This time of year, most of us are dreaming of a getaway. Winter in England can feel like it drags on and on.
With the excitement of the beginning of a new decade, the roaring 20’s, over and everyone back in their daily routine, Spring can feel a long way off. And, with more clement weather only beginning to appear in the UK come early May, it’s understandable that you might want to book a week or two away to enjoy some spring weather sooner rather than later. Either that or are you are embracing the last throws of ski season and opting for a mountain escape to hit the slopes! Either way one thing we are all craving is to feel the sun on our skin and bask in all its glory. In this edition we are providing STORCX guide to how to protect yourself from the elements, whether sun, wind or the cold
BEN ELLIOT
CO-FOUNDER QUIENTESSNTIALLY GROUP
S: TELL US A BIT ABOUT QUINTESSENTIALLY, WHAT SERVICES DO YOU PROVIDE FOR YOUR CLIENTS?
BE: We look after all elements of our members’ lives and focus on helping to save our members time while connecting them to incredible experiences around the world. From recommending and booking restaurants, organising travel plans and holidays, sourcing tickets for shows and sporting events, to finding nannies, properties, curating art collections, helping with last minute gift requests, or even organizing weddings. Our Lifestyle Managers are available all over the world, 24 hours a day, every day of the year to help with any practical request or unusual whim.
S: HOW DID YOU COME UP WITH THE CONCEPT?
BE: At the time, I was working in nightlife and my business partner was working in film production – we were both always asked for the best restaurants, clubs, bars and places to stay in London. Initially we started the business for friends based in and around the city, and then for those who frequented London but who didn’t have a PA or a well-connected friend to help them gain access to events and venues. The business kept growing and soon we launched in New York, Hong Kong, Dubai…..we’re now the world’s leading luxury concierge service with offices in almost 60 cities.
S: YOU HAVE CHILDREN, WHERE IS THE BEST SUN GETAWAY FOR FEBRUARY HALF TERM?
BE: We go to Morocco every year to visit my sister – it’s a beautiful and vibrant country with wonderful food, and is very well set up for families
S: WHAT IS THE FUNNIEST REQUEST YOU HAVE RECEIVED?
BE: One member used to call up their line manager and ask them to decipher their dreams. Another called us up to source a horny cat to keep their other cat company….!
S: IF ONE WANTED TO GO FOR A DETOX HOLIDAY WITH KIDS WHERE WOULD THEY GO?
BE: Last year we went to Atmantan Luxury Wellness Resort Near Mumbai in India which was magical. I’ve always had a personal connection and love of the country as I spent time there with my late uncle, Mark Shand, and his charity the Elephant Family. This year I’m returning to India with a large group to do our third ‘Travels To My Elephant’ adventure to support this charity. 40 teams of intrepid racers will drive a fleet of humble rickshaws 500km across Southern India.
S: A LOT OF PEOPLE ARE INTO “GLAMPING” WHAT IS YOUR RECOMMENDATION FOR A SUPER LUX GLAMPING EXPERIENCE?
BE: If you love music, you can’t beat Camp Kerala at Glastonbury – it’s a fun and relaxing way to experience the festival. I would also love to stay at the Singita Mara River camp in Tanzania.
S: IS THERE A HOLIDAY YOU ARE DREAMING OF DOING?
BE: I would love to visit Japan for a length of time as it’s something I’ve not yet managed to do. I’m also looking forward to taking my children on safari in Africa when they are a little older.
S: WHAT ARE YOUR 4 CAN’T TRAVEL WITHOUT ITEMS?
BE: A great book, my tennis racquet, a notebook, and my Quintessentially guide of where I’m going – such an invaluable and personal item, tailored to my preferences.
S: WHAT IS THE BEST “EXPERIENCE” HOLIDAY?
BE: For me the best experience is the chance to disconnect with everyday life, and discover something new – new food, new places, new people. I personally love to volunteer for charities. I regularly drive for the amazing charity The Felix Project in London, an incredible charity that redistributes food surplus across the city and to ensure vulnerable individuals and families have access to high quality food where they otherwise wouldn’t. Food that would have been thrown away by supermarkets and restaurants.
S: WHAT IS THE BEST GIFT YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED?
BE: A session in the Lords Cricket nets with the England cricket captain for my sons and I.
FEBRUARY EVENTS IN LONDON
ORCHID FESTIVAL
February 8th-March 8th
www.kew.org/kew-gardens/whats-on/kew-orchid-festival
Kew Gardens
Immerse yourself in the tropics this winter by exploring the wonders of Indonesia through Kew’s iconic 25th annual orchid festival.
Rainforests and volcanoes will be brought to life inside the Princess of Wales Conservatory through an exotic array of vibrant orchid displays.
LONDON FASHION WEEK
14th – 18th February
www.londonfashionweek.co.uk
Various London Locations
London Fashion Week takes place twice a year in February and September, showcasing over 250 designers to a global audience.
Go behind-the-scenes of the London Fashion Week Hub to discover an immersive innovative experience which includes Designer Catwalks; Creative Installations; the Discovery LAB: an experiential space where fashion meets art, technology and music and a #PositiveFashion Designer Exhibition where the creative work of progressive designers explores the most compelling stories around sustainability, community and ethics.
VALENTINES DAY
14th February
Don’t forget to celebrate the ones you love this Valentine’s Day. London is an awash with wonderful romantic things to do, from the theatre, opera house, a ride on the Thames or dining in one of London’s romantic restaurants. If you feel like being adventurous why not escape to the countryside for a weekend getaway.
PANCAKE DAY CHARITY RACES
25th February
Various London Locations
Pancake Day, otherwise known as Shrove Tuesday can be enjoyed by all the family. Embrace this traditional British day by joining in on one of the Pancake Day races in London which often raise money for charity.
Top celebrations include the Flippin’ Good pancake races at Greenwich Market, the Better Bankside Pancake Day Race in Borough Market and Leadenhall Market’s pancake races.
We also have the truly inspirational Ben Elliot, the esteemed founder of Quintessentially, talking all things entrepreneurial, family and travel.
STORCX GUIDE TO FACIALS
HYDRATING FACIAL
HydraFacial at Waterhouse Young
There is absolutely no messing about in this fabulous facial created to hydrate the driest and tightest of skin. Straight to the point with no room for relaxation this Hydrafacial Machine gets straight to work to dissolve and removed dead skin cells. The clever machine then pumps back in incredibly rich super serums and then some wonderfully healing light to plump it back up.
£230. At 21 Devonshire Street, W1. (waterhouseyoung.com).
RESTORATIVE FACIAL
Organic Facial at Bamford Haybarn
This is as heavenly and as sensual as a facial can get whilst restoring your skin. The heady smelling oils and serums encapsulate relaxation as it should be, while you let the therapist get to work on restoring your skin. The products contain sodium hyaluronate, cacay nut oil and soy stem cells, combining to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, plump the skin and repair any damage. Skin is left firmer, lifted and more youthful looking.
£70 for 30 mins, Restore: Organic Facial, 104 Draycotte Ave, Chelsea, London SW3 3AE. (bamford.com)
ANTI-AGING
Guinot Age Summum at COMO Shambhala Urban Escape
Guinot’s Age Summum Facial at the COMO Shambhala Urban Escape is a must for anti-aging. Hidden in London’s iconic Metropolitan hotel the Age Summum uses a heady concoction of pure Vitamin C, hyaluronic acid and procollagen, This specific and targeted anti- ageing facial includes a resurfacing exfoliating cream, anti-ageing serum to reawaken skin cells and a recontouring facial massage, all finished with a radiance enhancing active Pro-Collagen mask. Leaving years younger, you wont recognise yourself when looking in the mirror!
60 minutes, £120. At COMO Shambhala Urban Escape at Como Metropolitan London, W1
ANTI-POLLUTION
Valmont Vitality of The Glaciers Facial
This fantastic facial from the stars at Valmont focuses on undoing the damage done by stress and pollution. Your therapist will use Valmont’s signature massage technique to deliver nutrients deep into the dermis, before applying a collagen mask which helps to plump and smooth wrinkles. You will look and feel fresher and younger!
Akasha spa, £170 for 60 minutes or £245 for 90 minutes.
COLLAGEN FACIAL
Linda Meredith
Look no further than Linda Meredith in Knightsbridge for the ultimate oxygen collagen facial. Visited by celebrities across the globe this treatment never fails to disappoint. Hidden in a townhouse on Beauchamp Place the therapists get straight to work on your skin. They explain that Collagen and Hyaluronic Acid are the two most important components of skin. Their treatments consist of a fine sheet of freeze dried collagen or infused hyaluronic acid moistened into the contours of the face. This process reactivates the ingredients which then absorb deep into the epidermis. The oxygen concentrator is used to increase the absorption rate of the ingredients. This is truly the facial for a plumped look that restores your skin!
£185 for 90 minutes. At Daniel Galvin at Selfridges, 100 Oxford Street, W1. (danielgalvin.com)
BRIGHTENING FACIAL
The Peel Boutique at Daniel Galvin at Selfridges does exactly what it says. Headed up by Dr Rabia Malik, it promises to turn your skin around - and in 20 minutes. It uses a combination of mild lactic acid and fruit enzymes, created using specific molecules that the skin doesn’t react to - so there’s no downtime. You will never see your face so glowy!
£55 for 20 minutes. At Linda Meredith, 36 Beauchamp Place, SW3. https://lindameredith.com/pages/collagen-hyaluronic-facials
STORCX
SEPTEMBER GIFT GUIDE
September is about new routines and redemption after the long indulgent summer so why not think of gifts that get your friends back on the road to glowing skin, or outdoor adventure!
IRENE FORTE
TRIPLE ACTION HYLORINC ACID
THE WAVE
BRISTOL’S SURF SCHOOL
SISLEY
ANTI-AGING PROGRAMME
NINEBOT SEGWAY
ELECTRIC SCOOTER
We are thrilled to announce STORCX has been nominated for the second year running for The Good Web Guide Awards 2019, in the categories for Best Start Up, Most Useful & Luxury. This is a huge accolade for us to have and this year we are determined to win! Please can we ask for your support, just click on the link! http://www.thegoodwebguide.co.uk/votefor/storcx
SEPTEMBER EVENTS
SEPTEMBER EVENTS
TOTALLY THAMES
1 – 30 September
2019 www.totallythames.org
42 miles along the River Thames
Totally Thames is an annual season of surprising, diverse and accessible arts and culture throughout the month of September. The month-long programme runs along the 42-mile stretch of the Thames through working collaboratively with artists, local communities, river interest organisations and businesses.
GREAT RIVER RACE
14th September 2019
London Docklands – Ham, Surrey
The Great River Race is London's River Marathon. A spectacular boat race up the River Thames, it attracts over 330 crews from all over the globe.
LONDON FASHION WEEK
13-17th September
Locations across London
Don’t miss keeping an eye on London Fashion Week, Showcasing over 250 designers to a global audience of influential media and retailers
LONDON DESIGN FESTIVAL
14 – 22 September 2019
www.londondesignfestival.com
Locations across London
The vision of London Design Festival is to celebrate and promote London as the design capital of the world. The event promotes London’s creativity, drawing in the country’s greatest thinkers, practitioners, retailers and educators to a deliver an unmissable celebration of design.
JAPAN MATSURI FESTIVAL
Sunday, 29 September 10am – 8pm
Trafalgar Square, London
London hosts its very own festival of Japanese culture. This free annual festival brings people together to enjoy Japanese food, music, dance, and activities for all the family.