HOTEL GIFT SHOPS are now sleek and aspirational – catnip for frazzled Christmas shoppers in search of inspiration this festive season …
Featured Image; Cliff at Lyons, Kildare
Hotel boutiques have been given a reboot. Far from stocking (overpriced) emergency toiletries and naff branded items, they are now sleek and aspirational, catnip for frazzled Christmas shoppers in search of inspiration. I bet J-Lo loved the Sense of Lake boutique at GRAND HOTEL TREMEZZO, where she honeymooned this summer with Ben Affleck, especially its range of silk scarves, Murano glassware, For Restless Sleepers items and Bric’s luggage; www.senseoflake.com. The amenity kit from SOHO HOUSE’s new skincare range Soho Skin, €68, is on my wishlist – a vicarious way to experience the scent of the members club without actually staying; www.sohoskin.com.
Also intriguing is the collaboration between HOTEL DU CAP-EDEN-ROC and Christian Dior on a signature fragrance created by François Demachy, €112. No doubt it radiates the glamour of this iconic hotel in its mix of Mediterranean flowers, citrus fruits, and maritime pines. Also available in Dior boutiques; www.dior.com.
THE PELLICANO HOTELS have fabulous stores, overseen by Marie-Louise Sciò, the CEO and creative director of the group, featuring everything from vintage posters of Porte Ercole, €45, to unisex nightshirts in the hotel’s colours of yellow and white, €220; www.issimoissimo.com.
In Positano’s LA SIRENUSE HOTEL shop, the elegant kaftans, floaty maxi dresses and shirts, for wafting from beach to bar, are designed by owner Carla Sersale. I love the handprinted Suzani cushions and ceramic plates, also available at www.matchesfashion.com.
I’d definitely pay any extra customs charges on a delivery from CLARIDGE’S Christmas range – specifically its chic Summerill & Bishop black and white tablecloths which are €405; www.shop.claridges.co.uk. In Ireland, the hotel shop is thriving thanks to small batch, locally-produced items and artsy gifts all beautifully wrapped. Mrs Tea’s Boutique, a gift shop and bakery on the grounds of ASHFORD CASTLE, hits most price points and interests from Fabergé-style Christmas baubles, €36, to Canine Hampers, €150; www.ashfordcastle.com.
Art Loves at THE MERCHANT HOTEL, Belfast, one of THE GLOSS x The Shopkeeper’s Best Shops in Ireland, stocks colourful kimonos designed by owner Carrie Neely, as well as gorgeous jewellery and colourful tableware; www.artloves.co.uk.
It’s worth making the trip to the Cliff Home Christmas shop, open Wednesday to Sunday in the grounds of CLIFF AT LYONS, Co Kildare. Enjoy a coffee from The Pantry before browsing the organic wellness and seasonal food hampers, as well as the pet gifts before lunch in The Lyons Lounge. www.cliffhome.ie.
The Charlotte & Co boutique at DROMOLAND CASTLE, Co Clare, honours the historical connection to the textile industry, where the fashion-conscious will love items from Irish brands such as Cleo Prickett, Tidings, Colin Burke, Paula Rowan, Deborah Veale and Aoife lifestyle; www.dromoland.ie.
GIFT IDEAS FROM OUR FAVOURITE HOTELS…
THE WESTBURY’s pop-up shop in The Westbury Mall, Dublin 2 is curated by chairman Bernie Gallagher, and sells everything from posh wreaths, €125, to experiences such as The Long Christmas dinner at the Abbey Theatre. Recipients can enjoy a pre- or post-show, dinner for two in Wilde, plus overnight stay with breakfast the following morning. From €540 per night; www.doylecollection.com.
Sheen Falls Lodge, Co Kerry
The tradition of lightly smoking salmon in the traditional way on the SHEEN FALLS ESTATE dates to back the mid-19th century. Presented in a beautiful wooden box, made in Kenmare, this gift is sure to be appreciated by hostesses, €110; www.sheenfallslodge.ie.
The Station House Hotel, Co Meath.
I’ve been to several of the Boyne Tasting Experiences at STATION HOUSE HOTEL and love its exclusive collaboration with the Ferragamo-owned Il Borro vineyards. To sample try The Station House Wine & Cheese gift box, €125, with a bottle of Il Borro Piandinova Toscana Rosso 2018, jars of festive redcurrant port jelly, apple and ginger jam and apple and tomato chutney along with three excellent local Boyne Valley cheeses; www.stationhousehotel.ie.
Adare Manor, Co Limerick.
For a touch of fivestar Limerick luxury, ADARE MANOR’s online store offers everything from cosy branded Begley & Bowie sweatshirts to chutneys and jigsaws, gins and bourbons. My preference: its delicious lemon curd, and luxe crackers, delivered in pretty pink boxes; www.adaremanor.com.
Pop into MOUNT JULIET, Kilkenny, where the focal point of its festive decorations is a Gingerbread House, now extended to include a whole village! Pick up a Mount Juliet Golf Gift card, which allows recipients to put their skills to test on the championship Jack Nicklaus-designed course as well as experience lessons with one of the PGA professionals; www.mountjuliet.ie.
Looking for some interesting Christmas cards? The Press Up group have released a selection created by artists such as Brian Teeling, Carl Hickey, Salvatore of Lucan and Thais Muniz all in residence at The Dean Art Studio. These are available to buy across hotels from THE MAYSON to THE DEVLIN; www.pressup.ie.
HAYFIELD MANOR, Co Cork, recent winners of the Preferred Hotels & Resorts Quality Assurance Award, has lots of lovely gifts. I’m sure most people would enjoy a voucher for the new Cúram & Folláine Ground Treatment at its Beautique Spa. This 90-minute ritual, €160, is designed to release tension and encourage a natural state of wellbeing; www.hayfieldmanor.ie.
INTERCONTINENTAL DUBLIN has a lovely festive counter, where customers can pick up vouchers for everything from luxurious weekend experiences to dining in Seasons Restaurant or festive ESPA gifts from its discreet Spa. One voucher that is sure to please: festive afternoon tea, €65 per person, served in the buzzy Lobby Lounge or by the fire in the Reading Room; www.intercontinentaldublin.ie.
Devotees of the Dublin grande dame already know that THE SHELBOURNE has collaborated with Cloon Keen for its Exotic Woods candle, €55, an aromatic cedar scent with rosemary and grapefruit. Burning it always takes me back to happy memories in the hotel’s discreet 1824 Bar. It’s just one of many gift ideas available from www.theshelbournevouchers.ie.
In addition to vouchers, BALLYVOLANE HOUSE, Co Cork has curated three gift boxes including The Great Outdoors gift box, €115, for adventurous types who love to explore nature along with a cheeky tipple! It contains some Bertha’s Revenge sloe gin (distilled at Ballyvolane House), an Opinel pocket knife, a Stanley hip flask and a copy of Wild Food by foraging experts Biddy White Lennon and Evan Doyle. www.ballyvolanehouse.ie.
I recommend Kenmare Living Gift Cards which can be used at THE PARK KENMARE, THE LANSDOWNE and DROMQUINNA MANOR, to enjoy idyllic stays; www.parkkenmare.com.
