, Next to Normal Immersive), returning for his fourth year with the production. Each year, a world is built afresh where food, theatre and music converge. Step across the threshold and you’ll find yourself in Dickens’ parlour, 1843 - the story is about to be told, the feast is laid, and Dickens awaits.

For more information or to book visit www.christmasfeast.thelostestate.com

Interiors

Winter Greens

Earthy greens are taking centre stage this season, moving away from bright emeralds toward moss, olive and pine for a look that feels rich, grounded and inviting. Layering these nature-inspired hues creates a warmth that works beautifully through the colder months, offering a sophisticated way to bring the outside in.

With natural and earthy tones that bring a sense of rustic charm to your space, this vase £50, www.coxandcox.co.uk) has a simple urn shape, which features raised vertical lines, creating a handmade look that works wonderfully in our English Rustic trend. Fill with faux flowers or a bushy bouquet and welcome some natural energy into your home.

Izzy Sofa, £1,520, www.sofa.com)

Callista Table Lamp, £225, www.oka.com

Enhance your home with natural charm with this Olive Green Flower Glass Ceiling Lightshade (£50, www.rockettstgeorge.co.uk) . With its earthy vibe, this light shade brings a serene and grounded ambience to any space while the graceful curves and deep green hue add a sophisticated yet cosy touch to your surroundings.

Glass Candle Holder, £25, www.coxandcox.co.uk

Embroidered cushion, £42, www.waltonshop.co.uk

The Chester Forest Green Double Larder (£1,499, www.thecotswoldcompany.com) boasts storage space aplenty for bottles, jars, pickles and spices - not to mention additional drawer space and a convenient wine rack - this is a timeless piece of furniture that'll have a home in your kitchen for many years to come.

Perfect for adding a vintage look to any living room, bedroom or open-plan space, Atkin & Thyme’s Aviator Loveseat (£899) is inspired by the pilot-style armchairs of the 1950s. Expertly crafted with sustainable mango wood arms and legs, which are stained black for contrast, the cosy upholstered velvet seat and back just long to be snuggled up on.

Stool with Bobbin Legs, £195, www.arloandjacob.com

Pumpkin Power

Pumpkins aren’t just for spooky season, in an array of colours and textures they enhance your autumn home effortlessly

Whitewashed Pumpkin, £20, www.clickstyle.co.uk

The Royal Albert Hall’s Christmas Season is Here

Jamie Cullum, Trevor Nelson and Anna Lapwood will lead the celebrations during this year’s ‘Christmas at the Royal Albert Hall’: a month of special seasonal events encompassing jazz, soul, gospel, choral music, ballet, shows for children, and mass carol sing-alongs. The 2025 programme also includes a Hall debut for Grammynominated hymnwriters Keith and Kristyn Getty (‘In Christ Alone’), a big band show from Spandau Ballet’s Tony Hadley, Films in Concert screenings of Home Alone, and Glyndebourne’s version of Handel’s Messiah, followed by the return of Birmingham Royal Ballet’s epic production of The Nutcracker.

Special guests across the season include Sue Perkins presenting the Royal Choral Society’s Christmas show, which also features acclaimed baritone Roderick Williams; YolanDa Brown joining the London Community Gospel Choir; and Jess Gillam and Josie d’Arby fronting the Carols concerts.

Matthew Todd, Director of Programming at the Royal Albert Hall, said: “We’re thrilled to present another unique, diverse and exuberant festive celebration at the home of Christmas in London. Whether your tastes run to ballet or big band music; whether you’re in the mood to hear the capital’s finest gospel singers or belt out ‘O Come All Ye Faithful’ yourself, there’s something for you at the Royal Albert Hall this December.”

The Christmas season kicks off with Tony Hadley’s Christmas Big Band show on Tuesday 2 December, featuring the Spandau Ballet vocalist performing swing songs popularised by the likes of Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett and Elvis Presley, alongside hits ‘True’, ‘Gold’ and ‘Through the Barricades’.

Then on Friday 5 December, Glyndebourne brings its performance of perennial favourite, Handel’s Messiah, to the Hall.

There are four chances to see Macaulay Culkin wage war on a pair of bumbling home invaders – accompanied by a full symphony orchestra – as the Films in Concert presentation of Home Alone comes to the Hall on Saturdays 6 and 13 December.

The ’bear hunt’ returns, in an updated version of the Hall’s popular Christmas show for kids, My Christmas Orchestral Adventure. The bad news is that unfortunately Father Christmas appears to have lost his map on a practice run of his delivery route. Luckily, hosts Tom and Timothy Redmond will be on hand to help him out, along with the BBC Concert Orchestra, the National Youth Choir of Great Britain and the Laine Theatre Dancers.

Jazz comes from Jamie Cullum and Guy Barker, as they each present their distinctive spins on the Christmas season. Cullum will be joined by special guests, including Kansas Smitty’s, as he presents songs such as ‘Beautiful Together’, ‘Christmas Don’t Let Me Down’ and ‘It’s Christmas’. Meanwhile, Barker celebrates 10 years of presenting his Big Band Christmases at the Hall with a special night featuring key collaborators from previous sell-out shows, including vocalists Clare Teal, Tommy Blaize and Joe Stilgoe, clarinettist Giacomo Smith, and the incomparable soul singer, Vanessa Haynes, alongside a debut appearance from neo-soul artist, Naomi Banks.

Trevor Nelson’s Soul Christmas is another returning favourite, with the Radio 2 host inviting a raft of special guests to perform reimagined and re-scored soul and RnB tracks, with backing from the BBC Concert Orchestra conducted by Troy Miller, followed by a DJ set from the host.

The perennially popular Carols sing-alongs kick off on 14 December, with 16 performances running until Christmas Eve, include an autism-friendly ‘relaxed’ version on 21 December. These shows are presented with British Airways.

The Royal Choral Society, which has performed at the Hall every Christmas since 1872, will host matinee and evening shows on 15 December. They’ll be joined by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Richard Cooke, the British Imperial Military Band, and acclaimed baritone Roderick Williams, who will also premiere a personal reading that offers a window onto his community, growing up in north London in the 1970s.

The next night, the London Community Gospel Choir take centrestage for their annual festive party, which also features the Heritage Orchestra, special guest YolanDa Brown, and the choir’s powerhouse band, conducted by Tom Richards.

That’s followed on Thursday 18 December by Anna Lapwood’s Christmas, with the Hall’s official organist hosting her first festive show at the venue, as she leads the carols from the console. She’ll be joined by the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra conducted by Karen Ní Bhroin, the London Youth Choir and guest violin soloist Esther Abrami for a musical journey through the Twelve Days of Christmas.

This Christmas also sees the first ever London appearance from Grammy-nominated hymnwriters, Keith and Kristyn Getty. Their show, Home for Christmas, will blend British carols, Celtic heritage and Nashville flair.

The festive season concludes with six performances of the Birmingham Royal Ballet’s epic production of The Nutcracker, created especially for the Hall, and featuring vivid period costumes and jaw-dropping projections, as well as live music from the Royal Ballet Sinfonia.

In conjunction with the Christmas season, the Hall’s popular Verdi and Elgar Room restaurants will be unveiling festive set menus throughout the month of December. Verdi offers classic Italian dishes, while the Elgar Room provides a modern British brasserie-style menu from the Josper grill.

My Christmas Orchestral Adventure, Carols, Christmas with the Royal Choral Society, the London Community Gospel Choir and Anna Lapwood’s Christmas all include British Sign Language (BSL) tickets, with direct sight lines of the interpreter.

Tickets are available from the Royal Albert Hall www.royalalberthall.com/tickets.

Where Passion Meets Protection in The Bodyguard

As part of its UK and Europe tour, the award-winning smash hit musical The Bodyguard is coming to Milton Keynes Theatre this October, based on the Oscar-nominated movie starring Whitney Houston and Kevin Costner and featuring a host of irresistible classics including Queen of the Night, I Have Nothing, I Wanna Dance with Somebody and one of the biggest hit songs of all time – I Will Always Love You.

We caught up with leading lady Sidonie Smith and Australian heartthrob 0 to chat about taking on the iconic roles of Rachel Marron and Frank Farmer, the enduring appeal of the story, and life on the road.

What can audiences expect when they come to see the show?

Sidonie: This show is pure joy. If you love this music, it's going to be just the most incredible night you've had in a theatre in a long, long time. Witnessing it going from screen to stage in such a fantastic show is an amazing experience for audiences, as is getting to perform in it. On top of all that fantastic music is the drama and the love story. It's funny, it's edgy, it's dramatic and it's heart-breaking.

Adam: I remember seeing opening night when it first played the Adelphi in London and I loved it. I was intrigued because I enjoyed the film so much because it's about relationships, plus of course it's got that legendary soundtrack. The choreography is amazing, as is the way it's staged and structured.

Adam, what's your take on Frank Farmer as a character and are you anything like him?

Adam: Frank is resolute, loyal and honourable. He's kind of quiet and speaks when he needs to. He's efficient, well-trained and possibly slightly jaded, but he's a good man. Am I anything like

him? [Laughs] Not at all! I was speaking to my wife about this and she was like 'Now, if you could just be like Frank...' The same thing happened when I did a show called If/Then and she said 'The guy you played was really lovely...' so maybe it'll wash off.

The Bodyguard features an incredible soundtrack, with hits made famous by Whitney. Do you have a favourite number in it?

Sidonie: Hands down it has to be One Moment in Time. It's my favourite song to sing in the show and every night I do it I get goosebumps. I think it's because of the stillness of the moment. There are a lot of highs and lows and action in the musical, then during One Moment in Time everything kind of comes to a halt and there's nothing but me and the music.

Adam: I've always loved I Wanna Dance with Somebody. I grew up with that song and watching the dancers in the video. If I'm out somewhere and it comes on then I'm up and dancing, straight away, no problem, no questions asked.

What do you think makes this such a compelling story?

Adam: Because it's about heroes and villains, and it's about how these two people are drawn to one another yet it's forbidden love. There's something about the need of these two people and yet they're not meant to have this, which is quite a beautiful story. I guess you can go into tropes but there's a sort of fantasy element of a knight in shining armour or someone always there in the background to take care of you and your family. That's got romantic overtones too.

Sidonie: I think that we all just want to see love win and when we see two people give it a try we're automatically on their side. That's what speaks to so many of us about Frank and Rachel's

story. It's also a glimpse into another world. It's a look behind the curtain. The glamour is still there in abundance, but it's wonderful to get the chance to peel it all back and see the real people behind all of the glitz.

Adam, do you think you'd make a good bodyguard for real?

Adam: Yes and no. Many years ago I went to a club in London that was really hard to get into. There was a table that I really wanted to sit at so I pretended to be a bodyguard for some other people who were there. It was all about the attitude of being unflinching and scanning the room, and I did manage to get a good couple of feet in front of me where no one would come into the same space. They assumed the people I was pretending to be guarding were important. I don't actually think that they were, but it was about creating an illusion or a presence of power and authority. So after that I can say that I've had a taste of it!

What do you enjoy about touring with a show?

Adam: The real joy is getting to see the country and getting to see different audiences and how they respond. For me, it's also about going to really lovely old theatres and phenomenal theatre towns where audiences love plays and musicals and the venues are packed every night, and it's about visiting relatively new theatres. The theatre scene and the touring scene around the UK seem really healthy to me, with audiences who support their local theatres and go regularly, so I'm very grateful for that.

Sidonie: I've only done concerts in the UK before, in London, so I'm thrilled that I'll get to see so many towns and cities this time round. As a lot of people do, previously I'd come over to London, do the concert and go home. And yes, being in a show over here has always been on my wish list. UK theatre is so revered around the world and doing this tour means I not only get to explore all these beautiful venues, I also get to explore the country itself. When I'm somewhere new I tend to look up the reviews to see what people are saying about where to head and what not to miss. I'm especially excited about seeing the castles because I'm from the United States, so castles are not a thing where I'm from!

Is there one thing you couldn't be on the road without when you're touring?

Sidonie: I am someone who always carries an XXL water bottle with me, to keep myself hydrated. I fill it up everywhere and anywhere that I can.

Adam: I have a very special backpack that I've been touring with for a while. It's really efficient and it packs everything I need. I also have a suitcase that goes on the bus, of course, but I like my trusty backpack. That and a set of good headphones.

The Bodyguard comes to Milton Keynes Theatre from Tuesday 21– Saturday 25 October 2025.

Tickets are available from www.atgtickets.com/MiltonKeynes

TRAVEL

Purple Ski Presents Brand New Chalet Cervinia, Val d’Isère

Purple Ski, the premier luxury chalet operator offering exceptional properties across the French Alps, is delighted to reveal the latest addition to its portfolio, Chalet Cervinia, Val d’Isère. The brand-new build, which sleeps up to 13 in six bedrooms, and is available for stays from December 2025.

Chalet Cervinia is the latest masterpiece from owners Etienne and Jeanne Roesch Degoy, the husband-and-wife team behind Purple Ski’s award-winning Chalet Inoko. The property is a brand-new build, a rarity when it comes to well-located chalets in the Alps’ premier resorts. A true passion project for the couple, the chalet derives its name from the Italian name for the Matterhorn, the famous Swiss peak Etienne.

Tucked away in the quiet lanes of the charming Le Joseray area of Val d’Isère, the opulent three-story residence is a true hidden gem that effortlessly blends classic alpine design with state-of-the-art facilities. Less than 100m from the Joseray piste and a short walk from the village centre with its bustling shops, bars and restaurants, Chalet Cervinia is the ultimate choice for those in search of a serene and luxurious retreat just moments from the action.

A sprawling open-plan living-dining space sits at the heart of the property, flanked by sun-soaked balconies to the south and east, ideal for soaking up the picturesque views of Val d’Isère village and the snowy treetops and peaks beyond. The inviting space is the vision of owner-interior designer Jeanne Roesch Degoy and combines a magnificent fireplace, wooden beams, stunning pendant lighting and floor-to-ceiling windows to create a luxurious yet cosy setting for family dinners and intimate nights by the fire.

Comprising five elegant double bedrooms plus a children’s bunk room, each with its own en-suite bathroom, the chalet is the ideal choice for families and groups of friends alike. Guests will find ample opportunity to unwind après-ski at the on-property spa, with its hot tub, sauna, massage room

and expansive sapphire-hued swimming pool – the ideal spot in which to soak away the day’s exertions. On the ground floor, a state-of-the-art home screening room delivers a true cinema experience, complete with tiered seating and ceiling lighting featuring a starry-night sky design, while the custom boot room provides a comfortable space to prepare for an exhilarating day on the slopes.

As with all chalets in the Purple Ski collection, guests of Chalet Cervinia have access to a full team of staff, daily housekeeping, an in-chalet ski and boot fitting service and a private chauffeured minibus, as well as a dedicated concierge service to cater to every guest’s wish. From organising private airport and helicopter transfers to restaurant reservations, ski lessons, spa treatments, childcare and the unique experiences which make a holiday extra special, the Purple Ski concierge is always on hand to provide alpine adventures of a lifetime.

Purple Ski offers an unparalleled portfolio of the finest luxury catered ski chalets across Méribel, Courchevel and Val d'Isère. These five-star alpine retreats are combined with Purple Ski’s signature outstanding service and gourmet quality cuisine to provide a truly unforgettable winter escape. All the chalets within the bespoke collection – which sleep from eight up to 15 people – have been carefully handpicked and offer first-class facilities, each with a distinctive personality.

BOOK IT

A seven-night stay at Chalet Cervinia starts from €35,920 (£31,026*) on a catered basis. For more information or to book visit www.purpleski.com/chalets/cervinia

City of Dreams Mediterranean Brings Back its

Sunshine Guarantee Promise

Summer is over for Brits, but it doesn’t have to stop, as a five-star resort in Cyprus brings back its promise of guaranteed winter sun. Guests at City of Dreams, Mediterranean in Limassol can enjoy a complimentary return stay if they don’t have a sunny holiday this autumn and winter.

As a summer of surprisingly good weather draws to a close in the UK, the lure of winter sun breaks offers the chance to keep the holiday spirit alive. With almost 340 days of sunshine a year, Cyprus is one of Europe’s sunniest destinations within a short haul flight of the UK.

City of Dreams Mediterranean is the only luxury fivestar resort ready to put its weather where its mouth is: if the sun doesn’t shine during your stay, you’ll receive a complimentary night on your next visit for every day that doesn’t meet the Sunshine Guarantee definition.

Add to that 15% off stays, €100 to spend across the resort, daily breakfast and complimentary excursions when booking direct and guests have even more reasons to escape the British autumn and winter blues for guaranteed sunshine in Cyprus.

From 1st September, guests can join complimentary excursions from the hotel, running through the end of the year:

• Fridays: Food & Culture: Timios Stavros Monastery & Omodos Square.

• Saturdays: History & Crafts: Pano Lefkara Village.

•. Fridays and Saturdays: Lady’s Mile Beach Shuttle: Drop-offs at Aplostra Beach Bar, Captain’s Cabin and Columbia Sun (running until late October/early November).

Cyprus offers a mix of rich cultural heritage, white sandy beaches and emerald waters and City of Dreams Mediterranean makes the perfect base from which to explore the beauty of Limassol, now with a promise of sunshine.

Just over four hours away from the UK, City of Dreams combines five-star hospitality and premium facilities in a relaxed, luxurious setting, with year-round Mediterranean sunshine an added bonus. That means no arduous flights, no jet lag, yet all the benefits of a long-haul winter sun break.

City of Dreams Mediterranean is an award-winning resort in Limassol, Cyprus that marks a new era of premium comfort, elegance and unrivalled leisure facilities for UK holidaymakers.

City of Dreams Mediterranean is a premium property that includes a hotel with a casino, entertainment shows, luxury retail, fine dining and convention facilities.

From designer shopping and gorgeous relaxation spaces at the Renu spa and fitness centre, to fine dining at the resort’s indulgent Amber Dragon, Anais and Prime Steakhouse restaurants; it’s a weekend or weeklong winter escape that feels a world away from cold, grey winter skies. The resort also has a state-of-the-art Tennis Academy, with 12 courts and coaching managed by Cypriot tennis hero Marco Baghdatis

With unparalleled leisure facilities, as well as world-class amenities all under one roof; City of Dreams Mediterranean, has everything for the ultimate, sun-soaked getaway.

Located near the coastal city of Limassol and the crystal calm waters of Lady’s Mile beach, City of Dreams Mediterranean offer breathtaking views of the Akrotiri Salt Lake and the Troodos Mountain range and enjoys Cyprus’s year-round temperate climate.

BOOK IT

City of Dreams Sunshine Guarantee Offer at a Glance

• Free stay next time: one complimentary night for every full day that doesn’t meet the “Sunshine Guarantee”* during your current stay.

• 15% off your stay (minimum three nights) when booking direct before 30th September 2025, for stays between 16th October 2025 to 31st March 2026.

• A €100 voucher to use across the resort, from restaurants and bars to the Renu Spa & Fitness or the Casino.

• Daily breakfast at Aura restaurant. Rooms start from £467. For more information or to book, visit: www.cityofdreamsmed.com.cy

Casa Cook Madonna

Opens its Doors in the Dolomites

Casa Cook Madonna, the adults-only sanctuary in the Dolomites is nestled in the picturesque village of Madonna di Campiglio, a charming village in the heart of the Dolomites, combining understated luxury with serene mountain charm, and offering an unparalleled escape for both winter and summer pursuits in one of Italy’s most stylish destinations.

The exclusive property has just 50 design-led rooms and offers a haven for adventurers during the winter and summer months, when peaks are snowcapped or glistening green in sunlight. The hotel features a well-equipped gym, a spa, a sauna and an innovative boot room. Yoga sessions allow guests to unwind after a day outdoors and rejuvenating spa treatments are available to promote longevity and wellness, allowing guests to fully disconnect and embrace the tranquillity of the destination for physical and mental revitalisation.

The hotel’s design reflects its breathtaking surroundings, rich history, and the culture of the Italian Dolomites. Sustainability in design is a focus throughout, with thermal insulation, locally sourced materials and organic fabrics a key priority. The interiors feature natural materials, earthy tones, and a seamless blend of timeless and contemporary elements. Stone and dark timber give the spaces weight and depth, while linen, wool and raw textiles soften the property, creating a welcoming sense of intimacy for guests.

The culinary experience is nothing short of extraordinary, dining in the property’s restaurant, presenting a menu curated by the renowned three Michelin-star chef Jacob Jan Boerma. Nearby, guests can savour culinary offerings at further Michelin-starred restaurants, sampling the region's gastronomic excellence and traditional dishes of the Dolomites.

This coveted location, just 150km from Verona Airport, and 170km from Milan Bergamo Airport, offers an exceptional ski experience in the winter and transforms into a summer hotspot with access to nearby glaciers, lakes, and trails. Guests are invited to immerse themselves in a variety of curated experiences within the natural beauty of the Dolomites.

During the winter months, guests can indulge in snowshoe hikes across pristine landscapes, traverse glacier trails, and glide down world-class slopes for skiing and snowboarding, with lifts conveniently located just a three-minute walk from the property. With access to breathtaking pistes, glacial sites, shimmering lakes and picturesque trails, guests can discover the area’s natural beauty just beyond the hotel.

As the seasons change, the Dolomites reveal an equally captivating allure. Spring and summer offer endless opportunities for exploration, including scenic hiking and mountain biking trails, tranquil lake excursions, wine tastings that highlight the region’s finest vintages, and exhilarating rock-climbing adventures. In town, guests can explore local craftsmanship to discover exclusive artisan pieces within boutique shops and cafes.

BOOK IT

Rooms at Casa Cook Madonna,, start from EUR 200 per night including breakfast in summer and EUR 280 in winter. For further information on Casa Cook, please visit: www.casacook.com.

breathtaking shores of sri lanka

Uga, the boutique Sri Lankan hotel group renowned for its world-class hospitality, have opened its seventh property, Uga Prāva.

Perched along the breathtaking shores of Tangalle on the south Sri Lankan coast, Uga Prāva comprises seven exclusive suites with a luxurious minimalist design, a private beach, a signature restaurant and bar and a sprawling infinity pool. An oceanfront oasis inspired by the natural beauty all around, the property promises world-class dining, healing wellness treatments and endless activities both on and off the water.

The name "Prāva," derived from the Sanskrit word for coral, pravala, serves as a metaphor for the property’s identity and ethos; a holistic experience that blends sophistication with a deep respect for nature.

Nestled on the coastline of Tangalle and enveloped by several acres of lush gardens that gently descend to a private beach, Uga Prāva offers a secluded haven of relaxation just 5km from town. Accessible from Colombo with its international flight connections via private car transfer, the new beachside property links perfectly with Uga’s properties in the country’s capital (Uga Riva), central tea trails region (the newly opened Uga Halloowella) and Yala National Park (Uga Chena Huts), for a Sri Lankan adventure like no other.

Tangalle and its surrounds, in Sri Lanka’s Southern Province, is best known for its mild climate and beautiful sandy beaches, where some of the world’s best surfing conditions await.

Offering seven luxurious ocean-facing suites, with a modern and minimalist design created to reflect the delicate beauty of the nearby coral reefs. Clean lines,

neutral colours and natural materials are complimented by endless ocean views and seamlessly blur the boundary between indoor and outdoor spaces. The seven-suite property evokes the tranquillity of the ocean with a palette consisting of soft white, sandy beige and oceanic blues. Soft linens, woven rattan and natural stone textures inspired by coral are incorporated throughout the property.

All suites feature a balcony or terrace that is ideal for enjoying a spot of in-suite dining, alongside super king beds, some four poster, with sumptuous linens and large bathrooms complete with a spacious shower. Uga Prāva offers guests three categories of suites to choose from, featuring ultra-modern amenities:

Hermit Suites – Inspired by the local hermit crabs that have made Prāva their home, Uga Prāva boasts two Hermit Suites, featuring ocean views and perfect seclusion for couples, families and solo travellers. Experience tranquillity and elegance in this wellappointed suite, where every detail is designed for relaxation. The Hermit Suites have spacious bathrooms equipped with his and hers vanities along with a walk-in shower, which opens onto a private balcony featuring a jacuzzi.

Horizon Suites – Aptly named after the spectacular view of the Indian Ocean, the three spacious Horizon Suites are spaced out on three levels featuring a super king bed, private balcony, bathroom with bathtub, along with his and hers vanities. Furnished with exquisite décor and sprawling views of turquoise blue waters, the Horizon Suites ensure a restful and stylish retreat.

Coral Suites – Designed for families, with a king-size bed and two cosy single beds in its spacious layout, the Coral Suite features two separate bathrooms including an oversized bathtub for relaxation with elegant décor.

The culinary experience is at the heart of Uga Prāva’s identity. The signature restaurant and bar provides indoor-outdoor all-day dining, with a spacious openair area that invites diners to soak in the tropical ambiance and connect with the ocean beyond.

At Uga Prāva’s spoiling treatment rooms, guests can indulge in healing wellness treatments that are inspired by the ocean’s bounty and harness the power of local herbal remedies. Private yoga and meditation sessions are available upon request, providing ample opportunity for reflection and rejuvenation in the most relaxing of settings.

Uga Prāva is the ultimate base from which to explore Tangalle, one of Sri Lanka’s most enchanting coastal towns. Here, ancient fishing traditions merge seamlessly with world-class surfing opportunities, captivating travellers seeking both adventure and cultural immersion.

BOOK IT

Nightly rates at Uga Prāva start from £395, for a double room on a half board+ (breakfast, dinner and select alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages) basis. For more information or to book, visit www.ugaresorts.com/prava

Donnington & Co. A Fresh New Chapter

A much-loved Berkshire retreat has entered a new chapter. Donnington Valley Hotel & Spa in Newbury has been reimagined and relaunched as Donnington & Co., familiar in name, yet refreshed in spirit.

Set among rolling countryside and long celebrated for its spa and golf, the privately owned estate has undergone a significant transformation. The result is a destination where contemporary style meets effortless hospitality, a place where charm lives in the details and guests are always in good company.

The newly reimagined reception and lobby of Donnington & Co now provides a crisp, contemporary welcome, while the restaurant Press has been redesigned with warm copper, gold and orange tones, anchored by a striking central banquet table. The suites have been refreshed to offer a spectrum of experiences, from simple comfort to quiet indulgence, and communal areas have been styled to feel both modern and comfortably familiar. Together, the renovations have created a bespoke blend of elegance and alignment, setting the stage for the next chapter. The relaunch is accompanied by a refreshed website, designed to reflect the new brand identity and make exploring, booking and planning a stay at Donnington & Co. effortless.

The hotel has 111 bedrooms, from Simple rooms with crisp linens and TEMPLESPA products, to Spacious hideaways with lounging areas, and indulgent Suites and Splendid Suites, are designed to feel considered and quietly luxurious. Thoughtful touches and refined interiors ensure every stay offers rest and restoration. Whether for a short break, a family escape or a corporate visit, comfort comes without compromise.

Food remains at the centre of the Donnington & Co. experience, with a renewed commitment to simple pleasures, delivered exceptionally well. At Press, the signature restaurant, dining is relaxed, seasonal and quietly indulgent. British produce is celebrated across the menu, from comforting classics to celebratory dinners, accompanied by a curated wine list. Afternoon tea remains a highlight: delicate sandwiches, warm scones with clotted cream, and homemade cakes served with tea or sparkling wine.

For something more casual, The HangOut is a laid-back outdoor terrace serving wood-fired pizzas, signature burgers and sharing boards, an easy-going space for guests to gather with friends, family or colleagues.

The Donnington & Co. Spa has long been known as a sanctuary of calm and is at the heart of the new brand. Every detail is designed to encourage guests to slow down, breathe deeply and feel restored. With a treatment menu featuring TEMPLESPA and Germaine de Capuccini, the spa blends science-led skincare with soul-soothing rituals. Guests can choose from results-driven facials, deeply restorative body therapies and indulgent spa days – each tailored with care, and unhurried by design.

Donnington & Co. is defined by quiet luxury. No fuss, no flash – just the right things, done well. With thoughtful detail, personal service and a setting in the Berkshire countryside, it is a place that stays with guests long after they leave.

For more information or to book, visit www.donnington.co

STARS

Manish Kumar Arora

(K.P. Astrologer, Numerologist, Tarot Card Reader & Vastu Consultant) reveals what’s in store for you this month

Libra (23 September – 22 October)

You come up with lots of new ideas that you’re enthusiastic about, and are excited by mental projects, and share all of the information that you have. You like talking with others and can be a bit chatty. You can finish a project that helps further you along your career path, achieve a goal, or give up on a goal. The focus is on having fun, enjoying hobbies and pleasurable pastimes, children and love.

Favourable Dates: October 6, 9, 15, 18, 24, 27

Favourable Colours: Yellow & Blue

Scorpio (23 October – 21 November)

You can be presented with a new opportunity to advance further in your career, achieve a goal, or in the spotlight for something you’ve done, and feel good about the direction you’re going in. Your intuition is strong, so listen to what your gut is trying to tell you. Your deep sensitivity presents you with valuable and illuminating intuitions, especially regarding those you care for.

Favourable Dates: October 1, 5, 10, 14, 19, 23

Favourable Colours: Red & Blue

Sagittarius (22 November - 21 December)

You may find that you are now able to walk a new path that you have been preparing for. Some of you may have new opportunities for travel and movement while others will find that such doors will close and new ones will have to be opened. Pragmatic and goal-oriented, you soon learn how to get things done, for you aspire to positions of power and authority and admire others who attain such positions.

Favourable Dates: October 1, 5, 10, 14, 19, 23

Favourable Colours: Red & Blue

Capricorn (22 December – 19 January)

You can begin a research project and are presented with an opportunity to do something that benefits you and other people. You’re better able to express how you feel emotionally through your words, but you may lack objectivity. Home and family ties will be significant in your life and developing a secure, comfortable home environment will be a boon to your state of mind, irrespective of your marital state.

Favourable Dates: October 2, 5, 11, 14, 20, 23

Favourable Colours: White & Yellow

Aquarius (20 January – 18 February)

This month is encouraging you to see past your current concerns and to look into the future knowing your choices now will impact others or yourself at a later date. Your nearest and dearest or those close to you will need attention. There could be strong emotional concerns. You might find partnership responsibilities or demands wearing at this time. You can find other people mentally draining and need time alone to recover.

Favourable Dates: October 3, 7, 12, 15, 21, 25

Favourable Colours: Blue & Yellow

Pisces (19 February – 20 March)

You may derive income from unusual sources or from suggestions or ideas from those you would not normally associate with. If single, you may be on a high this month with lots of opportunities for romance in the circle of friends. Surprising developments or unexpected additions to the circle may add spice to the already strong flavour. You feel good about your future, your hopes and your dreams, and are a little idealistic.

Favourable Dates : October 2, 7, 11, 16, 20, 25

Favourable Colours: White & Green

Aries (21 March – 19 April)

You’re likely to enjoy a peaceful and stress-free month. All aspects of your life have the potential to effortlessly fall into place, with seemingly little effort from you. This period is encouraging a time of personal growth through sharing of love and affections. You can work well on creative projects

now and find inspiration everywhere. You’re dramatic when you converse, and you command attention for what you say, your ideas, and your thoughts.

Favourable Dates: October 2, 8, 11, 17, 20, 26

Favourable Colours: Red & Green

Taurus (20 April – 20 May)

You are organised, keep everything in its place, and can focus on the details. You do well with your work and are able to have an important conversation about your work, or more communications at work. If single, you can meet lots of new people but keep it casual, and flirty. If in a relationship, you try to make it feel like it did when you first got together.

Favourable Dates: October 1, 4, 10, 13, 19, 22

Favourable Colours: Red & Grey

Gemini (21 May – 20 June)

You are presented with a new money-making opportunity, start a second job, side gig for extra cash, or turn a hobby into a money-making venture. You can rework your budget so you have more leftover, and you feel more confident in yourself. Emotionally, you’re even and calm. Singles could find this a time when love really does walk into your life or you finally realise how much someone means to you.

Favourable Dates: October 1, 3, 10, 12, 19, 21

Favourable Colours: White & Green

Cancer (21 June – 22 July)

You are easily engrossed by special subjects and projects this month, and eagerly throw yourself into learning and producing. You have more communications at or about your work and can get through the grunt work with ease. You get along well with others, and can begin a new relationship, personal or professional. The need for challenges, whether these are mental or physical, becomes palpable from the 16th onwards.

Favourable Dates: October 3, 9, 12, 18, 21, 27

Favourable Colours: Yellow & Brown

Leo (23 July – 22 August)

This month sees a shift in your financial circumstances. The financial results won’t necessarily be immediate, but at the very least, you’ll lay the groundwork for a more prosperous future. A loan or other form of support is on the agenda by the last week of the month. You need to push forward with important projects, and if it means getting a little help, the cosmos is shining on you.

Favourable Dates: October 1, 4, 10, 13, 19, 22

Favourable Colours: White & Blue

Virgo (23 August – 22 September)

You’ll embark on a new project or you’ll get a promotion at work. There may be a need to let go of something or someone at this time, but it’s also a good period for gaining new information that helps you to move forward, including great advice, so stay connected and listen attentively. You may find yourself wanting to explore other cultures more or do things to broaden your way of thinking.

Favourable Dates: October 1, 3, 10, 12, 19, 21

Favourable Colours: Red & Blue manishastroconsultant manish@manishastrologer.com

Weekend Starts Here....

Gone Before Goodbye – Harlan Coben & Reese Witherspoon

Maggie McCabe is on the brink. A highly skilled and renowned army combat surgeon, she has always lived life at the edge.

But now, after a devastating series of personal tragedies, Maggie is thrown a lifeline by a former colleague, an elite surgeon whose anonymous clientele demand the best care money can buy - as well as absolute discretion.

Halfway across the globe, one of the world’s most mysterious men requires unconventional medical assistance. Desperate, and one of the few surgeons in the world skilled enough to take this job, Maggie enters his realm of unspeakable opulence and fulfils her end of the agreement.

But when the patient suddenly disappears while still under her care, Maggie must become a fugitive herself – or she will be the next one who is . . . Gone Before Goodbye.

One Battle After Another

When their evil enemy resurfaces after 16 years, a group of ex-revolutionaries reunites to rescue one of their own's daughter.

When their evil enemy resurfaces after 16 years, a group of ex-revolutionaries reunites to rescue one of their own's daughter.

Release Date: 26 September

Release Date: 26 September