Affinity Luxury Lifestyle Magazine February 2022

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PRICELESS

www.affinitymag.co.uk AFFINITY LUXURY LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

ISSUE 129

WIN!

A Luxurious Overnight Spa Stay at a QHotel

LOVE IS IN THE AIR WWW.AFFINITYMAGAZINE.CO.UK

With Our Valentine's Gift Guide

Relax & Unwind at The Fellows House in Cambridge Read our Review

FASHION EXTRA It's time for a wardrobe makeover

JOURNALING

HOW IT CAN HELP YOUR MENTAL HEALTH

Pucker Up

ISSUE 129

With the perfect shade of red lipstick

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LETTER EDITOR’S

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Did you know nostalgia increases our happiness, looking back at past memories and life moments has become commonplace over the course of the past year and a half, offering us a form of escapism from the pandemic. And while reflecting on the past can be an intellectual activity, nostalgia is also an emotional one. It can evoke feelings of happiness, and closeness to loved ones – which contributes to boosting our overall mood, page 12 tells you more.

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You must have been hibernating if it comes as a surprise to you, that this month, 14th February to be precise is Valentine’s Day. If you’re all loved up we’re here to help you with the perfect gift (page 18) and if you’re not loved up there’s no rule saying you can’t treat yourself!

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Keeping with the romance theme, why not check out a romantic getaway to The Shangri-La in London (page 50) or The Headland Hotel in Cornwall (page 58) both will definitely have you ‘in the mood for love!

And if you’re thinking of a non-Valentine city break, we’ve got the perfect place in Cambridge – The Fellows House, a unique luxury and distinctive combination of contemporary and classic elements all inspired by the city’s colleges, specifically of course, the fellows. Read our review (page 48) and see if you’re tempted.

This month we’ve also got a fabulous GIVEAWAY, your chance to win an overnight spa stay including, dinner, bed and breakfast and a spa treatment for two at a Q Hotel of your choice – Will you be a winner? Turn to page 52 to enter.

Until next month

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Lots of LOVE

Jane x

1. Ruffle Bikini, £42, Fatface 2. Zenbook, £7.99, Homesense 3. Floral Print Blouse, £49, Monsoon 4. Bottega Chain Bag, £3,320, Selfridges 5. Dangle Earrings, £242, Jennifer Behr Don’t forget to join us on social media, we love getting to know you!

www.affinitymag.co.uk

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facebook.com/AffinityMag

Editor: Jane Fry jane@affinitymag.co.uk 07507 602401 Advertising: affinitymagstewart@gmail.com 07595 894557 Graphic Design and Photography: David Zita dave@affinitymag.co.uk

@affinitymagz

All adverts are printed in good faith. Affinity cannot take responsibility for the content of adverts. Advertisements are accepted on the understanding that descriptions of goods and services are accurate. Reproduction in whole or in part is strictly prohibited.

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Contents 56 Affinity

27

February 2022

8 15 18 22 25 29 31 33 36 43 52 56 60

Working from Home Hot Picks Be My Valentine Sweater Stripes Trainer Trends Foodie News Squid & Chorizo Stew Pink Bubbles Chocolate & Sage Interiors Just for Him WIN! An Overnight Spa Stay If You Go Down To The Woods...

Your Stars

52

On The Cover Next

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WORKING FROM HOME With working from home here to stay as government guidelines continue, why not spend some time revamping and transforming your home office space to not only be functional, but beautiful too. We chatted to Home improvement brand VELUX who have joined forces with leading interior designers Whinnie Williams and Kierra Campbell of Poodle & Blonde to bring you their 9 top tips for styling your home office.

1.Ceilings are often the most forgotten surface in a room. By painting or wallpapering them in bold, fun colours and prints it immediately adds interest and makes the space feel bigger.

2. If you want to work from home and have a desk set up, nothing will aide productivity more than having natural light.

Always position your desk near a window, and to really maximise on daylight from above, consider adding VELUX roof windows to transform a space by flooding it with light.

3. When styling surfaces always do it in odd numbers. A trio of product is a great start and feels exciting on the eye.

4. Lighting really can make any space feel magical, so think about the interiors in your home

to help open up your space.

Light-coloured walls and furniture help to reflect the natural light from your roof windows, creating a lighter, brighter living space.

5. When wanting to bring print into your home play around with scale. Pairing a large scale print with a smaller delicate one ensures they don't fight against each other. Also, bringing a third print in will look better when styling than two.

6. Shopping vintage and antique, then mixing it up with modern pieces is a great way to elevate a space and make it feel clever and unique.

7. Curtains are money well spent. They give texture and warmth to your styling. They are great for bringing in colour - we always suggest floor length.

8. Cushions are great little room refreshers. If you’re tired of your sofa they are the easiest way to give your space a fresh feel... and more is more!

9. When choosing artwork go big. Large art is such an easy way to fill a space... and think outside the box! Frame up old kitchen tea towels, wallpaper, paint your own abstract print on some MDF or even pin up large roll of fabric.

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Beauty NEWS NAIL IT!

HYDRATE & PLUMP

The latest launch from RoC Skincare is their Hydrate & Plump range, the brands’ first ever collection that celebrates the wonder ingredient, Hyaluronic Acid, in a perfect 3-piece collection. The magic trio made up of SPF Moisturiser (£35.99), Eye Gel-Cream (£24.99) and Serum Capsules (£35.99) providing the ultimate solution for fighting fine lines and wrinkles as recommended by leading dermatologists. www.rocskincare.co.uk

WHIP IT UP

Sassy Shop Wax’s gorgeous whipped soaps, are just the thing for a little self-indulgence. Simply cleanse from your hands to your toes in a range of scents, which you’ll be sure to fall in love with.

With over 30 whipped soaps to choose from including; I Love You, with its scents of flirtatious berry, cherry, blackcurrant leaf, intertwined with Turkish Rose and enchanting Jasmine, and a sweet and sophisticated base of Patchouli, Vanilla, as well as the Blonde Moment Whipped Soap, and the Antique Bookstore Whipped Soap (yes, there’s really a scent for that).

Priced at £7.99 each and available from www.sassyshopwax.com/collections

Change your colour as often as your mood with NEW Revlon Ultra HD SNAP! Nail Colour. The one- coat, full coverage, quick-dry nail polish – no base or topcoat needed.

The clean, 100% vegan polish is made with more than 78% natural ingredients, with the caring and strengthening complex of hexanal, shea butter and green botanicals (like spinach, avocado and green tea) leaving nails feeling smooth, strong and protected. Available exclusively at Superdrug RRP £7.99.

YOGA HAPPY

Hannah Barrett is one of the UK’s leading online yoga and meditation teachers and now she has released her first book, Yoga Happy, she encourages you to incorporate key disciplines, thoughts and actions into your everyday life.

Yoga Happy is an essential companion to help you through life, whether you’re a complete yoga beginner or wanting to deepen your home practice. In this beautiful, full-colour book you will find everything you need to build your inner strength, enhance your yoga practice, and help you find calm, happiness and the resilience to navigate the modern world. With short, illustrated yoga sequences adapted for all abilities, breathing techniques, meditations and other proven mindful practices, this book will nourish and support your mind and body. Available from all good bookshops RRP £20.

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How Journaling Can Help our Mental Health Mental health problems are experienced differently by everyone and are therefore subjective, but there are some methods that have been shown to help us address and manage our feelings, and also help us to feel more positive about the future. Lockdown allowed many of us to take up new hobbies and pursue existing interests, but journaling was one activity in particular that the nation has maintained interest in - largely due to the wellbeing benefits that it can offer.

Nostalgia increases our happiness Looking back at past memories and life moments has become commonplace over the course of the past year and a half, offering us a form of escapism from the pandemic. And while reflecting on the past can be an intellectual activity, nostalgia is also an emotional one.

Memory is about recalling the facts of a past event; nostalgia is about recalling how it felt to be there. A 2013 study published in the Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin found that engaging in nostalgia led people to feel more optimistic about the future.

Nostalgia is also related to higher self-esteem, happiness, and feelings of closeness to loved ones engaging in past memories evoke these feelings for us, boosting our overall mood.

The impact of journaling on our mental health The act of writing in a journal to record your innermost thoughts yields a whole host of benefits when it comes to our mental health. It can better our mood, increase our sense of wellbeing, and even lead to better working memory. In some cases, journaling is "prescribed" as a way to reduce PTSD symptoms or to help people suffering from depression and anxiety.

However, you don't have to be suffering to benefit from journaling - any time spent writing your thoughts helps your brain to get better at regulating your emotions. And a biography is like a journal on steroids!

Self-reflection is key to personal growth If there's one overarching condition of modern life and one we can all relate to - it's busyness. We move from email to email or meeting to meeting with little time to pause and think about our lives and their meaning — a situation that's only been made worse by the distractions of smartphones. Yet Harvard researchers have found that making time for selfreflection is a crucial component of learning. Writing a biography is the ultimate exercise of self-reflection, as you aren't just thinking about a day's work, but your life as a whole.

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Midlife Madness Over the past few years, even before the days of the pandemic which has certainly increased it, we have all moved to doing much more of our shopping online. For many, online grocery shopping is a frequent occurrence and increasingly much of our other shopping seems to be done on line. If I’m honest I go to town less and less as there are fewer and fewer shops – if you take out charity shops and pound stores.

But one of the essential elements of online shopping is that everything you order simply must be delivered. That is something in my experience that has its highs and lows.

On the plus side we live in a pretty safe place so behind the bin, inside the back gate, behind a big plant pot all work pretty well. We have also found a few parcels which look to have been thrown a distance into the back garden but as long as they aren’t breakable I’ve no quibble with that. Frankly I’d rather retrieve items from our garden, even if left in slightly unorthodox places than have to trek to the post office!

When it comes to groceries the biggest issue I remember is the substitutes and occasionally the amounts – you know 2 dozen bananas instead of 2, or a white sliced loaf instead of a multi seeded, whole-wheat, sourdough – rarely have I seen the substitutes to be so extreme but you get the drift.

When it comes to the delivery though you have to be in to receive groceries so while I may have wished the delivery driver could step inside and put them all in the cupboards, I have never needed to have a garden treasure hunt to find the shopping.

Our greatest near miss with deliveries was when a special (aka very expensive) item was to be delivered in a onehour time slot and it was the ‘Christmas Maker’ present for the grandson and we had been entrusted with receiving it. Yes, a weighty responsibility!

All went well and there we were patiently waiting at home

during the said hour when I had a text from a friend cancelling an arranged meeting and saying she’d pop over to drop off pressies. Problem was I hadn’t got hers (the arranged meet was following day so plenty of leeway).

Well of course this new information somehow bumped the important job out of our brains as we hot-footed it to the car to go and buy gifties. Yes, you’ve guessed it barely a kilometre from the house we got the text that they’d tried to deliver it and taken it away again! We quickly did a u turn ready to accost any van driver we saw but to no avail!

Despair – we might have spoiled Christmas! But all’s well that ends well and it was delivered the following day (Christmas Eve).

The other deliveries we have found problematic are takeaways. Now when we order from our favourite curry house all works well but we tried a Chinese restaurant that we’d used before but not so much. On the particular night we rang, they said they were really busy and that it would be 3 hours – yes 3 hours. But we ordered on the app and it was only an hour! Sneaky right! It was just over the hour when I heard a car door and went outside just to see a box of Chinese in someone’s hand as they knocked at the house next door! In full on panic mode I shouted to the deliverer that that was for us. No! He replied it’s for number 12! To be honest I was ready to rugby tackle but he said he’d check and sure enough it was ours. Now that was close shave.

I also had a very confusing conversation on the phone from a driver dropping off a box of wine, important delivery or what, and said he couldn’t find the house – a long confusing conversation followed until we managed to establish he was at the right number and street in the wrong town!

I guess like anything new there are skills we need to learn, remembering we are waiting for a delivery, identifying the hiding places in our garden and ensuring we establish which town we live in!

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Lime Honey with Gin, £8.50, Cartwright & Butler

Slip Silk Scrunchies, £39, John Lewis

AFFINITY HOT PICKS

OPV Beauty Born To Shine Palette, £29, www.opvbeauty.com

Orange Tote Bag, £145, Michael Kors

Tiffany & Co Rose Gold Parfum, £101.50, John Lewis

Boucle Scarf, £49.95, John Lewis

This month’s must have gifts and accessories

Isle of Barra Rhubarb & Heather Gin Liqueur, £22, www.isleofbarradistillers.com

Fruit Cushion, £29.99, Homesense

Frill Neck Jumper, £59, John Lewis

Subluceo Soy Candle, £14, www.subluceo.com

Oval Vase, £16.99, Homesense

Pom Pom Slippers, £55, FitFlop

Red Nose Day Tote, £4.99, Sainsbury's

Sleekster Luxe Chocolates, £36.50, www.hotelchocolat.com

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Learning Not to Settle The word settle has a couple of different meanings – paying a debt or due OR reaching an agreement of some sort. I’m referring to the latter but with a very specific content in mind namely the agreements we reach with ourselves.

I started thinking about this after I read a particular quote ‘You get what you settle for!’

It leapt off the page at me as it seemed so very true.

I’ve often talked before about mindset and I straight away saw this quote in the context of our mindsets.

You see we so often settle for what we think we deserve but our view can be distorted.

Many of us, as we have gone through life gather unhelpful mindsets – two very common ones are that we deserve what we get (especially if it is negative) and we are limited in what we can change.

Obviously, we’ll have to talk in a generalised way but the fact is that every single person deserves happiness.

If we accept that, and if I’m honest that is often something that people have to do quite a bit of work on before they can honestly say they believe it, it can be life changing. Sadly, some people may have had all sorts of, often unhelpful ideas, given to them about what they do and don’t deserve or what they can expect from life. Of course, it doesn’t mean you will be happy all of the time, life can be unfair, challenging and difficult but if we can believe that we deserve to be happy that is a good start.

So, our underlying, subconscious mindsets exert a powerful influence on our lives and if any aspect of our lives is not as we wish then taking time to examine and in some ways unearth (the problem is they are subconscious) what our mindsets are, is a very good place to start.

But to get back to this notion of settling. There are some things in life that we need to accept – some things that barring mind blowing miracles we can’t change. But there are probably just a few of those and very many aspects of our lives can be changed to some degree – providing we decide we won’t settle or accept them.

Part of living in relative harmony with those we are surrounded by, means compromising and being tolerant BUT while that is obviously good it shouldn’t mean our own wants, feelings and needs are constantly put on hold or not attended to – it is not being selfish to acknowledge that you have hopes and dreams too.

After taking a look at your mindsets and ridding yourself of any unhelpful ones then it should be easier to get a good picture of your value. When that sense of value becomes really embedded then the realisation comes that it is not selfish to look after yourself, to work towards goals that you want to expect to be treated in certain ways, because you are worth it and you deserve to be happy.

When you do that, it can help reframe how you see things, not many things are fixed or unchangeable, people sometimes do certain things because they are expected to but again complying with the expectations of others may rob you of the chance to do some things that are really important to you. I’m sure many will have had experiences where you have ‘gone along’ with things, Not done something so it keeps someone else happy and the impact if we do that all the time is not good.

Not settling means staying open to your dreams, because it is never too late to change course. Remind yourself that you deserve to be happy so if aspects of your life aren’t as you wish then you can change them, but first you have to believe that is possible.

Spend some time reflecting on where you are – is it where you thought you’d be? Sometimes it’s not but it’s a place you feel happy and fulfilled which is good.

But if it is not, then taking some time to reflect can be helpful, are the dreams you had earlier in life still things you’d like to achieve, or have you changed?

As it stands today what are your dreams?

We only get one shot at life, and while it isn’t fair and stuff that we don’t like happens there is an awful lot we can do to ensure our life is as positive and happy as possible.

For tips and hints to help you live a more fulfilling positive life join our face book group www.facebook.com/groups/AAYGroup

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BE MY VALENTINE We’ve rounded up some of our favourite Valentine’s gifts, so all you have to do is shop!

Shaun Leane Silver Heart Pendant, £195, www.bakerbrothersdiamonds.com

Henley Rhubarb & Orange Gin, £40, www.thehenleydistillery.co.uk Bra, £22, Knickers, £14, River Island

Barbour Sweatshirt, £54.95, www.barbour.com NARS Lip Colour£24, John Lewis

Jo Malone Red Rose Velvet Rose & Oud Candle, £65, www.jomalone.co.uk

Vegan Jelly Hearts, £8.00, www.farhi.co.uk

Laduree Macrons Box, £56.50, Selfridges

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Pierre Marcolini Valentine's Gift Box, £66, Harrods

Chocolate Praline Hearts, £6.00, www.farhi.co.uk.

Quilted Bag, £29.99, TK Maxx

Hoop Diamante Earrings, £59, www,skagen.com

Briston Clubmaster Watch,£265, www.wolfandbadger.com

Jo Malone Red Roses Cologne, £100, www.jomalone.co.uk

Barbour Cardigan, £99.95 www.Barbour.com

Gucci Silver Studs, £160, www.bakerbrothersdiamonds.com

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PUCKER UP

Whether you want a bright, fiery red that rivals Taylor Swift’s “Red” era or a burnt, brick shade of red like those worn by Marilyn Monroe, there’s the perfect shade for everyone to try this Valentine’s Day.

Dior Addict Lipstick in Lucky, £30, John Lewis

Clinique Pop Lipstick in Cherry Pop, £17.50, Boots

Bobbi Brown Luxe Lipstick in Retro Red, £29, John Lewis

Clarins Joli Rouge Lipstick in Spicy Chilli, £18, John Lewis

MAC Cremesheen Lipstick in Dozen Carnations, £17.50, Selfridges

NARS Powermatte Lipstick in Light My Fire, £24, John Lewis

Charlotte Tilbury K.I.S.S.I.N.G Lipstick in Lovebite, £25, www.charlottetilbury.com

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FASHION

KAREN MILLEN

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sweater stripes

Top, £19.99, Mango

Stripes never go out of style, and are the one staple we all need in our wardrobe to wear with jeans or a skirt, the choice is yours.

Jumper, £69, John Lewis

Jumper, £45, M&Co

M&Co

Jumper, £29.99, M&Co

Jumper, £25.99, New Look

Zip Top, £75, Phase Eight

Jumper, £16, Matalan

Zip Jumper, £59.50, Oliver Bonas

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The Knitted Dress Perfect for dressing up or down, a knitted dress is the perfect go to outfit, wear with a pair of trainers for a casual pub lunch, or heeled boots for an evening dinner date.

Black Knitted Dress, £40, Very

Cowl Neck Knitted Dress, £99, Phase Eight

Grey Knitted Dress, £55, Sonder Studio

River Island High Kneck Knitted Dress, £40, Very

Red Knitted Dress, £69.50, Oliver Bonas

Grey Print Knitted Dress, £22, Matalan

Star Knitted Dress, £85, Sonder Studio

Tan Knitted Dress, £39.99, M&Co

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BERRY TONES Shades of Berry are the perfect palette to transition us from winter to spring

Jumper Dress, £28, River Island Skater Dress, £39, Very

Shacket, £55, Kaleidoscope

Top, £36, Pour Moi

Jumper, £60, Monsoon

Chi Chi

Bag, £80, Dune

PAIGE Jeans,, £50, Selfridges

Boots, £49.50, Marks & Spencer

Leather Skirt, £228, REISS

Small Case, £159, Ted Baker

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TRAINER TRENDS Keep your wardrobe looking fresh and up-todate with the latest trainer trends that can take any outfit to the next level.

Nike Trainers, £49.99, Deichmann

Crystal Trainers, £1,260, Selfridges

Estela Trainers, £60, Dune.

Bolt Trainer, £39.50, Marks & Spencer

Lilac Trainers, £24.99, TK Maxx

Gola Shimmer Trainers, £75, Oliver Bonas

Leopard Lightening Bolt Trainers, £49, Kaleidoscope Pink Trainers, £134, Selfridges

Gold Trim Trainers, £38, River Island

Sun Ray Trainers, £69.50, Oliver Bonas

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food & drink

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FOODIE NEWS BLOOMING BROWNIES

The Blushing Cook’s floral brownies (from £30, www.blushingcook.com) are the perfect gift for Valentines, Mothers Day, Birthdays or just because.

Made with the finest ingredients and decorated with organically grown edible flowers grown in Devon they’re the ultimate treat, chocolate and flowers in one box - each a mini masterpiece, They are presented in a gorgeous hand stamped gift-box and and can be posted anywhere in the UK with a personal message.

ROOFTOPS & CIGARS

The Rooftop at The Trafalgar St. James hotel is to host a Luxury Cigar Dinner with Davidoff London and Graham’s Port on Tuesday 8th February. Guests will enjoy an evening of fine food, drinks and cigars along with sensational views of London’s skyline to celebrate the release of a Limited Edition Winston Churchill cigar.

Guests at the ticketed dinner will enjoy a five-course tasting menu with matched wines, an arrival cocktail and small Winston Churchill cigar. The five-course menu makes use of luxury ingredients from caviar and crab to beef fillet and lobster tail.

Tickets are priced at £195 per person and are available at www.sevenrooms.com/events

CHOCOLATE HAPPINESS

NEW KNIFE ON THE BLOCK This Viners Organic Natural Coloured Knife Block set (£45, www.viners.co.uk) has everything an eco-conscious kitchen wants (the set includes: chef's knife, bread knife, carving knife, utility knife and a paring knife).

Each recycled steel knife stores safely and easily in the wheat fibre mixed material knife block with bamboo top. The knife block and handles are crafted from 35% wheat fibre, and at least 80% recycled materials make up the blades.

Montezuma’s, Happiness bar (£2.59, Montezumas.co.uk) is becoming a new favourite pick-me-up and the ultimate gift to send to those who might need cheering up. Made with smooth milk chocolate and a salty-sweet combination of crunchy hazelnuts and caramel, this decadent bar has been a hit on the shelves since it first launched.

Whether you’re letting someone know you are thinking of them, or just want to brighten their day, the Happiness bar is the perfect indulgence.

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Fragrant Pork & Aubergines “Pork and aubergine go together perfectly in this fragrant stir-fry. Serve with rice or noodles.”

Ingredients

4 tbsp groundnut oil 1 aubergine, halved lengthways and cut into 1cm/½in slices 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped 1 tbsp grated fresh root ginger 1 red chilli, finely chopped 200g/7oz pork mince 1 tbsp Shaoxing rice wine or dry sherry 2 tbsp chilli bean sauce (available from Asian grocers) 200ml/7fl oz hot chicken stock 2 heads pak choi or ½ Chinese cabbage, halved and sliced lengthways 1 tbsp clear rice vinegar or cider vinegar 1 tsp toasted sesame oil 2 spring onions, chopped 1 tbsp cornflour, mixed with 2 tbsp cold water

Method

Heat a wok until smoking and add two tablespoons of the groundnut oil, then fry the aubergine slices with a splash of water for 3-4 minutes, or until softened and golden-brown all over. Transfer to a plate and set aside.

Wipe away the excess oil from the wok, reheat and add the remaining groundnut oil. Heat until smoking. Stir fry the garlic, ginger and chilli for a few seconds, then add the minced pork. Stir fry for one minute, then add the rice wine or sherry. Cook for 34 minutes, or until browned, then add the chilli bean

sauce and hot chicken stock. Return the aubergines to the wok and add the pak choi.

Season, to taste, with the vinegar and sesame oil and bring to the boil. Cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the pork is cooked through, then stir in the spring onions. Add the cornflour paste and stir until the liquid has thickened. Spoon the fragrant pork and aubergines into a serving bowl and serve immediately.

RECIPE: Chinese Food Made Easy

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Squid, Chickpea & Chorizo Stew

“This easy one-pot Spanish-style stew gets most of its flavour from the chorizo, so buy the best you can find. Add an extra pinch of chilli if you like things a bit hotter”

Ingredients

1 tsp olive oil 80g/3oz cooking chorizo sausage, finely chopped 1 onion, chopped 2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced Pinch dried chilli flakes ½ tsp sweet smoked paprika 1 rosemary sprig, leaves stripped and finely chopped 50ml/2fl oz red wine 400g/14oz tin chopped tomatoes 250ml/9fl oz fish stock 300g/10½oz medium squid, cleaned 400g/14oz tin chickpeas, drained (240g/8½oz drained weight) 50g/1¾oz baby spinach Small handful flatleaf parsley, roughly chopped 1 lemon, zest only Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

Method

Heat the oil in a small sauté pan over a medium-high heat. Add the chorizo and cook for 2–3 minutes, or until the chorizo releases its oils and begins to turn crisp. Add the onion to the pan and sauté for 2–3 minutes, then add the garlic and sauté for another 2 minutes. Add the chilli flakes, paprika and rosemary and cook for 3–4 minutes, adding a splash of water if the mixture starts to stick.

Increase the heat to high, add the wine and let it bubble uhtil the volume of the liquid has reduced by half. Add the chopped tomatoes and stock, bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes.

In the meantime, prepare your squid. Cut the pouches into 4cm/1½in pieces, scoring the inner surface, or slice into thick rounds. Cut any long tentacles in half. Add the chickpeas to the pan and cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the squid, stir gently to submerge, and put a lid on the pan. Leave the squid to cook gently for 3–4 minutes.

Season with salt and pepper, remove from the heat and stir through the spinach and half of the parsley.

Ladle into warmed bowls, grate over a little lemon zest and sprinkle with the remaining parsley before serving.

Recipe by: Tom Kerridge

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No-bake Strawberry Cheesecake

“This strawberry cheesecake is a Valentine dream. Made with plenty of white chocolate, strawberries and cream” Ingredients

2 tsp sunflower oil 200g/7oz digestive biscuits 100g/3½oz unsalted butter ½ tsp ground cinnamon 100g/3½oz white chocolate, roughly chopped 400g/14oz strawberries, trimmed, plus extra to decorate 300g/10½oz full-fat cream cheese 1 tsp vanilla extract ½ unwaxed lemon, finely grated zest only 1 tbsp runny honey or maple syrup 200ml/7fl oz double cream

Method

Brush the inside of a 20cm/8in springform tin with the sunflower oil, and line the base with a disc of baking parchment. Put the digestive biscuits into a sealable freezer bag. Push all the air out and seal the bag. Crush the biscuits with a rolling pin, until they are reduced to sand-like crumbs.

Melt the butter in a large saucepan. Stir in the biscuit crumbs and cinnamon. Press the crumbs into the bottom of the tin.

Chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.Chop 150g/5oz of the strawberries in half from top to bottom and arrange around the edge of the prepared tin, cut side-up. Chop the remaining berries into small pieces.

Melt the chocolate in a heatproof bowl, either over a pan of simmering water, making sure the bowl doesn’t touch the water, or in a microwave. Beat together the cream cheese,

vanilla, lemon zest and honey in a mixing bowl. Stir in the chopped strawberries.

In another bowl, whisk the double cream until it holds a floppy peak. Fold the melted chocolate into the cream cheese mixture, followed by the double cream. Add more honey if needed. Spoon the filling into the tin, being careful not to move the strawberries on the edge. Spread level with a palette knife or the back of a spoon, cover with cling film and chill overnight, until firm.

Carefully remove the cheesecake from the tin and put on a serving plate. Slice or quarter extra strawberries to arrange on top.

RECIPE: BBC Good Food

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Pink Bubbles “What better excuse to crack open a bottle of pink bubbly than Valentine’s Day. Whether you're celebrating with a special someone, your best pals, or just having a romantic night in for one, these bottles are just the ticket”

Bollinger Rosé Brut NV Made from Pinot Noir with a dash each of Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier, this has fantastic depth of flavour. It’s a seductive, showing flavours of summer berry fruits with a soft texture and long finish. Great with seafood, such as crab or lobster £59.99, Waitrose

La Gioiosa Prosecco Rose Millesimato This Prosecco Rosé has a pomegranate nuance edged with soft pink reflections. The nose is subtle and fresh, offering hints of small red fruits. Notes of rose and pomegranate complete this elegant and intense aromatic profile. On the palate, it is silky and full, presenting a very pleasant balance between the fruity and floral notes £10.00, Tesco

Laurent-Perrier Brut Cuveé Rosé Champagne Elegant, with a raspberry hue which develops to salmon nuances as the wine ages. This champagne presents fragrances from a wide range of red fruits (raspberry, redcurrant, strawberry, black cherry). It will complement many dishes: marinated raw fish, grilled prawns, Parma ham or even desserts. £75, John Lewis Freixenet Italian Sparkling Rose Using its extensive sparkling winemaking expertise. A stand-out rosé that is perfect to make any occasion extra special. A delicate blend of Glera and Pinot Noir grapes, carefully selected from the finest Italian vineyards.

Light and effervescent, with notes of red berries and underlying hints of white flowers and apples.

Perfect with shellfish, desserts or as a sophisticated aperitif. £12.00, Tesco

Louis Roederer Champagne Fresh and pure with notes of red summer fruit sorbet, cherry blossom, smoked sea salt, pink grapefruit, orange, roasted almonds, fruity speciality coffee and a touch of chalk from the Chouilly Chardonnay. Consider pairing with salmon, pink lamb, canapés, beetroot risotto, lighter Japanese dishes and strawberry desserts. £72.50, Harvey Nichols

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interiors

Dunhelm

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Loveseat, £2,832, Darlings of Chelsea

Throw, £69, Tolly McRae Stripe Linen Cushion, £46, Rebecca Pitcher

Mug, £14, Ella James

Side Table, POA, Marks & Spencer Leaf Poster, £14.94, Desenio

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Abstract Cushion, £49, Cult Furniture Chair, £1,290, Sweetpea & Willow

chocolate & sage Glass Vase, £65, Cult Furniture

Pair sage green with chocolate brown for a calming, contemporary look

Jug, £15.30, CASA International

Sofa Bed, £349, www.made.com

Plates, £119, www.made.com

Rug, £119, Cult Furniture

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but first

coffee

Whether you go for cappuccino or latte, espresso or French press, elevate your barista skills with these gorgeous buys

Black Mugs (set of 4), £22.50, Cox & Cox

Stoneware Mugs (set of 4), £21, ProCook

Broste Mug, £17, Selfridges Mug, £9, Amara

Stoneware Mug, £30, Objects and Finds

Gold Coffee Maker., £115, Beaumonde

Espresso Maker, £75, Amara

Hygge Coffee Pot, £25, House of Flora Stoneware Mug, £7, Grand Illusions

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Beer Whisperers Candle, £25, Red Candy

Barbour Striped Top, £99.95, www.barbour.com

Thomas Sabo Bracelet, £79, John Lewis

just for

WOLF Cub Watch Winder, £269, www.bakerbrothersdiamonds.com

him

Valentine’s isn’t just for her, how about treating the man in your life a gift he’ll love

Cashmere Scarf, £145, Heating & Plumbing London

Montblanc Turn Down Cufflinks, £220, www.bakerbrothersdiamonds.com

Sheepskin Slippers, £36, Soak & Sleep

Card Holder, £135, Mulberry

Hip Flasj, £59, Farrar & Tanner

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Jersey Boys are Beggin’ to Entertain Us Jersey Boys are ‘working their way back’ to Milton Keynes this February and we were lucky enough to catch up with Michael Pickering (Frankie Valli), Lewis Griffiths (Nick Massi), Blair Gibson (Bob Gaudio), and Dalton Wood (Tommy DeVito) who talk nostalgia, gambling and Covid.

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

Dalton: They’re in for a fun-filled night with amazing music, on top of which, there’s a true and gritty story. It’s all-round entertainment.

Michael: It’s one of those shows where if someone says ‘My husband won’t come see a musical’ this is the one you bring them to because they’re going to love musicals after seeing it. Sometimes men get dragged along to it and they leave going ‘Oh my God that was amazing’. It’s a wonderful night out.

Is it just what audiences are craving right now, after all the lockdowns and restrictions?

Michael: Absolutely. It’s got such a great story, everyone loves the music, and it kind of relates to the world we’re living in at the moment because the Four Seasons went through such hard times yet they kept going. It’s an inspiring story and we all need that at the moment.

Lewis: With the greatest respect to Jersey Boys I think faithful theatre audiences are craving anything they can get their hands on. But Jersey Boys just happens to be one of those shows that puts life into perspective and makes you smile at the same time.

Why do you think there’s still such nostalgia for the music?

Michael: No-one has come close to touching it since. They had the four-part harmonies and Frankie’s unique falsetto, and they were a group - they were a team and a family, not some manufactured band. They loved what they did and they worked hard to get to the top.

Dalton: Frankie is still out there and still going strong, which helps keep the music alive as does the show. Beggin’ is a hit all over again, which is amazing, and all their music is just incredible. That’s why it keeps coming back round again and again.

Blair: The songs are classics. As Dalton says, Beggin’ is now one of the bestselling songs around the world and it originally came out in 1967. Their music is timeless.

How would you describe your respective characters in the show?

Michael: Frankie Valli has the biggest heart and a wonderful talent. What he lacks in stature he makes up for in heart and I think he falls on hard times because of how much he gives to his family and friends.

Lewis: Nick is the band’s bassist and arranger, a musical

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genius and the strong, silent type. He’s incredibly enigmatic, with his quirks and his isms, and he’s dealing with his demons - which really resonates in this day and age where there’s more awareness of mental health.

music again. We’re dancing around. [Laughs] The good old thigh slap.

It’s not just a jukebox musical, is it?

Lewis: Absolutely not. It can easily, mistakenly be labelled a jukebox musical by people who aren’t familiar with the terminology but it’s actually a play. Jersey Boys has always been a play where this incredible back catalogue of music is interwoven through the story chronologically.

Dalton: It’s a play with songs because it tells their story.

You get all the music everyone still loves and wants but you also get a gripping true story.

Blair: Bob is the composer who wrote all the songs for the Four Seasons as well as for other artists. He also had a role in the production side of things, especially later on in their careers. He’s very pragmatic and very logic-driven, which is what the group needed at the time, and it’s part of the reason they’re still big and still successful today.

Dalton: Tommy is the one who started the band. He has his issues; he’s a big gambler and gets into money troubles. But he’s the one that brought them all together and he’s such a big character to play.

There are so many great songs in the show.

Do you have any favourites to perform?

Dalton: I love the big three, so that’s Sherry, Big Girls Don’t Cry and Walk Like a Man. Those were the group’s first big hits. We perform them one after another. The dance moves and the harmonies come out - they’re such fun to perform.

Michael: For me it’s Cry for Me, which comes quite early in the show. It shows the boys coming together one by one and it’s the first time they hit their harmonies and go ‘This is it’.

Lewis: Beggin’ is so infectious. It’s groovy but it’s dark and gritty. It’s an uplifting pop song but with a deep meaning to it in terms of the lyrics and where it falls in the story. I also love Stay because it comes after a really intense, explosive scene and it shows them lacing up their shoes, straightening their ties and stepping out in front of a crowd. It’s like ‘We’re still here, we’re thriving, and we love what we do’ and that’s kind of a metaphor for myself and people who are striving to work in the theatre industry at the moment. Kudos to anyone that’s doing it.

Blair: I love Let’s Hang On because it’s when they’ve come out of a period of darkness and angst and it’s all about the

Blair: People come expecting the songs they know and love but they go away having learned something because not everyone knows the ins and outs of the plot. It’s almost like a documentary told by the band themselves. You get different points of view on the same story from these four people who are four very different guys. It’s a very dramatic narrative but also has that feel-good element. I feel good just doing it.

How have audiences been so far?

Lewis: It’s been such a pleasant surprise. Theatre has been a long-suffering victim of the pandemic and there’s some apprehension but they’re coming back to theatres in droves and loving it. They’re showing their approval by having a great time.

Dalton: We’ve had standing ovations every night so far and fingers crossed that carries on. The reaction has been so positive and for us as performers it’s just nice to be back out there again after so long.

What do you hope people will feel when they leave the theatre?

Dalton: We end the show with such joyous numbers everyone knows, even if they weren’t around at the time they first came out. They’ll leave upbeat and happy.

They’ll have had a fun, energising evening whilst learning a bit more about the Four Seasons’ story along the way.

Blair: It has peaks and valleys, with fun moments and some really dramatic ones. It gives you feel-good moments then brings you back down to earth before ending with Who Loves You – a song that everyone knows and which has everyone on their feet. I think they’ll leave feeling ecstatic but also surprised by what they’ve learned. We’ve had so many people say ‘We had no idea about the story, we just came for the music’. There’s a lot of appreciation, which is always nice to hear.

Jersey Boys is at Milton Keynes Theatre from Wednesday 23rd February to Saturday 5th March. For tickets, visit www.atgtickets.com/MiltonKeynes.

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TRAVEL

The Maldives

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The Fellows HoUSE A Cultivated Retreat

T

here’s something for everyone when it comes to Cambridge, whether it’s history or culture, coffee shops or boutiques, idyllic streets and of course punting. The choice is endless it is a city that some even say ‘changed the world!’

And now amongst the many places to stay, there’s a new kid on the block, located a short walk from the city centre, and a stone’s throw from the River Cam and Jesus Green, is The Fellows House part of the Hilton Hotels ‘Curio Collection’ and the perfect base to explore and unlock the history of this famed city.

From outside, the building is unassuming, but walk through the doors and you are met with a unique luxury and distinctive combination of contemporary and classic elements all inspired by the city’s colleges, specifically of course, the fellows.

A rich, deep colour palette of walnut, burgundy and metallic tones intertwined with artwork that includes a stunning oil painting of Dr Davidson Nicol (the first black African fellow at Cambridge) and you know that a lot of thought has gone into creating an ambient, historic aura.

Behind the Cipollino Ondulato Rosso marble reception desk is a floor to ceiling wooden pigeon hole cabinet (the kind once popular in colleges). Each pigeon hole is labelled with a word in an old typewriter font, which on their own are meaningless, but put them all together and they form a poem by a Cambridge fellow.

The Fellows House houses 131 rooms from standard through to apartments and duplexes. The majority though are apartment-style rooms and of course they are named after influential Cambridge graduates.

We were staying in one of the apartments – A large space with a fully kitted out attention to detail kitchen with fridge, hob, dishwasher, pans, crockery, cutlery, even a cookbook, in case you feel like becoming the next Nigella Lawson during your stay!

Adjacent to the kitchen is the living and dining space, where earthy grey tones, muted neutrals and sleek furnishings create a relaxing, luxurious ambience.

There’s a Flat screen TV in both the living area and bedroom, with a King- Sized bed, soft pillows, crisp white sheets and the fluffiest of gowns.

The little details are what makes a stay extra special, a gift bag of goodies that included bottles of fruit juice, gin, tonic water and a copy of Thomas Hardy’s ‘Far from the Madding Crowd’ were all a welcome treat and the White Company toiletries in the bathroom were the icing on the cake. You can’t have all these treats and not indulge, so after an invigorating rainfinity shower it was time to curl up in the corner wrapped in a fluffy gown, slowly sipping a Gin & Tonic!

Before getting too comfortable and not moving from my spot it was time to explore the pool. The lift takes you directly down to pool level so no need to change out of your

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fluffy gown. The pool is small and intimate surrounded by comfy loungers with a sauna and steam room off of it.

There’s even a separate gym if you’re feeling energetic – I wasn’t - chilling by the pool was enough for me.

Dinner was served in The Folio Kitchen, a combination of contemporary and classic décor within a fresh and invigorating colour palette. Walls and columns are clad in whitewashed brick with original artworks adorning them, there’s even a romantic poem written nearly 100 years ago by a Chinese student and a leader of China’s New Culture.

With splashes of burnt orange, sage green and brown leather upholstery set against antiqued mirrors and a geometric black and white tiled floor, The Folio Kitchen is another nod towards the fellows and their history.

The cocktail menu is a dream, it has all the classics along with specially themed cocktails, all encapsulating the theme of the hotel through their names and ingredients ‘The Day Dream’ Alfred Tennyson (Linden Leaf 8 Gin, rhubarb syrup, lime, strawberry and soda) and ‘The Enigma’ after Alan Turning’s Biography (Dark and White Rums, pineapple, passion fruit, tikki bitters and absinth) were our choices and what great choices they were, our taste buds were suitably tempted and we were ready to dine.

The menu was full of tempting dishes but after much deliberation we opted for the Avocado accompanied with a Rice Bowl and Scallops with Celeriac, both dishes were impeccably presented and were infused with flavours and textures that had our taste buds wanting more.

The mains consisted of Lamb served with vegetables, spiced cous cous, lamb jus and a tomato & mint relish creating a real explosion of tastes - perfection on the

palette. Rib eye served with all the trimmings was another treat, cooked exactly as requested and well rested it literally melted in the mouth.

Dessert was an indulgence too far for me, I was full, but hubby had no such problem and delved into the Berries & Meringue, light and refreshing and the perfect way to end a delightful dining experience.

But the evening didn’t end here, it would have been sacrilege not to indulge in another cocktail at ‘The Folio Bar’ and soak up the atmosphere of what can only be described as a ‘Private Members Club’ that surrounds itself with soft low lighting, sumptuous sofas and armchairs (Sherlock Holmes wouldn’t look out of place here), a cosy log fire and a pool table that just sat perfectly within the curios and history of this unique hotel.

After a peaceful and restful night sleep breakfast the next morning was a laid back relaxed affair, which set us up perfectly for a full day of exploring.

The Fellows House is a treasure trove of hidden artwork, history and architecture, around every corner there’s something new to discover, a cultivated retreat for business or pleasure and guaranteed to have you wanting to return time and time again.

BOOK IT

Rooms at The Fellows House Cambridge, Curio Collection

by Hilton, start from £170 per night for 2 people staying in a Kipling King room on a B&B basis.

For more information, or to book visit www.thefellowshousecambridge.curiocollection.com

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Celebrating a Month of Love at

Shangri-La The Shard, London This February, Shangri-La The Shard is conjuring up new and unforgettable ways to show appreciation to all the loves in your life, whether it’s a partner, parent or friend, in one of London’s most iconic settings. Ensuring no one is missed by Cupid’s arrow this year, Shangri-La The Shard has created an array of special experiences, with heart, to mark the month of love.

couples’ massages by selecting from our Valentine’s experience menu when booking.

During the month of love, spend quality relaxation time at Western Europe’s highest Sky Pool, gym and sauna, with unique views over landmarks like St. Paul’s Cathedral and the Houses of Parliament, topped off with a blissful Neal’s Yard Remedies Valentine’s couples’ aromatherapy massage performed either in one of the hotel’s serene treatment rooms, or in the comfort of your own room.

Availability: Valentine’s Day set menu available 11th-28th February 2022, priced from £150 per person.

To book, visit: ting-shangri-la.com

Pulling out all the stops for a luxurious getaway in the clouds, rooms and suites can be transformed with heartshaped balloons, bouquets of flowers, hand-made chocolates, caviar and rosé champagne to sip against the backdrop of the capital’s skyline – from sweeping daytime views to romantic sunsets and twinkling evening lights of the city below.

Priced from £745 per night, the Love is in the Air package includes: A one-night stay in a luxurious room or suite, with breakfast for two at TĪNG A bottle of chilled rosé champagne in your room A bouquet of flowers and hand-made chocolate Use of the Sky Gym, infinity Sky Pool and sauna

Customise your stay with heart-shaped balloons and

Throughout February, foodies will also find special loveinspired culinary creations at Shangri-La The Shard’s spectacular restaurants and bars:

The ultimate date night at TĪNG Restaurant and Lounge TĪNG, on Level 35, is offering a decadent Valentine’s Day menu featuring Maldon oysters with rose and passionfruit, camembert ‘fondue’ with asparagus and truffle, and heartshaped chocolate mousse. With the option to pair each course with wines selected by the hotel’s expert sommelier, and a signature Midnight Delight cocktail, there’s no better way to enjoy your special moment.

Take love sky high at GŎNG Bar Revel in London’s best views at the highest hotel bar in Western Europe this Valentine’s Day. Your front row seat to the city skyline comes with a bottle of Louis Roederer Rosé Champagne, an Asian sharing platter, and delicious dessert in the most romantic of settings.

For the month of love, GŎNG’s extensive cocktail menu will feature the fragrant Pink Azul, made with Ocho Blanco tequila, Campari, rose and lavender. Continue your celebrations at home with an Asian-inspired Love Potion bottled cocktail, which includes Courvoisier cognac, Havana rum, Sake and a flash of gold.

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@seachiic

Availability: Available from 11th – 14th February 2022, with rosé champagne and platter priced from £295. The Pink Azul cocktail will be served until the end of February 2022.

To book, visit: gong-shangri-la.com

Cosy up with love cocktails at Hütte 31

At ground floor Hütte 31, Valentine’s visitors will find cosy outdoor wooden chalets with soft blankets and guaranteed ‘snow’; a wintry hideaway to enjoy a selection of cocktails created by mixologists for the month of love, alongside traditional Austrian delicacies from Nuernberger Sausage Rolls and Chicken Schnitzel. Try the Flamey Viola, with watermelon liqueur, Ketel one vodka, fresh apple and prosecco, or the Mr Wild, with Wild Turkey rye whiskey, Maker’s Mark bourbon, fresh orange, lime and honey.

Availability: Love Cocktails available from 11th – 28th February 2022, from £11 each, or two for £20. Chalets seat up to four people.

To book, visit: bar31.com

For more information, visit shangri-la.com/london/shangrila

@seachiic

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WIn!

A RELAXING SPA STAYCATION FOR TWO AT THE QHOTELS COLLECTION

eady to relax, recharge and recuperate? Soon you could be enjoying some ‘you’ time, with the chance to win an incredible weekend away with spa treatments.

R

We’ve teamed up with The QHotels Collection, to give one of our lucky readers an exclusive staycation for two people at a spa hotel within the collection.

With 17 gorgeous spa hotels across the UK, you’ll be able to leave your worries behind at the likes of historic hideaway, Slaley Hall - nestled deep in the serene North East landscape, or Crewe Hall, set in eight acres of stunning grounds in the peaceful Cheshire countryside, with its lavishly decorated historic pile dating back to the 17th century. Also in the collection, Norton Park, set in a blissful parkland just outside historic Winchester and Oulton Hall, Spa & Golf Resort very accessible to Leeds city centre, while set within the rolling Yorkshire countryside. All hotels perfect for those moments when all you crave is peace and quiet.

As well as tranquility, there’s delicious food and drink to be enjoyed while you’re away, with AA Rosette-winning restaurants and opulent Champagne bars within the spa resorts. Each hotel within the collection packs a culinary punch in its own distinctive way.

THE PRIZE This incredible prize includes a one night stay with breakfast, plus a two-course dinner and a spa treatment for two people.

Whether you’re craving some solo pampering or want to indulge with your nearest and dearest, you’ll have the haven of rest and relaxation where self-care and indulgence are the only thing on your to-do list. From facials that leave your skin glowing to massages and full body treatments that soothe you from head to toe, the expert treatments will leave you relaxed, refreshed and revitalised.

For a full list of The QHotels Collection spas, visit: www.qhotels.co.uk/our-spas

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HOW TO ENTER For the chance to win this indulgent overnight spa break please tell us: Which city centre is accessible from Oulton Hall, Spa & Golf Resort?

Please email your answer along with your name to jane@affinitymag.co.uk Competition closes on 15th March 2022.

Winner will be announced on 20th March 2022 – GOOD LUCK!

T&C’s

One prize winner to receive a 1-night stay, including breakfast and dinner at the hotel, for two people in a standard double or twin room. Prize stay must be booked in advance through The QHotels Collection team. Prize is redeemable at one of any of the hotels listed above. Dates are subject to availability for each hotel. Prize not redeemable on key dates: Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, Valentine’s Day. Prize is non-transferrable. No prize or cash alternative. Prize must be redeemed by 31st December 2022.

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Sani Resort the World’s Leading Family & Beach Resort Sani Resort is a world-class luxury holiday destination, featuring five award-winning hotels - Sani Beach, Sani Club, Porto Sani, Sani Asterias and Sani Dunes. Located on the Kassandra peninsula in Halkidiki, 80 km southeast of Thessaloniki international airport, Sani is nestled in a peaceful 1000-acre reserve, surrounded by pine forests and beautiful beaches.

For nearly 50 years it has set the benchmark for luxury hospitality in Europe, with world-leading facilities including a private marina, the Rafa Nadal Tennis Centre, the Chelsea FC Foundation and the Bear Grylls Survival Academy. Sani also hosts two globally renowned cultural events, Sani Festival and Sani Gourmet.

Perfectly set up for children of all ages - babies, children and teens - where all Little Guests are VIPs. As well as Kids Clubs and babysitting for younger ones, Sani offers a unique Babewatch programme where dedicated personnel watch the children at the water's edge as they build sandcastles and play games, allowing the parents to enjoy a relaxing dip in the water!

Sani also offers exceptional academies for children and teens including the Tennis Academy for 5-17-year olds, in association with Rafa Nadal Tennis Centre; a Football Academy for 4-16-year olds, in association with Chelsea FC; and the Bear Grylls Survival Academy, where children are given a unique opportunity to learn expert survival skills.

Other academies include scuba-diving, water-skiing, biking, sailing and triathlon training.

Sani is also firmly committed to contributing to the fight against climate change, with the aim to mitigate emissions, increase renewable energy use and balance out remaining

emissions, assisted with the launch of its Zero Carbon Footprint. In 2020, Sani Resort successfully became the first carbon neutral resort in Greece, balancing its net emissions to zero, while the resort has been running on 100% renewable electricity since 2019. Half a century of respecting nature has crafted Sani Resort into the ultimate sustainable destination, and Sani’s commitment to change and improvement has been proven by ongoing achievements and milestones. Sani Resort is also a member of the United Nations Global Compact.

In May 2022, the highly anticipated second phase of Porto Sani’s elegant reimagining will be unveiled at the five-star, multi-award-winning Sani Resort, following the completion of a €30 million refurbishment. The stylish renovation showcases impressive upgrades throughout the hotel and invites guests to experience the completion of their redesigned hotel concept, which focuses on carefree, luxury holidays for young families. The extended property will reopen with two new restaurants, extended public spaces, new pools, as well as 148 luxuriously comfortable suites, each perfectly tailored to meet the needs of babies, children and their parents. In addition, the Kids Club and Crèche have undergone an expansion of their own, creating new indoor and outdoor spaces for a range of activities.

BOOK IT

Prices at Sani Beach in a Double Room start from €129 per night, on a half-board basis.

Prices at Sani Asterias in a Junior Suite start from €212 on a half-board basis.

For more information, visit www.sani-resort.com

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If You Go Down to the Woods Today Boutique Hotel Reopens in Heart of New Forest A boutique hotel nestled in the heart of the New Forest has officially reopened its doors — just in time to escape the January blues.

Located in the quiet Hampshire village of Woodlands, near Southampton, the Spot in the Woods, part of the Hillbrooke Hotel collection, is offering home sourced, forest-inspired menus, and rooms with the comfiest bedding and signature Hillbrooke touches — where peaceful nights and gentle strolls are the order of the day.

The secluded hotel offers 11 individually decorated chic rooms that come equipped with Nespresso coffee machines and Mozzo coffee, Roberts radios, and homemade treats, with some also including luxurious roll top baths. Each en suite bathroom also comes with luxury full-size 100 Acre toiletries that guests are encouraged to leave behind in a commitment from the hotel to make more sustainable decisions.

There are an additional five shepherd huts too, made cosy with electric log fires and all the same signature touches you’d find in the bedrooms, should guests want to enjoy a more rustic stay. Four-legged friends are also very welcome at Spot in the Woods — with some great walks on offer in the surrounding forest.

The food and beverage offering has also been reinvented, with new menus boasting locally sourced and forestinspired food. With simple, seasonal tastes, the Kitchen is open all day serving delicious meals, from bracing breakfasts and brunches to homemade pizzas, and menus that change with the seasons.

Paul Brown, Hillbrooke Hotels Managing Director said: “Along with many others in the hospitality industry, Spot in the Woods has been through some challenging times over the last 18 months or so, and we are delighted to be open once again, with a new identity designed to provoke lasting memories. It has been a long road and we are so grateful for people’s patience and support over these difficult times. Whilst our guests and team's safety remains the first priority, people will always receive a warm welcome at this particular Spot in the Woods.”

Spot in the Woods is one of four hotels within Hillbrooke Hotels - a collection of hotels and inns in beautiful English locations. The group prides itself on offering true retreats for both leisure or business stays — where traditional environments meet modern attitudes.

A sister to the Spot in the Woods, The Master Builder’s is just a 30 minute’s drive away and sits in Lord Montagu’s Beaulieu Estate with beautiful views over the Beaulieu River. It is perched at the end of Buckler’s Hard Village - a picturesque setting on the south coast of England.

BOOK IT

*For more information on the Spot in the Woods, please visit: www.hillbrookehotels.co.uk/spot-in-the-woods

*For more information on Hillbrooke Hotels, please visit: www.hillbrookehotels.co.uk

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Treat Your Valentine to Romantic Relaxation in Cornwall If you're looking to spend quality time with your loved one this February, why not celebrate in style at The Headland?

Whether it is a grand romantic gesture or something a little more subtle, the five-star hotel provides a luxury getaway on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean in Newquay.

You might wish to surprise your loved one with a romantic Valentine's Day package and enjoy some "we time" to shake off the winter blues.

Boasting a beautiful clifftop location overlooking the golden sands of Fistral Beach, The Headland is the ideal place to revitalise,

rejuvenate and relax with your partner.

Whether it is your first time away together, or you're celebrating a special anniversary, The Headland will have you feeling the love from the moment you arrive.

Making the most of the spa facilities (which includes couples' massage) and Aqua Club may leave you feeling a bit peckish, so why not indulge in a limited edition afternoon tea?

Treat your loved one to delicious sandwiches, fresh and fluffy scones, Cornish jam and cream and selection of cakes, all lovingly presented on a three-tier cake stand.

The Package

Two nights' accommodation in the five-star hotel Cornish breakfast on both mornings A two-course dinner on first evening Single red rose in the room Complimentary use of the five bubble awarded spa facilities including pool complete with swan neck jet, Cornish salt steam room, Swedish sauna, hot tub and experience showers

Access to the new £10 million Aqua Club with six pools and a sun terrace overlooking the Atlantic Ocean From £399 for a 2-night stay between February 2-17.

For more details visit www.headlandhotel.co.uk

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

Aquarius (20 January – 18 February) You are bolder than usual and motivated to pursue what you want and to prove your value. It’s about positive new beginnings, turning over a new leaf, and expressing yourself without apology. There may be job offers and opportunities, and some of you could be receiving significant gifts or bonuses. If you have been working along the right track, you can see a significant pay-off for previous efforts.

Favourable Dates: February 3, 5, 12, 14, 21, 23 Favourable Colours: Yellow & Blue

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Pisces (19 February – 20 March) This period heightens your optimism and generosity, and has the potential for being a relaxed, fortunate and hopeful time in your life. You are greeting life with a fresh, can-do attitude. Events occur that help you to overcome problems that previously seemed challenging or even insurmountable. Furthering your personal ambitions and interests comes more easily during this cycle. A compelling, intense relationship may come and go very quickly.

Favourable Dates: February 3, 6, 12, 15, 21, 24 Favourable Colours: Red & Blue

Aries (21 March – 19 April) This can be a beneficial period but do take it slowly. It presents more opportunity for insight into the demands of your situation. Matters of business and money may start to flex their muscle and begin to grow and expand. You will do well in matters that require good concentration, especially esoteric and philosophical studies. Sexual encounters are tempting and creativity will be high.

Favourable Dates: February 4, 5, 13, 14, 22, 23 Favourable Colours: Red & Green

Taurus (20 April – 20 May) This is a month of mixed blessings. A series of events will affect your self-image and your major relationships, sparking off events and touching deep personal issues for you in terms of self and partnership. There is money to be made if you know when to act and how to manage it. There is love to be found or renewed if you know how to open yourself up to it.

Favourable Dates: February 2, 6, 11, 15, 20, 24 Favourable Colours: Yellow & Blue Gemini (21 May – 20 June) You will find success through personal effort, along with honours and dignities. You can achieve high ambitions, especially those connected with government, institutions and the law. Ride your own luck and enthusiasm with opportunities that present themselves for growth, expansion and diversity. It’s a good time to get yourself noticed. You may get drawn into matters of direct spiritual experience, allowing you to touch the world of spirit and the invisible.

Favourable Dates: February 3, 7, 12, 16, 21, 25 Favourable Colours: White & Blue

Cancer (21 June – 22 July) Life is keeping a firm grip on where you go and what you do. This month may find you counting the costs of the formidable efforts you have had to make to keep going.

Attunement to the pattern will be an integral part of getting the most from this month, for there are clear cycles of growth, decline and re-growth in different areas of your life.

Favourable Dates: February 1, 4, 10, 13, 19, 22 Favourable Colours: White & Red Leo (23 July – 22 August) You would be fostering connections, affirming efforts and bringing a note of the hard-won achievement that you can celebrate. It will be important for you to redefine yourself, to see yourself in different ways, almost as a different person. You can wilt beneath the challenge or flourish, toughened by the experience. It’s up to you. Sexuality is

active, experimental and somewhat detached, bringing love affairs and adventures.

Favourable Dates: February 5, 8, 14, 17, 23, 26 Favourable Colours: Blue & Yellow

Virgo (23 August – 22 September) You are more in touch with friends and dreaming up new goals. This is a period where you can grow and expand on a very personal level through opportunities for advancement through study or promotion. Eat up what’s on the plate. It will lead to more and better things for you.

Romance in the work environment and fun with a dashing foreigner, or creative type is indicated. Travel will bring out the beast in you.

Favourable Dates: February 3, 8, 12, 17, 21, 26 Favourable Colours: Red & Yellow Libra (23 September – 22 October) This could be a good time to avoid tying up any money with other people’s business or investments, as such ties may lead to losses, uncertainties and even outright deception.

There will be endings, departures and even betrayals. You may find some new liaison. It will certainly be an intense one. For those already in relationships, the pressure around you or from within to maintain the relationship will get increased.

Favourable Dates: February 1, 6, 10, 15, 19, 24 Favourable Colours: Purple & Yellow

Scorpio (23 October – 21 November) Your energy levels run high and your pioneering instincts are strong. This is a fabulous period for charm and attractiveness. Stress could build up in the last week or just plain old-fashioned exhaustion could set in. Take care of yourself as you try to walk the line between self-nurture and meeting the demands of your life. Give yourself a little breathing space and time for review.

Favourable Dates: February 3, 9, 12, 18, 21, 27 Favourable Colours: Red & White

Sagittarius (22 November -21 December) The month ahead is strong for networking, friendships, and new approaches in your career.. The first ten days can find you streamlining your routines, heavily involved in research and highly motivated in work and health matters.

The second half is more auspicious for clearing up misunderstandings with authority figures. After 22nd there can be surprising happenings with friends or acquaintances and possibly a love relationship.

Favourable Dates: February 2, 7, 12, 16, 20, 27 Favourable Colours: Red & White Capricorn (22 December – 19 January) You are especially companionable and open to new experiences, although perhaps starry-eyed at times. There can be a surprising or sudden show of support, emotional or financial. Romantic illusions or self-deceptions should be watched for. Some of you could connect intimately with someone seemingly out of the blue, or there can be an unanticipated financial matter to manage. The last week can involve some social drama in your life.

Favourable Dates: February 2, 6, 11, 15, 20, 24 Favourable Colours: Yellow & Blue

manishastroconsultant manish@manishastrologer.com

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Weekend Starts Here....

The Christie Affair by Nina De Gramont Agatha Christie's world is one of glamorous society parties, country house weekends, and growing literary fame.

Nan O'Dea's world is something very different. Her attempts to escape a tough London upbringing during the Great War led to a life in Ireland marred by a hidden tragedy.

After fighting her way back to England, she's set her sights on Agatha. Because Agatha Christie has something Nan wants.

And it's not just her husband.

Despite their differences, the two women will become the most unlikely of allies. And during the mysterious eleven days that Agatha goes missing, they will unravel a dark secret that only Nan holds the key to...

Marry Me Music superstars Kat Valdez and Bastian are getting married before a global audience of fans. But when Kat learns, seconds before her vows, that Bastian has been unfaithful, she decides to marry Charlie, a stranger in the crowd, instead.

Release Date: 11th February

The Right One Sara is a novelist struggling with writer's block. Then she meets the most unusual man of her life, Godfrey, an oddball who is on the run from himself.

Traumatic events in his past have caused him to reinvent himself repeatedly. Godfrey changes his personality as often as most people change clothes. Sara is intrigued by this weirdo and decides she can cure her writer's block by using him as a character in a new novel. Sara befriends Godfrey and then they become more than friends -- but things get complicated when he finds out she is using him to write a book.

Release Date: 5th February

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PRICELESS

www.affinitymag.co.uk AFFINITY LUXURY LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

ISSUE 129

WIN!

A Luxurious Overnight Spa Stay at a QHotel

LOVE IS IN THE AIR WWW.AFFINITYMAGAZINE.CO.UK

With Our Valentine's Gift Guide

Relax & Unwind at The Fellows House in Cambridge Read our Review

FASHION EXTRA It's time for a wardrobe makeover

JOURNALING

HOW IT CAN HELP YOUR MENTAL HEALTH

Pucker Up

ISSUE 129

With the perfect shade of red lipstick