From quick beauty fixes to festive shopping, beauty editor Chanelle Ho has put together the definitive guide on where to pamper yourself in SW1 this December
Christmas in Knightsbridge: 12 ways to look and feel your best
Beat festive fatigue at SHOT London
Christmas shopping is basically cardio, so treat this fine coffee shop as your essential pit stop. Its expertly pulled espressos and no-nonsense brews are the fastest way to reboot your energy levels – and your patience – before diving back into the crowds.
Treat yourself to a lunchtime blow-dry at Duck & Dry
When your diary shifts unexpectedly from work mode to social mode, a blow-dry is the fastest way to look composed. Big bounce, smooth swish, or soft curls – whatever kind of blow-dry you like, the team at Duck & Dry can transform limp, lifeless locks in as little as 30 minutes.
Get a festive manicure at Townhouse
The manicurists at Townhouse can pull off any moodboard you arrive with, whether it’s gilded accents, a classic deep red, or candy-cane nail art. They prep and preen with forensic precision, leaving you with a manicure that lasts for weeks and hands that look polished wrapped around a champagne coupe or gift bag.
Smile brighter with Serene Dental’s festive packages
Come December, cameras multiply – at parties, dinners and in the hands of the friend who insists on ‘just one more photo!’ A dental refresh suddenly feels less indulgent and entirely practical. Serene Dental’s Festive Smile Packages run until 31 December and offer everything from a straightforward exam and hygiene (£195) to a combined check-up, hygiene and whitening treatment (£395). Looking for a more noticeable glow-up? The Diamond Tier bundles include whitening and composite bonding (from £1,095) so you can perfect your smile. Book your appointment via WhatsApp, phone or online.
Find your party shoes at Russell & Bromley
Kitten heels, pointed flats, knee-high boots – this is where you’ll find the perfect pair of shoes to take you through from dinner to the dance floor.
Reset your skin at Dr Rasha’s Clinic
Mulled wine, mince pies and minimal sleep can wreak havoc on your skin, and there’s only so much your bedtime serum can do. Book in for a Platinum HydraFacial at Dr Rasha Clinic to reset your complexion – the multi-step facial cleanses, exfoliates and hydrates to revive lacklustre skin with personalised serums and boosters. The result? Glass skin that hides all evidence of the nights before.
Get cosy with UGG
Once the heels are off, comfort becomes a non-negotiable. Swap stilettos for shearling-lined slippers and clogs from UGG – the most fashionable choice at the moment is its Tazz slipper, spotted on It girls Hailey Bieber and Gigi Hadid.
Style without the stress with Harvey Nichols’ personal shoppers
Decision fatigue peaks in December – do you go for an LBD, a cocktail dress, a statement co-ord? Let the stylists at Harvey Nichols do all the hard work for you – they’ll curate looks that match your vibe, your budget and your diary – no more flapping in the dressing room.
Go festive foraging at Harrods Christmas World
Whether you need a last-minute gift for the person who has it all, or you just want to soak in the festive atmosphere, Harrods Christmas World is a treasure trove of stocking fillers, mini luxuries and foolproof Secret Santa gifts.
Unwind at The HVN with a full-body massage
If there’s ever a moment to stop and breathe, it’s in-between all the office parties, family gatherings and Christmas shopping. A full-body massage at The HVN is just what the doctor ordered. The luxury wellness clinic boasts the country’s only hydrobed, which combines the unique sensation of dry floatation with a holistic body massage to smooth out knots, tension and seasonal stress, leaving your mind and body feeling, just, ahhh.
Accessorise yourself at Dita Sunglasses
Who says you can’t wear sunglasses in winter? A pair from Dita – sleek, smart and sharp – instantly upgrades a coat, pulls your look together, and conveniently disguises a late night…
Fuel up with Pasta Evangelists at Harrods
This is quick, reliable and delicious comfort food at its finest. Head to Pasta Evangelists at Harrods’ famous Food Hall to carb-load with a silky bowl of carbonara or slow-cooked ragù – whether you’re ending a long night or bracing for another one.
Chanelle Ho is a Sunday Times Style contributor and freelance beauty editor, formerly at PORTER and Grazia magazine
