The Spa Spies Christmas Wishlist

Even Spa Spies want the gift of spa this Christmas - here’s our wish list, from the sublime to the ridiculous...

When I asked The Spa Spies for their Christmas roundup, Supreme Spy mentioned the Maldives and we all drifted off to the Indian Ocean in our minds. There’s nothing like a wish list to remind you of the power of visualisation. Back on planet earth, there are also some realistic presents that may give you some inspiration.

Or you could just send them here to GSG HQ…

Scarlet Spy

New Homeowner

Aside from a first-class trip to the Maldives, Seychelles, Mauritius, or a membership to the Lanesborough Club & Spa (a girl can dream), an Aromatherapy Associates gift set is at the top of my list. . I’ve recently bought my first flat and finally have a lovely bathroom to relax in, so some lovely bath products are definitely needed. I adore trying lots of new beauty products; if I was being picky I’d opt for the ltimate Wellbeing Collection (£65), which features 10 deluxe discovery sizes of their much-loved bath and shower oils.

Continuing on the ‘spa at home’ theme, I can never say no to an  ESPA candle (or two!). I’ve been looking for a good book to read in the bath, and have got my eye on Katherine Ormerod’s Why Social Media is Ruining Your Life and Victoria McGrath’s The New Fashion Rules.

Summer Spy

New Mum

All I want for Christmas is a three-day mother and baby programme at Evian Spa in France. Hydrotherapy for me, baby massage for my little one and a stay overlooking Lake Geneva. What more could a new mum ask for?

Failing that, I’ll be happy with really good eye cream. Surviving on four hours’ sleep and trying to look sane the next day is hard. I don’t drink coffee so a hydrating and reviving eye cream like Windows of the Soul from Temple Spa might get me through until my little one decides sleep isn’t the enemy.

Savant Spy

Mum of Teens

Besides the sparkle and gifts, Christmas is all about family, which is both a blessing and a curse. So, anything that makes us closer is a bonus. The latest craze from The Netherlands, following in the wake of Hygge and Lagom, is Vertellis (“tell me more” in Dutch), a board game that encourages deeper connection with your nearest and dearest.

I know, it sounds a bit twee, but it’s basically asking (mostly harmless) questions -- Who has inspired you? What do you want to achieve next year?  -- and then listening to the answers. How cosy is that? There are versions for families and couples, too. Makes a change from Cards Against Humanity.

On my personal wish list: anything from Natura Bissé please. But if you’re asking and you have just had a bonus, Mr Spa Spy, I’ll take the Diamond Cream. It’s only £250 at Harrods, but it will be worth every penny because I will look amazing. My more realistic favourite thing is Temple Spa’s Repose resting cream (£40) – I love the scent and the cashmere texture. My skin drinks it in and looks less frightful in the morning.

Stylish Spy

Luxury lover

All I want for Christmas is the Quartz Gold Therapy treatment (£90, 115 minutes), exclusive to the Five Bubble Luxury Galgorm Resort and Spa in Northern Ireland.

With its frankincense oil and massage using warming poultices, this signature treatment feels exclusive and Christmassy all in one. If I could squeeze in another riverside bathing experience (Champagne and chocolates in a hot tub by the river anyone?), then all my Christmas wishes would come true.

With its stylish cream and black packaging and square bottles,  Jo Malone is a treat at any time of the year, but even more so at Christmas. If I could riffle through their product catalogue, I’d ask Santa for one of their Orange Bitters Home Candles, with its ice white and gold packaging, and warming cocktail of sweet orange, bitter orange, sandalwood and amber (£47, 200g).

Supreme Spy

Daydreamer

If I am aiming high and being totally unrealistic, I would love to spend at least a week at Joali Maldives. It opened this year, the design is nature-inspired with colour, space and light being at the forefront, or at least it looks that way from the dreamy pictures. The spa has partnered with ESPA and takes a mindful approach to fitness and wellbeing.

Realistically, getting a healthy glow to my skin away from the Maldives will be achievable with a little help from Elemis. I am a massive fan of Pro Collagen and know my winter skin would benefit from this collection which is also brilliant value.

I like home to smell like a spa too and there is something very special about Neom. This candle would easily last the whole of Christmas and new year. 

Mii lipsticks have great colour and are kind to your lips too. This would be a welcome stocking filler please Santa!