With the arrival of longer days and the renewing zest of spring, it is time to welcome a cherished celebration — Mother’s Day. Observed with much fervour around the world, it is a day for mothers to unwind, indulge, and be showered with a treasure trove of presents.
Mother’s Day is steeped in a tradition of gift giving. In the 16th century, people used to gather wildflowers on the way back from church and present them to their mothers. This modest offering slowly evolved into more generous treats, such as buns, fig pies, and Simnel cake.
Needless to say, the pomp of this occasion has surged tremendously over time, and deservedly so. Read on to find out how you can make your mother’s special day truly memorable.
A Few of Her Favourite Things
Thoughtful gifts are an integral part of Mother’s Day. More than a token of appreciation, these spots of indulgence are treasured memorabilia of a special day.
A present that never fails is an engraved bottle of Chanel No. 5; the holy grail of all fragrances, this perfume will be the crown jewel of her beauty collection. You can also elevate her wardrobe with a highly coveted Birkin – a name that speaks for itself, this gorgeous bag is the paragon of exclusivity and rich craftsmanship. If she loves her jewels, a bracelet from Cartier, a diamond from Tiffany’s, or an exquisite piece from Bvlgari will make her day.
You can also take your mother to Bond Street or drop by at Harrods in Knightsbridge for a spoiling retail therapy session.
A Fine Dining Affair
Few things in life can compare to the pleasure of a handsome feast. From bottomless brunches to traditional breakfast spreads, a celebratory meal is certainly in order on Mother’s Day. A good start will be a handsome buffet with sweeping skyline views at The Shard, or a Michelin-recommended menu at the five-star Savoy. A private Chef’s Table at Wong – the only Chinese restaurant outside of China with two Michelin stars – is an utterly unique gastronomic odyssey and an exciting experience for a discerning food enthusiast.
Rejuvenating Getaways
There’s no better way to revitalise mind, body, and soul than with a spa day. London leaves one spoiled for choice as far as wellness retreats are concerned. Opulent surroundings with an eclectic treatment menu can be enjoyed at the Mandarin Hotel Spa or the Four Seasons in Park Lane. On the other hand, Aman Spa at The Connaught presents a rustic cocoon with a repertoire of holistic therapies. For one of London’s most highly acclaimed spa facilities – a state-of-the-art thermal suite, a jet pool, cold plunges, and personalised massages – take her to ESPA Life spa at The Corinthia.
Beauty Retreats
Beauty day-outs are rightfully deemed as an act of self care. Mani-pedis, facials, and hair treatments, while great for finessing style, are also incredibly restorative. With London being home to some of the world’s best aestheticians, you can gift your mother a salon trip that’s truly unmatched.
Harrods is a splendid beauty destination in its own right, serving an atmosphere of 80s glamour as well as top-of-the-line treatments. Their “Eyezone” – an arena with an impressive brow bar and a great selection of lash extensions – is particularly popular among beauty aficionados. If she loves having flawless nails, take her to DryBy, a nail salon famous for its nail art tech and favoured by celebrities.
For a more novel experience, Ilapothecary, a salon with healing aesthetic treatments that draw on the principles of Ayurveda, herbology, homeopathy, and phyto-actives is a prime choice.
Pursue Adventure
We all love to escape the mundane with invigorating experiences. Revel in London’s splendour from the soaring skies in the iconic London Eye, or marvel at Thames’ beauty from Sunborn’s luxurious yachts. For a real adrenaline rush, book an exclusive flying lesson just a few hours away from the city.
Tête-à-Tête over Tea
Nothing is as quintessentially British as a classic afternoon tea. There’s something so incredibly elegant about the whole affair, from the ornate cake stands and flutes of champagne to the finger sandwiches and flavoursome cream teas. If your mother appreciates the romance of English classics or simply has a penchant for life’s finer pleasures, take her to The Kensington – here inventive sweet treats and unique tea blends can be relished in an exquisite Georgian townhouse.
For a more glamorous experience, head to The Ritz for their exquisite afternoon tea offering, comprising award-winning pastries, teas sourced from different parts of the world, and a showstoppingly regal backdrop.
They say that giving is better than receiving; this rings especially true on Mother’s Day. Notwithstanding the trappings of wonderful presents and indulgent treats, this occasion is about something more profound – it is about honouring the one who enriches our lives in ways no one else can. Here’s to celebrating a bond like no other with gifts that spark joy.
