Share the magic this Christmas with our all inclusive Spa Experiences.

Step into pure decadent luxury, let your stresses and worries float away.

All Spa Experience packages for non-members give you use of all facilities, a floatation treatment, light buffet meal, drinks and robe/towel hire.

All packages available with a selection of treatments at an additional cost.

Additional monetary vouchers are available with all Spa Experiences.

Prices start from only £73.20 for two people

For further details go to http://www.nirvanaspa.co.uk/

NEWS AND EXCITING OFFER FROM CIEL
Eco-fashion pioneer’s Ciel have recently collaborated to create the hostess outfits for Sketch at the Royal Academy for its witty pop up café during the show eARTh art in a changing world.

The show which opened 3rd December to coincide with the Climate Conference in Copenhagen, continues until 31st January 2010 and features thought provoking work by Tracey Emin, Lucy Orta, Darren Almond and Ian McEwan.

The staff in the café will be wearing the signature Ciel knits outside on the Portico, whilst inside they wear the especially commissioned silver “Lunar” dress. A limited edition of 25 “Lunar” dress style worn during the show is now available to order exclusively from the Ciel web shop for a show special at £112.

Ciel also have a 20% Christmas Treats Offer which is exclusive to the web shop with Voucher FLO8.

http://www.ciel.ltd.uk/

WHITE IS THE NEW BLACK WITH THE LIMITED EDITION WHITE BLACKBERRY CURVE

A white Christmas is looking more likely this year as BlackBerry has introduced a sleek, limited edition white device, perfect for the image conscious fashionista.
The BlackBerry Curve 8520 have been re-created with a bespoke white cover and white keys on the face of the device, making them the new handbag essential.

The BlackBerry Curve 8520 is a new twist on the classic Curve 8900 and is the thinnest BlackBerry smartphone to date.

LAST MINUTE CHRISTMAS ESSENTIALS

You’ve got the presents, you’ve got the tree, you’ve got the illuminated Santa Claus climbing up the outside of your house but have you got the Christmas essentials? Visit www.gallerchocolates.co.ukfor chocolate gifts from Galler delivered straight to your door!

Scared of burning your table cloth with a flaming Christmas pudding? Bring a flavour of the Orient to your Christmas table instead with Galler’s innovative Kaori – Japanese Chocolate Calligraphy Set (£14 online). Your family and friends will love finding all 48 different flavour combinations by dipping the 6 different flavoured chocolate sticks into the 3 different flavour pots.

Christmas is all about the little touches, such as after dinner treats. To finish off that festive feast in style offer your guests one of Galler’s oh so elegant Orangettes with their coffee. Les Orangettes are a Christmas must; zingy candied orange enrobed in smooth 70% dark chocolate (£9.95 online) all in a festive russet-coloured tube. Alternatively for those who prefer a bit of nut with their fruit, Galler’s Mendiants (£9.95 online), thin discs of uncracked dark chocolate covered with sweet dried fruit and crunchy nuts are a Christmas classic.

CAN’T COOK? CALL THE TURKEY HOTLINE FOR HELP! 0800 783 9994

Who do you turn to when it’s Christmas Eve and the turkey you’ve just lugged home from the shops won’t fit in the oven? Or the recipe says “stuff the neck end” - and you just can’t tell which end is which?

You call the turkey hotline of course!

And you won’t be alone. Hundreds of people ring this freephone SOS number in the lead-up to the Big Day. They are reassured by the fact it is manned by real live people, not machines, right up until 5pm on Christmas Eve. But as the countdown to Christmas gets closer, the callers get more desperate

How can I make the turkey cook quicker this year to stop everyone getting drunk before dinner?Can I cook it from frozen?...Can I part-cook it then finish it off when I get to my mother-in-laws?...Will my 25lb turkey thaw before tomorrow morning? (The answer to that one is no – blag an invitation to a friend’s for lunch because a bird that size will take a couple of days to defrost).

One thing callers don’t have to worry about is embarrassment – the turkey hotline has heard it all before!

Call 0800 783 9994 and try it out – it’s good to talk!

DEPECHE MODE LAUNCH 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF CONCERTS FOR TEENAGE CANCER TRUST

Royal Albert Hall, February 17th 2010

Tickets Go On Sale Friday December 18th

Depeche Mode are delighted to announce their very special charity performance at the Royal Albert Hall, February 17th, to kick off Teenage Cancer Trust’s 10th series of gigs at the iconic venue.

The concert, Depeche Mode’s first performance at the Royal Albert Hall, will also be part of Teenage Cancer Trust’s celebrations marking the 20th anniversary of the UK’s first teenage cancer unit.

Tickets go on sale Friday December 18th
Available from: www.livenation.co.uk
Box Office Number: 0844 576 5483

Depeche Mode have spent most of the year on their acclaimed worldwide ‘Sounds Of The Universe Tour’, which was one of the biggest of 2009 and sold over 2 million tickets in Europe alone.

They bring their year to a spectacular close with five UK shows this month and resume touring early in 2010. This Royal Albert Hall show looks set to be a true highlight of a sensational tour.

Depeche Mode’s Martin Gore said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to be a part of Teenage Cancer Trust and very proud to be kicking off the 10th year of gigs. We’ve never played the Royal Albert Hall before, so we’re really looking forward to that too.”

Depeche Mode will be donating all proceeds from their one-off show to help raise funds for desperately needed specialist teenage cancer facilities. Since they began in 2000, Teenage Cancer Trust’s concerts at the Royal Albert Hall have raised over £8.7million to help teenagers fight cancer.

"When The Who first got together in 2000 to raise money for this brilliant charity, I had no idea we’d achieve so much from these shows: £8.7million to date and still counting,” said Roger Daltrey CBE, Patron of Teenage Cancer Trust.

“I’m extremely proud of these concerts and the work Teenage Cancer Trust does to help young people fight cancer. I’m forever inspired by the support I have received from the artists and members of the music and comedy industries and thrilled that Depeche Mode are with us for 2010.”

To commemorate the prestigious show, Swiss watchmakers Hublot have very kindly donated 12 exquisitely designed watches representing the number of Depeche Mode studio albums.

Only 12 of these one-of-a-kind watches exist in the world and feature a different iconic Depeche Mode album cover as its watch face. Each of the unique and specially made pieces will go to auction with all proceeds going towards Teenage Cancer Trust. For further information on the auction, please visit www.hublot.com / www.depechemode.com

The Depeche Mode show is the first in a series of concerts for Teenage Cancer Trust with a full week of music and comedy following on 22 March 2010. Full details will be announced in the New Year.
www.depechemode.com

A RED HOT GIFT FROM LEICA THIS CHRISTMAS

Special Edition LEICA MONOVID 8x20 in red leather available in the UK for Christmas http://www.leica-storemayfair.co.uk/news/red-hot-gift-from-leica-christmas.html

Leica has announced an extremely limited edition of its popular LEICA MONOVID 8x20 monocular, just in time for Christmas. Finished in a classic smooth red leather, only 40 of these beautifully-crafted items will be available in the UK.

Designed for the outdoor enthusiast, the LEICA MONOVID 8x20 RED is tiny enough to fit discreetly into a pocket or on a belt, so it can be carried anywhere and everywhere. Despite its diminutive size, however, it is robust enough to withstand any tough weather conditions, and is waterproof to a depth of 5m, while the outstanding Leica precision optics mean the owner will be guaranteed long service.

Ideal as an alternative to larger binoculars, the ultra-portable Monovid can be taken on every trip – whether it’s bird or nature-watching, sporting events or outdoor activities such as concerts or festivals. With dimensions of just105 x 35mm and weighing a mere 112g thanks to its lightweight aluminium body, the Monovid makes a perfect present for anyone who likes to ‘travel light’.

In addition to the 8x magnification for viewing at long distances, the Monovid has another hidden talent. Its clever close-up lens – which screws safely into the top of the leather case when not in use – allows observers of insects and butterflies, or collectors of stamps or other intricate items, to study as close as 25cm from their subject.

Increasing the product’s robust construction even further, a specially-developed Leica AquaDuraTM coating has been applied to all external lens surfaces, which means water droplets simply roll off. This special coating also enables the lenses to be cleaned more quickly and easily than untreated glass, so come rain or shine, LEICA MONOVID 8x20 owners can be certain they will have the perfect view at all times.

Pricing and availability
The LEICA MONOVID 8x20 RED, which includes a close-up lens, neck strap and high quality leather case with belt loop, has an SRP of £329 and is available in the UK from 15 December 2009 from authorised Leica dealers including the Leica Store Mayfair: http://www.leica-storemayfair.co.uk/, tel: 020 7629 1351. Very limited quantities will be available until stocks last. Price will increase to £349 from 1 January 2010 due to the UK VAT rise and exchange rate fluctuations.

CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS IN STYLE AT THE MAY FAIR HOTEL

The May Fair Hotel http://www.themayfairhotel.co.uk is taking care of Christmas this year and treating guests to a luxurious all-inclusive Christmas from £307 prpn (based on 3 nights in King Superior room).

The epitome of indulgence and style; The May Fair are celebration experts, having hosting events from film premieres and fashion weeks, to music awards and celebrity weddings. This Christmas they are inviting you to take advantage of their expertise and luxury setting, by letting them look after Christmas.

The May Fair’s top chef will cook the turkey and serve mulled wine and mince pies during the Queen’s speech – they’ll even provide the afternoon entertainment. All guests have to do is eat, drink and be merry!

http://www.themayfairhotel.co.uk/luxuriouschristmas

The three day package http://www.themayfairhotel.co.uk/luxuriouschristmas includes: a Christmas Eve three-course dinner, mulled wine and mince pies, traditional Christmas Day lunch, Boxing Day Champagne Afternoon Tea and a full English breakfast every morning.

For more details or to book, visit: www.themayfairhotel.co.uk/luxuriouschristmas or call reservations: on +44 (0) 207 769 4041

Terms and Conditions

• Offer is subject to availability and is valid for stays, 24th December to 27th December 2009 (3 night package)

• Rates are per room, per night and based on two sharing a room

• Children up to the age of 12 qualify for a 50% discount

• Free cancellations can be made before 16.00 hours on day of arrival (U.K. time). One night's accommodation will be charged when cancellations are received after this deadline and in the event of a non-arrival

• Your statutory rights are not affected

BBC GOOD FOOD 'FESTIVE RECIPES' APP ON APP STORE

BBC Worldwide today announced that its Festive Recipes app is now available on the App Store in time for Christmas. The app will help solve festive food dilemmas and help users cook like a pro. It includes specially chosen festive recipes, how-to videos and a very handy turkey-timer all from the UK’s number 1 food website*.

The app comes with carefully selected food ideas for the festive period from irresistible canapés, starters and classy cocktails to classic Christmas dinners with all the trimmings, all triple-tested by BBC Good Food’s expert cookery team. Each recipe is accompanied by stunning photography to tantalise the taste buds and foolproof, easy to follow how-to information. Once you find a recipe you like you can store it in your favourites to find it easily later or even email it to a friend.

The app also features a selection of instructional videos with handy demonstrations on cooking techniques, such as knife skills or making your own mayonnaise. You can find detailed information on seasonal ingredients and what to do with them, the app also features a turkey-timer that allows you to input the size and weight of your turkey to get estimated cooking times.

Digital Publisher at BBC Worldwide, Alex White said: “I’m sure Festive Recipes will be an instant hit with both novice and experienced cooks. Preparing festive meals can be a bit overwhelming; deciding what to cook, buying the right ingredients, ensuring everything is cooked at the same time and making sure it all looks pretty on a plate when you serve it to expectant guests. The app combines BBC Good Food’s expert knowledge, advice and ideas in one handy pocket-sized companion, perfect for providing everyone with some festive foodie inspiration.”

The Festive Recipes app was developed for BBC Good Food by Agency Mobile.

The Festive Recipes App is available for £2.39 from the App Store on iPhone® and iPod® touch or at www.itunes.com/appstore/. For thousands more recipes and ideas to choose from log on to http://www.bbcgoodfood.com

Festive Recipes is the second iPhone app to be launched by BBC Worldwide, following the successful Radio Times App launched earlier this year.

*based on a Nielsen survey August 2009 showing http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/ to have the highest online growth in its sector

ANDREW MARR'S HISTORY OF MODERN BRITAIN DVD

BAFTA award winning Andrew Marr's history of Modern Britain is an epic account of the events that have shaped our lives since the end of the Second World War. His journey through recent British history combines archive, anecdote and analysis to tell our national story. Written and presented by Andrew, this fascinating series is now available on DVD.

Drawing on his detailed knowledge of contemporary politics and first-hand experience of the people who rule Britain today, Andrew Marr helps viewers see themselves in the context of modern history.

In each episode, Marr explores the drama of the landmark events that have shaped our world today, but also teases out the telling little details that reveal the impact of national and international events on the people of Britain; from the post war policemen brewing a cuppa for the squatters they were sent to evict to the appointment of Britain’s first female Prime Minister.

The series tells the story of the extraordinary decades that took us from victory to despair; from international power and glory to humiliation and decline; and from economic ruin to stubborn new hopes and promises of another new dawn.

AN EVENING WITH: RUFUS WAINWRIGHT
10-Date UK Tour April 2010
Tickets Go On Sale Friday December 18th

Brand New Studio Album
'All Days Are Nights: Songs for Lulu’ Due Spring 2010

Set to be one of the highlights for 2010’s musical calendar, Rufus Wainwright announces a 10-date solo UK tour in April where he will be armed and dangerous with a piano, a microphone and his eagerly anticipated forthcoming album 'All Days Are Nights: Songs for Lulu’.

Rufus Wainwright UK tour dates are:

April 2010

Tue 13th LONDON, Sadler's Wells
Thu 15th GLASGOW, Royal Concert Hall
Fri 16th EDINBURGH, Usher Hall
Sat 17th SHEFFIELD, City Hall
Mon 19th GATESHEAD, The Sage
Tue 20th BIRMINGHAM, Symphony Hall
Thu 22nd MANCHESTER, Apollo
Fri 23rd BRISTOL, Colston Hall
Sun 25th NOTTINGHAM, Royal Concert Hall
Mon 26th OXFORD, New Theatre
Thurs 29th IPSWICH, Regent Theatre

Tickets Go On Sale Friday December 18th
London tickets are priced at: £20 - £50
Regional tickets are priced at: £20 - £45

Tickets are available from:
Website: www.artistticket.com
Box Office Number: 0871 230 0333

2010 is already set to be a big year for Rufus following the news of his acclaimed debut opera ‘Prima Donna’ coming to London (Sadler’s Wells) for a series of shows in April. It follows Prima Donna’s celebrated debut performances at Manchester ‘s International Festival in July.

Rufus Wainwright is currently applying the finishing gloss to his new studio album in New York, which is set to be a solo piano/voice record.

www.rufuswainwright.com

A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS PRESENTS ‘THIS IS CHRISTMAS’ AND BRINGS PANTO TO THE PIAZZA

The Christmas magic will continue at Covent Garden this weekend as A Very Merry Christmas welcomes London based kids theatre group, Peut-etre for a special one-off free performance of their enchanting play ‘This Is Christmas.’

This Is Christmas tells the story of Josette, a little girl who lives in Paris and goes on a fantastical journey with her father on Christmas Day to the sun and the moon- all in search of Josette’s Christmas presents!

A magnificent, magical, physical, musical journey; the show is a unique fusion of dance and theatre for children and their parents.
Not just for the kids, Mum’s and Dad’s can make sure they enjoy the show with a warming glass of mulled wine from Covent Garden’s own Mulled Wine Hut, located on the East Piazza.

The performance will take place in the North Hall in the Covent Garden Market Building on Saturday 19th with two performances at 11:30am and 12:40pm.

There is plenty going on at Covent Garden this week to keep the kids entertained while you finish your Christmas shopping including:

· Christmas Choirs- A series of performances from some of London’s best choirs - Thursday 17th, 6pm

· Reindeer Petting- Covent Garden is giving you the chance to get close to London’s own Rudolph, Blitzen and Prancer with petting on the Piazza - Friday 18th 12-5pm

· Christmas Craft Workshops- teaching you how to make your own Christmas costumes (masks/crowns/hats)- Sunday 20th,12-2pm

· Make sure you stop off at The Covent Garden Real Food Market for a huge selection of delicious Christmas treats – Thursday and Friday 17th/18th, 12pm-7pm

Visit www.coventgardenlondonuk.com <http://www.coventgardenlondonuk.com> or call 020 3047 2555 for more details. You can also follow Covent Garden on Twitter @CoventGardenLDN <http://www.twitter.com/CoventGardenLDN>

RADISSON EDWARDIAN’S 12 STAYS OF CHRISTMAS
On the first day of Christmas, my Radisson Edwardian gave to me... a luxury break and delightful afternoon tea!
Radisson Edwardian hotels would like to make a Christmas offering - book before 10 January 2010 to enjoy a seasonal stay in one of their 12 hotels (11 central London, 1 city centre Manchester) from as little as £99 per room (based on double occupancy) per night including breakfast and a festive afternoon tea[1]

Take the weight off, and tuck into miniature Christmas pud cupcakes, fresh handmade sandwiches and a choice of luxury teas in sumptuous city centre settings and enjoy a 25% discount from all room nights between 14th December and 10th January inclusive. As an extra stocking filler – Radisson Edwardian will also be offering 2 for 1 dining[2] throughout all hotel restaurants. So, whether you’re Christmas shopping or scouring the Boxing Day sales; looking for a luxury location for an extra-special Christmas Day or New Year celebration; Radisson Edwardian’s hotels provide the perfect positioning for a festive break:

1. If it’s theatre land you’re after, then stay at the luxurious five-star Radisson Edwardian Hampshire. Catch your favourite celebrity at one of Leicester Squares’ film premieres, or take in an early Christmas show. Whether you’re relaxing or star catching, we’re sure you’ll enjoy the hotel’s sumptuous setting. Room rate from £199pn.

2. For a cultured escape, check into the Radisson Edwardian Leicester Square. This 4-star deluxe hotel is seconds away from the National Gallery, home to some of Monet’s and Van Gogh’s greatest masterpieces and their renowned Christmas exhibition. Room rate from £199pn.

3. For deluxe accommodation in the heart of the West End, stay at the Radisson Edwardian Berkshire. Whether you’re searching for toy heaven at Hamleys or a quintessential English experience at Liberty, you’ll be dazzled by this hotel and all it has to offer. Room rate from £168pn.

4. Located in fashionable Covent Garden the Radisson Edwardian Mountbatten is ideal for those want to be in the hustle and bustle. Watch the famous street performances whilst sipping from steaming mugs of mulled wine, wander around the bustling markets or look out for the Royal Opera House’s Christmas concertos. Room rate from £168pn.

5. The newly refurbished Radisson Edwardian Bloomsbury Street Hotel stands in the heart of the literary quarter. Moments from the British Museum and nearby Covent Garden, this creative gem will add a little refinement to your city getaway. The hotel’s unique Book Club will also be offering free copies of Christmas classics for guests. Room rate from £168pn.

6. Looking for a winter wonderland? Then stay at the Radisson Edwardian Sussex. Just a short stroll away from Hyde Park’s Christmas Market complete with ice-skating rink, fair ground rides and circus, it’s an ideal location for festive family fun. Room rate from £155pn.

7. If you crave classic Christmas entertainment the Radisson Edwardian New Providence Wharf Hotel, could be what you’re looking for. Located by the O2 Arena, with breath-taking views of the River Thames – check in, and check out the Classic FM Christmas Spectacular or ice-skating at Canary Wharf. Room rate from £118pn

8. The Radisson Edwardian Kenilworth calls all shopaholics! Shop ‘til you drop at Europe’s largest high street – Oxford Street - take a walk under the famous Christmas lights before visiting Selfridges for all your festive gifts and glamour. Room rate from £155pn.

9. Located on Tottenham Court Road, the four-star Radisson Edwardian Grafton is the perfect getaway for all the family. With Madame Tussaud’s, the London Auditorium (prev. the Planetarium) and the West End all within walking distance, what better way to treat the kids this Christmas. Room rate from £128pn.

10. For a more sophisticated trip to the capital, why not stay at the Radisson Edwardian Vanderbilt in up-market South Kensington. Visit Christie’s fine art auction and find that unique Christmas gift, or head to the National History Museum’s famous ice-skating rink. Room rate from £128pn.

11. Want to guarantee a white Christmas? Or maybe you’d prefer a little Winter sun? Book yourself into the award -winning Radisson Edwardian Heathrow Hotel & Conference Centre before jet setting away on your dream break, and escape the stresses of city life. Room rate from £99pn.

12. Don’t fancy pounding the London shopping pavements? Visit the UK’s second city and treat yourself to a stay at its finest hotel - the 5-star Radisson Edwardian Manchester Free Trade Hall. Explore the quaint Manchester Cathedral German Christmas Market; follow in the footsteps of the city’s well heeled and check out King Street or grab a high-street bargain at the Trafford Centre. Deluxe room rate from £173pn.

All rates (excluding Manchester) are based upon a double room. To book or for further information, please visit www.radissonedwardian.com/shopsipandcelebrate

HAVE AN EXCEPTIONAL CHRISTMAS WITH AN EXCEPTIONAL CHEESE

An irresistible, creamy British Cheddar is a necessity for every Christmas cheese board. To make this year’s Christmas cheese board extra special, Waitrose’s Cornish Quartz is the ideal choice.

Developed exclusively for Waitrose, by the cheese experts at the Davidstow Creamery in Cornwall, this Cheddar is a modern day classic. Matured for 20 months, it has a rich, complex range of sweet and savoury flavours that are perfectly balanced with a creaminess and flinty, crunchy texture everyone is certain to love.

Cornish Quartz was one of the first Cheddars created with a crunchy texture and it took two years to perfect the balance of texture and taste. Mark Pitts-Tucker, the Davidstow specialist cheese grader comments: “Cornish Quartz has that special crunch which comes from the lactate crystals which are formed naturally during its maturation process. This achieves a flinty ruggedness to Cornish Quartz’s texture initially but soon smooths out leaving the mouth with a creamy coating. It has a deep, robust, beautifully well rounded and long lasting flavour which is where the aftertaste comes from.”

The famous award winning Davidstow Creamery is proud of its Cornish heritage and supports their local farmers. All the milk that is used to produce Cornish Quartz is supplied by farms in Devon and Cornwall which brings a unique taste into all its cheeses.

Waitrose has recommended a red and white wine to provide the perfect accompaniment to this wonderful Cheddar that can be enjoyed around your Christmas dinner table. For a red wine, try Paul Mas Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 Vin de Pays d’Oc, with ripe black fruit flavours and a finish with hints of smoke and spice. For a white wine, The Chapel Down Bacchus, 2004 Kent, is a characterful English grape that works wonderfully with Cornish Quartz as it is a lovely, crisp wine with distinctive floral aromas.

Both these wines and Cornish Quartz are available at Waitrose stores around the UK. Cornish Quartz is available in packs of 100g, 250g and 350g.
(Editor’s note, we have sampled this cheese and it is delicious!)

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