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This January, we’re celebrating wellness. We sat on the mat with Alex our Native wellness ambassador to chat about what wellness means to her.  

What Does Wellness Means To You? 

Wellbeing to me, is an offering of kindness, compassion and love to our body and soul. It’s an opening to the raw experience of the body, its felt sense and the stories it holds. To live well, respecting our physical shell, is to listen patiently to all the messages it sends us, to nourish it with soulful, healthy food and move in a way that feels good. There is no one thing we can do to make ourselves feel our best. Well-being is such a holistic project. It’s a meeting with all parts of us, our shadows, our light, in acceptance of all that is arising. To show up for yourself time and time again in an authentic, loving way is, to me, the purest act of kindness.  

How Do You Get Out Of The January Slump? 

For me, the best medicine when I feel stagnant and sluggish is to move my body. To connect to the moment-to-moment experience of what it means to be alive in my body today. It doesn’t have to be a crazy exercise or a 10-mile run; it can be as small as a morning wiggle and a shake, a dance in your kitchen, or a roll around on your mat. I think we often overcomplicate things so much…We think January has to be this time of big promises and resolutions. What if we start with little things that make us feel good and alive? What if we chose to spend more time with people we love? more time in nature, more time feeding our souls with things that make us smile from the inside?  

What Do You Listen To When Doing Movement Practice? 

As a yoga facilitator and DJ, music has always been such an important part of my daily practice and teachings. It’s one of the most powerful tools to connect to my body. I choose music based on how I feel and what is arising for me at a given moment. My playlists change all the time, and so is the way my practice looks and feels…I think it’s all about being open and curious, allowing the sound to carry my body through shapes, and inspire the most authentic movement. Sometimes it’s a full-on party soundscape with big Jon Hopkins-like vibes; other times, all my heart needs is the melody of piano or harp to soothe my soul! 

London winters are known for the cold and damp but are also renowned for festive frivolity, more events than you can attend, and sites to see galore that are open even in the frosty times of the year. So when you’re planning a trip to London or looking for something a little different that has excellent views and sights to see, why not get out and try a few of our ideas below?

Festivities

Winter truly is full of festivals and attractions at this time of year, especially pre-christmas when the festive fun is in full swing. London has something for every taste, from markets, fairs, festivals, and art shows. We’ve listed a few of our favourites below to get you started with planning your Christmas-time and Winterfest adventures.

Canopy Christmas Market

Canopy Christmas Market is a longtime staple and longtime favourite winter festival in London. Get along to one of the many great events going on inside, including the Vegan Festival, a heap of festive workshops, and gifting opportunities.

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland

Hyde Park transforms annually into a magical world of rides and stalls, even featuring an ice rink at the Winter Wonderland Festival. So be sure to come prepared to eat, drink and be merry as you get into the Christmas and New Year spirit, as the 2022 edition kicks on until 3rd January!

Southbank Centre Winter Festival

Set in the famous Southbank area on the Thames, enjoy sparkling lights, delicious drinks, more street food than you can eat in one evening, and a bunch of seasonal goodies outside. Indoors and outdoors, there will also be events and entertainment to keep adults and children of all ages occupied.

Get Close to Nature

There are many beautiful outdoor spaces and parks to explore in London that take on a unique seasonal magnificence in the colder months. They are certainly not to be overlooked, but be sure to wrap up warm! We’ve added a few of our favourites below that will have you ready to get out in the cold.

Hampstead Heath

The heath includes 791 acres of woodland, playing fields, swimming ponds and meadows in north London, which look even more spectacular when winter brings a little snow. Take a wander up Parliament Hill for great views.

Kensington Gardens

Find some peace in the city centre. A wintery stroll around Kensington Gardens is a stunner. Think open green spaces, woodlands, and pretty spots to see, including the Albert Memorial, the Serpentine, and the Palace.

Kew Gardens

Follow the popular light trail, Christmas at Kew, while exploring 300 acres of wintery parkland. Then, warm up in the arboretum or the tropical Palm Greenhouse when you get too chilly.

Accommodation Above It All

When you want somewhere warm and cosy, with all the perks of home, while also including all the luxury of a boutique hotel, book at one of several London Native locations. We have Apart-Hotel accommodation in Hyde Park, Bankside, and Mayfair. For more details, take a look at the Native website.

Nowhere is quite as magical this festive season as a visit to London. There is genuinely something Christmassy and inviting around every corner, from Christmas light arrangements in the streets, specialty shops selling all sorts of seasonal goodies, markets with vendors selling mulled wine and Christmas puddings, ice-skating in the city, and so much more. Every London neighborhood becomes a glittering and festive winter wonderland with many activities and sights to enjoy.

When planning a stay in the city, this holiday cheer extends to many London hotels, which often have their own Christmas-themed events, decorations and specials during the festive season. So there will never be a dull moment when you stay at any of our picks below. Each space goes above and beyond to make your stay memorable and exciting, ensuring Christmas 2022 is the best yet.

Native Places

Native London is a luxurious collection of apart-hotels with venues throughout London, including Bankside, Hyde Park and Mayfair properties. The serviced apartments with all the amenities of a hotel – including fabulous room service – elevate an apartment stay. Each apartment also provides a fully equipped kitchen, a relaxing living space, and a comfortable bedroom, a particularly appealing home away from home. Each Native venue has a selection of Christmas events for those who wish to stay in. But for those who want to go out, all of London’s festive delights are close by. So whether you are travelling as a solo, couple or family on your Christmas holidays or plan to visit family and friends in London but want your own space, Native is perfect for you.

The Dorchester

Renowned as one of London’s best luxury hotels, this historic property is brimming full of high-end amenities, unparalleled Hyde park views, and festive Christmas spirit. Expect everything glamorous and luxurious at The Dorchester for Christmastime, including ornate and exciting decorations that infuse tradition throughout. Of course, dressing up when you’re enjoying or dining in the hotel is a must, and ordering from the seasonal menus on offer at The Grill, and Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester, are Christmas treats not to miss. Other highlights of a Dorchester stay are an indulgent afternoon tea or a festive master class to discover making mulled wine and Christmas pudding. Additionally, as The Dorchester is only moments away from Hyde Park, you can escape into the cool air to enjoy the Winter Wonderland festivities.

The Mayfair Townhouse

The central location and prestigious address of the Mayfair Townhouse make for a stylish holiday stay while being a bit more budget-friendly. Located across from Green Park, in southern Mayfair, The Mayfair Townhouse is an ideal base for getting out and exploring everything London has on during the Christmas Holidays. Each room has modern amenities, and the lovely breakfast service is a welcome morning addition. During the holiday season, the townhouse is cosy and creates a festive atmosphere while making Christmas shopping nearby easy and accessible. Visit Mayfair’s sister property, 11 Cadogan Gardens, for a delightful afternoon tea service, perfect for your festive celebrations.

With Christmas just around the corner, thoughts have turned to the festive season, and all the fun Christmas in London can bring. So whether you’re planning a trip to the capital or are a local looking for a staycation in London, there are plenty of Christmas events happening that will get you into the seasonal spirit. We’ve added a few of our favourite events below to get you thinking about how to spend Christmas 2022. Because what is Christmas in London without lights, markets and mulled wine?

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland

Celebrating 15 years of events, the Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park is a popular and long-running Christmas event. As a Royal Park, Hyde Park is a popular destination covering 350 acres with famous landmarks, including the Serpentine Lake, Speakers’ Corner and Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain. Expect big things from the Christmas market and Winter wonderland and immerse in all things festive. Mornings are great for families, as there is a more leisurely pace. However, when evening comes, Hyde Park is transformed by thousands of lights, perfect to explore with mulled wine, hot chocolate or Bavarian beer. The event is now ticketed and available to buy now. So get along for fun, food, shopping and much more to entertain the entire family.

Skate at Somerset House

Skate at Somerset House offers a chance to don ice skates in a beautiful central skate rink in the charming Somerset Christmas courtyard. The rink is family-friendly and great for an afternoon or evening out for all ages, with skate sessions running through the entire festive season, providing ample chances to visit. Booking your place is easy, as all tickets are available online for the date and session of your choice. Want more from your Somerset House visit? Discover the historic rooms converted into Christmas shops and stores with beautiful Christmas lights and decorations surrounding the rink, including food and drink stalls serving the entire festive season.

Covent Garden Christmas Village

This year, the Covent Garden Christmas Village returns with an iconic Christmas tree and decorations, festive markets, mulled wine varieties and everything else required to create the most magical Christmas experience ever. This is an event the entire family can enjoy, so get everyone together and get along to what will undoubtedly be a brilliant and bright event.

Oxford Street and Regent Street Christmas Lights

Christmas lights are something London does brilliantly, with both Oxford and Regent streets lighting up the night with displays in full force. This year, Oxford Street and Regent Street lights were switched on in unison with 20 other streets, making 2022 in London the biggest Christmas light switch-on in the world!

Discover NATIVE This Christmas

We have your luxurious Christmas accommodation sorted at the various Native ApartHotels locations across London. Serviced apartments are a favourite for travellers who want more independence and freedom. However, we take it up a few notches with hotel facilities at the ready. Please take a look at our website for more.

Welcome to Manchester, the industrial city that became cool. This city is a playground for arts and culture, fantastic food and drink, quirky shops and colourful street art. From the unique Northern Quarter to trendy Spinningfields to historic Castlefield, there’s plenty to see and do with your few days in town.

Get Cultured

Manchester is a hub of creativity and artsy sensibilities, with deep respect and memorialization of the past, which means museums and galleries everywhere! Think science, natural history, culture, antiquities, art galleries featuring the old and new, exhibitions, and so much more. Discover the history of women’s suffrage, wartime Britain and the Industrial Revolution, amongst many others.

Food and Drink

Then there is the truly spectacular food and drink scene that Manchester is renowned for. There are options for fine dining, indie cafes serving excellent coffee, bars and speakeasies hidden in unique places, and even beer micro-breweries. Our food highlights include Neapolitan pizza, authentic Indian, British traditional at a local warehouse or pub, and much more. There are truly flavours for every palate in Manchester.

Shopping

Shopping is another of Manchesters’ famous attractions. Discover vintage treasures in the Northern Quarter, hunt for a great bargain on the high street, or splash the cash on designer goods in department stores. No matter what you want, Manchester has something for you.

Explore Street Art

Street art can be found all over Manchester, but the Northern Quarter is home to the best bits in areas including Port Street, Tariff Street and Thomas Street. Book a local tour to discover it all in a short space of time.

Visit Chinatown

Manchester’s Chinatown is known not just for great Chinese food but also Korean, Vietnamese, and so much more, so if you fancy Asian fare, head down. And if you fancy belting out a tune or two after, try one of the fabulous local karaoke bars scattered through the area.

Have a Night Out

Manchester nightlife is world renowned with clubbing institutions like The Warehouse Project for those who want to rave. If hipster bars are more your thing, try the Northern Quarter, or for glitz and glamour, head to Spinningfields. Canal Street is home to some of the most enthusiastic gay clubbing areas in Europe, perfect for a vibrant night out.

Catch a Gig

With a local musical legacy that includes Oasis, Joy Division, The Smiths, and so many others, it’s not surprising that people flock to the city for concerts. So look up your favourites to see who’s playing or catch a local band in venues around the city.

Spend a Weekend at Native Manchester’s Luxury ApartHotel

Central, character-filled, and impossibly cool with the freedom of an apartment with the facilities of a boutique hotel Native Manchester will make your Manchester stay something special. Please look at our website for more information on booking a weekend with us. And when you plan a getaway in London, Edinburgh, Glasgow, or many others, check out Native Places ApartHotels.