For some, the approach of the festive season brings flashbacks of last-minute gift shopping, obligatory multi-generational get-togethers and busy calendars.

And if we’re not rushing around trying to make sure everything is in order for Christmas, we’re fretting about the new year and the trials and tribulations it might bring. But what if we told you there’s a way to avoid the stress of the festive season and ease into this wonderful time of year as cool as a cucumber?

Lined with all manner of shops and glittering with the oldest Christmas lights display in London, Regent Street and St James’s are perfect for seeking some much needed rejuvenation amongst the chaos. 

From the sanctuary-like vibe of Third Space Soho to the homely atmosphere of Fortnum & Mason, here are our favourite spots to boost our wellness and soothe seasonal stress this winter…

When the last item on your list of things to take care of is yourself, the festive season is likely to be nightmarish. 

But there’s nothing a good pamper can’t fix and at MASAJ, based in Quadrant Arcade, you can book yourself in for a bodywork session that’s bound to leave you feeling peaceful and refreshed. 

Priding themselves on the transformative power of touch and ensuring all of their clients feel nurtured, it’s a fantastic studio designed to help Londoners let go of the stresses of inner city living. With a treatment list targeting relaxation, deep tissue, specific focus areas, sports massage and pregnancy massage, there’s something to soothe everyone.

If you’re feeling in need of an extra little treat after you’ve finished over at MASAJ, head to French chocolatiers Prestat in Princes Arcade. Founded by the family that invented the chocolate truffle, it’s the perfect place to enjoy beautifully crafted chocolate. Whether you opt for the classic milk chocolate thins or pick up a jar of heavenly hot chocolate flakes is completely up to you. 

While it’s virtuous to focus solely on giving at this time of year, a little bit of self-love goes a long way.

And what better way to give yourself some proper TLC than with a little trip to the shops for some much needed self-gifting. 

As clichéd as it may sound, buying yourself flowers is the perfect way to treat yourself with something that feels wholesome, and St James’s florist Bulbous has a gorgeous selection of blooms for you to choose from. 

Or, if you’re more of a cosy homeware girlie, the Earl Of East is stocks the best independent fragrance brands, homeware and accessories. What started out as a humble market stall in 2014 is now three bricks-and-mortar stores across London with its own line of sustainable fragrance and bathing products. Plus, if you love a truly creative experience, they host candle-making workshops and serve coffee to create a space that goes beyond a shopping destination and fosters community.

The Body Shop is a favourite amongst body care enthusiasts and the perfect place to treat yourself to some gorgeous-smelling pamper products. If you’re really getting into the self-gifting spirit, choose one of their gift sets to wrap up and pop under your tree to open on Christmas Day.

So, if you your love language is receiving gifts, don’t wait for somebody else to step up when you can fulfil it all by yourself. 

One of the best ways to stay on top of your wellbeing at this time of year is to keep your body active and moving.

Third Space Soho is a new kind of health club committed to creating an atmosphere that nurtures the mind, body and spirit. If you like an intense fitness routine, step into Third Space’s hypoxic chamber – a room that simulates high-altitude conditions – and push your body to its limits. If you prefer a gentler approach to movement, you can immerse yourself in the four-lane, 20-metre pool or stretch out in one of their yoga classes.

You needn’t go far to find a club with a team of specialist coaches and medical practitioners to help you on your fitness journey either. Get pumped to improve your physical and mental wellbeing at COACH London, where jiu-jitsu, physiotherapy and psychotherapy are just three services in their extensive fitness and wellbeing offering.

Want to look super-stylish while working up those endorphins? GYMSHARK is your shop for high-performance sportswear and training accessories. They also host free gym classes in the morning, so if you fancy a high-energy workout to start your day, keep an eye on their website to see what sessions they have coming up.

Based in St James’s, Fortnum & Mason is one of London’s most regal shopping houses. The 18th century department store is known for its gourmet picnic hampers and luxury tea and preserves, and it even has a restaurant and calendar of seasonal events. Mini marzipan mushrooms, Christmas cognac butter and the promise of a chef-hosted supper club? It doesn’t get more decadent than that.

Luxury fragrance brands, Molton Brown, L’Occitane and Aesop also reside on Regent Street and are the perfect spots to indulge your senses. Try out the Fiery Pink Pepper Pod range at Molton Brown and leave feeling invigorated or pop into L’Occitane for a bottle of the viral Hydrating Almond Shower Oil to bring a slice of luxury into your pamper routine.

Now you know exactly how to prioritise wellbeing this festive season, which spot in the rejuvenating wonderland of Regent Street and St James’s will be your first stop?

Ready to make this festive season your most relaxed yet? Head down to Regent Street and St James’s  for everything you need to wave goodbye to seasonal stress. And if you want to see what else is on offer, visit Regent Street and St James’s online for more info.

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