Finding that perfect present for someone who seems to have everything can be a challenge at Christmas. You’ve hit all the shops, scoured the internet and searched high and low yet nothing seems to be what you’re looking for.
Well, we may have created a Christmas miracle and found a selection of unique gifts guaranteed to put a smile on even the most selective of your loved ones.
For the art expert – a heavenly private view in Rome
Imagine standing in the centre of the Sistine Chapel, looking up to the ceiling at Michaelangelo’s incredible fresco and seeing The Creation of Adam in all its magical glory. Imagine the high-ceilinged chapel so silent that you could hear a pin drop, free of crowds, no chatter distracting you, just you and some of the most historically-significant art in the world.
It may sound like a dream, but with an early-access tour to the Vatican, you can experience the Sistine Chapel, Raphael Rooms and Vatican Galleries ahead of the general public. It’s an experience that few will ever have the opportunity to do, making it the perfect gift for the special person in your life who appreciates art above all.
By the time they’ve explored the spectacular art and architecture of the world’s smallest country, it’ll be time for Brunch. As part of their extraordinary Vatican experience, take the 15-minute drive back to Hotel de Russie, enjoy a delicious Sunday Brunch and reflect on the incredible art over exceptional dishes curated by Chef Fulvio Pierangelini.
For the avid reader – page turning gifts in London
“Thank God! Cecil Court remains Cecil Court…” declared Grahame Greene, one of the 20th century’s great literary geniuses. Lovers of literature will concur when they see the rare gifts and treasures to be found amongst the vintage bookshops of the charming pedestrian alley tucked away between Wydham’s Theatre and the London Coliseum.
A 15-minute walk from Brown’s Hotel lies the perfect present for the bookworm in your life, all you have to do is find it. Complement their collection with a first edition from Goldsboro Books or Marchpane Books – or gift Brown’s Hotel: A Family Affair, guiding readers through the captivating stories of our historic hotel. As one of London’s oldest luxury hotels, Brown’s is steeped in intriguing tales and memorable characters – a timeless gift for the discerning reader this Christmas.
For the whisky connoisseur – a taste of tradition in Edinburgh
Put all gift concerns aside and whisk them away for a night at Edinburgh’s most prestigious address, The Balmoral, and share a curated tasting experience celebrating Scotland’s signature spirit.
Explore whiskies of different regions, styles, and age ranges, guided by SCOTCH's knowledgeable Ambassadors. Each tasting invites guests on a journey from cask to glass, steeped in Scotland’s reverence for tradition, time, and craftsmanship.
For the chef – treasure the flavours of Tuscany
The insatiable foodies in your life seem to never tire of trying new flavours and sampling great wines. A culinary experience in the Tuscan capital of Florence could be the gift that keeps on giving.
Indulge their love of authentic cuisine with an invitation to explore Tuscany on horseback, followed by a visit to a local winery. They’ll get the chance to sample some of the region's finest wines, from Chianti to Brunello di Montalcino. Then, in the evening, on their return to Hotel Savoy they’ll delight in Irene’s signature dishes, including four courses accompanied by sommelier-selected wines.
Rocco Forte Hotels offers a unique choice of special gifts that your loved ones will treasure forever, from weekend escapes to refined dining.
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Moments Worth Gifting
The festive season brings its own kind of sparkle - a flurry of celebrations, feasts, and time with those who matter most. To make gifting simple, we’ve curated a selection of bespoke experiences to delight everyone on your list. From candlelit dinners and Italian wine tastings to tranquil spa escapes and moments devoted to yourself, each experience thoughtfully crafted to offer moments of joy.
Father Christmas’s little black book
Preparations were in full swing at the North Pole - ribbons tied, sleigh bells polished, and lists checked twice - yet Father Christmas kindly agreed to pause his busy schedule for an interview. We met him at SCOTCH at The Balmoral, just as the famous clocktower struck 12:03 - it stands watch over Waverley Station, running three minutes fast, so no one ever misses a train. Settled into a deep armchair with a favourite dram in hand, he shared his most treasured places to pause, indulge and unwind across Europe every festive season.
Why nostalgia is the new luxury at Brown’s Hotel
As the world turns ever faster, the more we crave moments that feel timeless. In an age of novelty, amid the noise of constant ‘connection’ and the short-lived churn of the new, many are choosing something rare: nostalgia. Comfort is found in the familiar, meaning in memory, and beauty in places that feel lived-in. Nostalgia has emerged as the new expression of luxury, not as a retreat into the past, but rather a graceful refusal to let its traditions and heritage fade away.