By Anya Cooklin-Lofting
More than any time of year, the Christmas build-up requires a hefty serving of our social lives. I’m sure I’m not the only one with a calendar filling up with after-work drinks, Sunday lunches and dinners with friends in anticipation of the over-stuffed calendar itself; we book ‘drinks’ in as early as possible to combat the time-poor Christmas preamble, simultaneously succumbing to it. While full-bodied red wines, Baileys over ice and endless flutes of bubbles have come to characterise the Christmas season over the years, this year, it’s all about pacing yourself with drinks in the no and low alcoholic drinks category.
For interested parties, the term ‘sober curious’ is nothing new. According to Healthline, “sober curiosity often begins with some concern about alcohol’s impact on your life. It usually involves some questioning of drinking culture and your own patterns of alcohol use.” The concept works on the basis that, “you can have concerns about your drinking habits even if you don’t meet criteria for alcohol use disorder.” So, will you join the ‘sober curious’ with no or low-alcohol alternatives to your favourite Christmastime tipples?
If you love a classic cocktail and want to enjoy your favourites without the hangover, Strykk is your new best friend. Strykk’s founder, Alex Carlton, couldn’t find a decent non-alcoholic gin, so in 2018, he launched a line of Not Gin and Not Rum, joined just a year later by Not Vodka. The 100% natural spirit alternatives are completely alcohol-free and have no added sugars, artificial flavours or allergens. For Strykk, it’s not about giving up the booze completely. Instead, it’s about giving people options. So you fancy an espresso martini, but not the vodka-induced headspin? All the same ingredients come together to make a cocktail that tastes just like the real thing, using Not Vodka instead of one of the usual suspects.
Three Spirit is also all about giving drinkers a choice, opening up the conversation about what we drink and why. Each of Three Spirit’s alcohol alternatives is plant-based, vegan, cruelty-free and developed by bartenders themselves to ensure high standards of taste and texture, or what the team calls, ‘mouthfeel.’ Three Spirit also has spirit alternatives you can heat for seriously festive fancies. In particular, its Social Elixir combines brilliantly in a warm pan with cloudy apple juice, lemon, orange, coles, star anise, cardamom and crushed allspice berries to make a mulled cider alternative. Three Spirit’s Zen Hot Toddy recipe is also particularly appealing on a cold autumn evening: stud a lemon with cloves and cut it into slices, warm a cup with hot water (and remove), add maple syrup, a 60ml serving of Three Spirit’s Nightcap, star anise and the studded lemon to a glass and stir. This recipe even comes with an optional dash of whiskey for those who want some for a low-ABV drink.
Botivo is the sister company of Rum Runner, a company that makes unique cocktails and provides bar services for private and corporate events. While Rum Runner specialises in traditional cocktails, Botivo is an alcohol-free aperitif made using all-natural ingredients made via a centuries-old process. The botanical flavour comes from rosemary, thyme, gentian, wormwood and orange zest, while its bite comes from raw apple cider vinegar, its sweetness from raw honey. Botivo can be used in myriad ways, from refreshing summertime pitchers to warming, festive tipples. A seasonal favourite amongst the team includes a 25ml serving of Botivo, 100ml of cooled ginger and clove tea (made by combining 40g ginger and 4 cloves in boiling water) and a muddled plum. Strain the mix over ice into a whiskey tumbler and enjoy.
The Best Ski Resorts…But Not As You Know Them
By Amira Hashish
The new wave of ski resorts offers so much more than fondue and wood-heavy interiors. Catering to the lifestyles of those who care as much about the ethos of where they are staying as the slopes, some exciting brands are bringing unusual concepts to the world’s best mountain escapes. From a remote Japanese hideaway to Canada’s festival pinnacle and South Tyrol’s CO2 neutral getaway, it is worth dusting off your snow boots for these retreats…
Experimental Chalet, Verbier
For those seeking: Accidentally Wes Anderson vibes
What to expect: You can always rely on the Experimental Group for playful design and a focus on fun. Their chalet in the heart of the Verbier mountains comprises 39 rooms and suites, some with terraces, jacuzzis or panoramic views of the surrounding Alpines peaks and Mont Combin. This is far from the typical chalet style with minimalist design by Milanese architect Fabrizio Casiraghi inspired by mid-century resorts. We can’t get enough of the deep jewel and sorbet tones, paired with lacquered wood. The farm to table bistro by the revered Parisian chef Gregory Marchand is an Alpine outpost of his London and Paris based Frenchie restaurants. It wouldn’t be Experimental without a signature craft cocktail bar, just the place for apres-ski. Meanwhile, French, tailor-made skin treatment brand Biologique Recherche is on hand for spa moments.
Book: experimentalchalet.com
Ginzan Hot Spring Fujiya Inn, Honshu
For those seeking: The ultimate slow skiing experience
What to expect: The opposite of the apres life, this is the place you go when you want to be completely off-grid…and breathe. Housed in a 350-year-old traditional Japanese style ryokan (a bit like an inn), six hours north of Tokyo, the former boathouse was designed by celebrated architect Kengo Kuma. It has a series of private hot tubs each varying in style and setting. A long soak in a well as the snowflakes gently roll in, followed by a home cooked seafood feast, could be about as zen as it gets.
Book: fujiya-ginzan.com
Faern, Arosa
For those seeking: Sociable wellness
What to expect: Faern, a collection of alpine resorts in Switzerland, is opening two new properties; Faern Arosa Altein and Faern Crans-Montana Valaisia. The lifestyle hubs have a focus on introducing cutting-edge wellness concepts alongside ski-in-ski-out access to the Swiss slopes. The name Faern has evolved from the German “Feiern”, meaning “to celebrate” so you can expect a healthy dose of joyful gatherings. Designed to feel like a home from home, holistic health and wellbeing merged with mountainous enjoyment is pivotal to the ethos.
Book: faernresorts.com
Four Seasons, Whistler
For those seeking: The hot ticket
What to expect: The twin mountains of Canada’s Whistler and Blackcomb are made up of an eye-watering 200 ski runs. They are having a moment after scooping the title of best ski resort in North America by the Condé Nast Traveler’s annual reader choice awards. As well as being family friendly, the destination has a reputation for festival lovers. Whistler Pride and Ski Festival is one of the biggest queer-focused ski weeks globally. The World Ski and Snowboard Festival is also held here. For those seeking a luxurious retreat, make a beeline for Four Seasons Whistler. Following a major renovation in 2019, this is a luxurious urban take on the traditional mountain lodge, tucked away in Whistler’s Upper Village. As well as the soaring views and open fires there are several heated outdoor pools and plenty of spots to get pampered.
Book: fourseasons.com
Aman Le Mélézin, Courchevel
For those seeking: Ultimate luxe with experiential surprises
What to expect: In the heart of Les Trois Vallées, the classic French châteaux is given a distinctly Aman twist. Rising four storeys above the village of Courchevel 1850, it is directly on the Bellecôte Piste and is quite simply the epitome of chic. Being Aman, there are plentiful experiences to quite literally elevate your stay including sunrise hot-air balloon trips, helicopter rides or paragliding sessions. Don’t expect the traditional focus on fondue when it comes to cuisine. The Nama restaurant is a celebration of Japanese gastronomy.
Book: https://www.aman.com/resorts/aman-le-melezin or ask for a BBB intro info@bbb1.squareballoon.co.uk
FORESTIS Dolomites, South Tyrol
For those seeking: An environmentally friendly escape
What to expect: Mother nature is celebrated in all her glory in this beautifully designed retreat owned by a young local couple called Stefan Hinteregger and Teresa Unterthiner. From the architecture and interior to the cuisine and spa, there is a big focus on a limited carbon footprint with no compromise on style or comfort. The CO2 neutral building uses 100% renewable energy, produced by its very own plant and wood heating system, while the exteriors and interiors are created using local South Tyrolean suppliers and eco-friendly materials. Surrounding the hotel are the felled trees which are used as fences, with two new plantings made for each tree used. There are 62 luxury suites, all with panoramic views of the UNESCO world heritage Dolomites with a restaurant helmed by Chef Roland Lamprecht, a native of South Tyrol. Ski-in, ski-out winter sports are part and parcel of this idyllic escape.
Book: forestis.it
Hotel Jerome, Aspen
For those seeking: Maximalist magic
What to expect: This iconic Aspen hotel has been doing its thing since 1889. That doesn’t mean it rests on its laurels though. Always at the forefront of cool collaborations, its latest is with Felix Roasting Co., the Ken Fulk-designed coffee shop which is causing a buzz on Instagram. Think peacock velvet banquettes, pink fringed slipper chairs, and Murano glass chandeliers. Soaking up its colourful history in super sumptuous surroundings is part of the draw. Ask the concierge about the time Hunter S. Thompson held court there during his run for sheriff.
Safeguarding Your Home During the Qatar World Cup With Somerset Estates
Thinking of going to the Qatar World Cup? Learn how the expert team at Somerset Estates can help with safeguarding your vacant property, putting your mind at ease while you’re away…
As you prepare travel plans for the trip to Qatar, ensuring the protection of your vacant property is of utmost importance for ensuring your peace of mind.
Worrying about your property when you are away – especially during the World Cup – should never be an issue, and our team is committed to giving our clients’ homes the same care when they are vacant as when they are occupied.
From security threats to damaging water leaks, our team is here to check your property on a regular basis, and at the ready to tackle any logistical and technical challenges that may occur when you are away.
As you enjoy your holiday, our staff are available round the clock to address each and every one of your needs, as well as unanticipated situations. We organise and supervise cleaning, oversee contractors, run errands, pay household bills and tend to all unexpected urgent matters, from trespassing concerns to power failures and faulty air conditioning. Our team remains available 24/7, with an emergency phone number allowing us to help in any time zone.
Perhaps most importantly, our regular maintenance of your home in your absence significantly reduces costly repairs and insurance premiums: our ongoing checks prevent potential damages and ensure that your property is kept in perfect working order, and protected from seasonal changes.
We run your heating and cooling systems on a reduced and steady mode – known as ‘vacancy mode’ – keeping your property running efficiently. We flush taps to avoid harmful bacteria build-up within pipes and always take preventative measures for seasonal damages.
Come your return, be it in the middle of the night or on the weekend, we will ensure that your property is ready for your arrival – from having the heating set to your ideal temperature, to having the fridge stocked with your favourite items.
To find out more about our vacant property management services and ease your mind this Christmas and anytime you are away, please get in touch with Philippa by calling +44 (0) 20 3457 2857 / +44 (0) 7904 607136 or emailing info@somersetestates.com to ease your mind this Christmas and anytime you are away.