Spa Stays

Luxury can come in all shapes and sizes, and glam isn’t always the way, but when it’s Christmas time that’s the perfect excuse to go a bit fancy. Yorkshire is one of the most beautiful counties in the country, and you can appreciate the landscapes and views it has to offer by taking a trip out to one of many luxury hotels.

If you’re looking for a beautiful coastal retreat, Raithwaite Spa at Sandsend, near Whitby, is the perfect place to unwind and enjoy some downtime. Known for its rejuvenating treatments, stress-relieving spaces and elegant accommodation, Raithwaite has everything you need to relax. For a true hidden jewel, Grantley Hall in Ripon is an ideal spot located in the Yorkshire Dales. Home to 47 luxury rooms, Michelin star dining, tranquil spa experiences and five stunning bars, you’re in for the ultimate treat.

Closer to York city centre, Middlethorpe Hall is a beautiful country house set in 20 acres of lovely gardens and parkland. Bringing together the best of city and countryside stays, Middlethorpe Hall is renowned for its secluded boutique spa and memorable dining experience. And The Grand in the centre of York is a Grade II listed five star hotel and spa that acts as an escape from the outside world. You can enjoy the perfect staycation by making the most of their spa packages, enjoy a selection of classic and signature cocktails in their intimate 1906 Bar, or treat yourself to a stylish room to make the most of this Grand experience.

Dining

Take a break from cooking at home and dine out at your choice from the many delicious places to eat in York. Sitting above the city on the seventh floor of Malmaison is Sora, a new dining experience that combines the flavours of Asia in sushi, tapas dishes and signature cocktails. This rooftop terrace is the perfect spot to take in the panoramic city views, and enjoy a few fine drinks. Also in Malmaison you will find the iconic Chez Mal Brasserie, where you can tuck into their twist on classic dishes for breakfast, lunch or dinner. And if you’re a sucker for a classic cocktail, their Malchemy menu is full of favourites including Martinis, Mojitos and Daiquiris.

Modern European restaurant Le Cochon Aveugle is an intimate eatery serving a blind tasting menu. Producing food which is rooted in classic French techniques, the team offers casual fine-dining and will introduce you to a world of new flavours and ingredients. For another dining experience to impress, The Ivy is always an excellent choice. This famous restaurant encompasses contemporary and seasonal British menus, creating a sophisticated and relaxed atmosphere for anyone dining in.

Trying out a michelin-star restaurant is always a special experience, and Roots is just that. Proud to have an exciting and innovative menu curated by chef Tommy Banks, which adopts a different style throughout the year. The menu evolves with the produce and harvest, and uses the best quality, local suppliers to create a truly unique menu.

Jewellery

With Christmas right around the corner, what better occasion is there to give the gift of jewellery? And for many people, the more glamorous the better! Ogden’s have carefully crafted and curated beautiful collections for high-profile clients, public figures and the royals. This established jewellers has existed for over a century, originally beginning in Harrogate before moving to York in 2015. With extensive ranges of branded jewellery, pieces designed in-house, vintage items and other luxury products, Ogden’s is the place to search for the finest gift.

Palenque Jewellery on Low Petergate are dedicated to creating and designing unique jewellery, working with skilled artisans to produce beautiful and original collections. So if you’re looking for a statement piece or relaxed glamour, Palenque has so many amazing items for you to choose from this Christmas season.

Gifts

Whether it be a tempting box of chocolates, dainty homeware pieces or scented candles, the best things often come in small packages. But where to find them? Begin with the amazing aromas of The Little Yorkshire Candle Company, a shopper’s haven of candles, diffusers and fragrances. You may even find some quirky homeware pieces and gift boxes filled with luxury candles, dried flowers, cards or wax melts.

Smelling equally enticing, The Yorkshire Soap Company is a luxurious gift and bodycare store that transports you through a magical retail experience. Perfect for those who love self care and being pampered, The Yorkshire Soap Co. is a sanctuary of soothing and relaxing bodycare products, inviting scented collections and Christmas inspired gifts.

For the sweet toothed, try the chocolate shop on High Petergate, Tempt, a plant-based chocolaterie who create tasty treats everyday. As well as making their own vegan milk and white chocolate, they produce other treats like caramels and truffles that are both ethical and delicious.

More fabulous foodie treats can be had at Fenwick’s, and especially their Northern Delights hamper. This Christmas collection of locally sourced food and drink, from spreads and sweets to teas and ales and plenty more, is a perfect Yorkshire present that’s sure to please.

Moving on to Bootham and a unique independent interiors shop that’s stacked with wonderful Christmas decorations and stylish gifts. Upside Down Design offers thoughtful gifts for you, for him, for her, for the baby, for the home, and even gifts for pets! And on Stonegate, The White Company sells beautifully designed products in their signature white, stocking everything from beauty and clothing to stylish homeware pieces.

Images: Fenwicks, Middlethorpe Hall, Middlethorpe Hall, Malmaison, Palenque Jewellery, The Little Yorkshire Candle Company