Few icons resonate as instantly or as deeply as Van Cleef & Arpels’ Alhambra. Over time, the Alhambra collection has become a beacon of the Maison’s signature style and a timeless emblem of good fortune. From the very beginning, this distinctive motif has inspired graceful reinventions across materials and purposes. The new Alhambra Delicate Metamorphoses collection unveils a new chapter of transformable jewellery, a collection of glittering quatrefoils to covet. Still, it is the legendary timepiece that truly shines, once again setting the gold standard for luxury and unmistakable style.
Officially debuting on November 1st, the Sweet Alhambra Jewellery Watch elegantly connects the Maison’s storied past with its dazzling future. The iconic motif is reimagined with secret mechanisms and guilloché gold, now adorned with radiant stones.
First revealed in 1968, this timeless design quickly captured the free spirit of the liberated 1960s, resonating with a new wave of women who were choosing jewellery for themselves. Its motif drew inspiration from the graceful quatrefoil arches of Spain’s Alhambra Palace and the lucky four-leaf clovers that Jacques Arpels, the founder’s nephew, lovingly gathered in his garden.
Once the choice of royalty and gracing the wrist of Princess Grace of Monaco, the Alhambra still enchants the world with its brilliance and iconography. Every Alhambra creation is crafted following 15 meticulous steps, each guided by the skilled hands of Van Cleef & Arpels’ master artisans. Stones are handpicked for their blend of colour and refraction, then carefully sculpted, polished, and nestled into golden frames using the revered lost-wax method.
The Sweet Alhambra Watch glows with contemporary charm while carrying a legacy that spans more than 60 years. Its allure is found in the seamless blend of ageless elegance and modern vibrancy, echoing the spirit of the Maison with curvature and craftsmanship. Rendered in guilloché white gold and adorned with chalcedony and diamonds, this timepiece is poised to become a lasting icon.
For many, the festive season sparkles with cherished traditions and spirited family gatherings, yet all that merriment can come at its own cost. But what if, instead of juggling the kitchen chaos and the smorgasbord of personalties, you could sink into a Christmas Eve or Christmas Day feast where the table dazzles with holiday delights, glasses stay full, and you can savour the season — without a dirty dish in sight?
Thankfully, some of Auckland’s finest restaurants are ready to take the reins with their innovative festive menus. If you do decide to leave the magic to the professionals, or dare to do things a little differently this year, our definitive dining guide has you covered. Embrace a European-style celebration and reserve a spot at a Christmas Eve lunch to let the festivities linger a little longer. Whatever your itinerary, we strongly suggest you skip the stress and ditch the dishes — eat, drink, and be merry instead.
Step into the festive spirit at Onemata, where every detail is crafted to make your Christmas unforgettable. Gather your loved ones for a cosy Christmas Eve dinner or a leisurely Christmas Day lunch, and let three bespoke menus set the scene for celebration. Sip on Louis Roederer as you arrive, crack open festive treats at your pace, with seasonal creations from head Chef Rob Hope-Ede. Little gourmands will delight in the special surprises just for them. On Christmas Eve, enjoy a tailored three-course champagne pairing, and on Christmas Day, choose from three separate seating times to indulge in a vibrant five-course feast, brimming with holiday classics, plus a few surprises. Onemata’s festive feast is $175 per person, $87 per child.
Experience Christmas Day the New Zealand way, with a vibrant seafood celebration at Hotel Britomart’s Kingi. Gather your loved ones and enjoy a leisurely four-course summer lunch, basking in sunlight at Kingi’s breezy, open-air space. Begin with a welcome aperitif, then indulge in a full seasonal menu that captures the essence of Aotearoa’s bountiful cuisine. Savour the Kingi platter, brimming with sustainably caught seafood, delicate steamed clams, asparagus, and tender pork porchetta. Sit back, unwind, and indulge in a Christmas feast where every detail is taken care of. Available across two separate seatings for $199 per person.
While Soul will enjoy a well-earned rest on December 25th, reserve your spot for lunch or dinner on Christmas Eve to soak up the Viaduct Harbour gem’s renowned hospitality and mouthwatering new menu. Alongside some firm favourites and hero dishes with a devout following, lean into seasonal updates like the tuna crudo with watermelon gazpacho, rockmelon, and mint. Try the succulent crumbed pork and kumquat mostarda doused with chilli sambal — a fast favourite among Soul staffers, we’re told. Step into the signature Soul energy, the perfect way to glide into a laid-back Christmas Day.
Celebrate the season and step into the vibrant world of the Pacific at Chef Michael Meredith’s Metita, where every dish is a fresh adventure in flavour. This Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, enjoy a four-course, sharing-style menu, with bubbles included. Work your way through 10 Pacific-inspired dishes, each influenced by Meredith’s Samoan roots, reimagining classic Pacific flavours with innovation and creativity. Indulge in a Pacific Island festive feast and reserve Metita’s set menu, or gather your group for the ultimate tasting journey through Metita’s hero dishes. Available for $235 per person with champagne included.
What better way to kick off the Christmas Eve festivities than with a jaunt over to Waiheke Island to indulge in Ki Māha’s delectable fare (and a glass or two of bubbles or one of their quenching signature cocktails). Perch at one of the outdoor tables overlooking the sparkling water and spend the afternoon enjoying a selection of share plates. Mouthwatering mains set the table for family-style feasts: saffron tagliatelle with tomatoes, parsley, chilli oil, and prawns; market fish with burnt-leek butter; harissa-roasted chicken; marinated lamb loin; and dry-aged duck breast with earthy oyster mushrooms, dates, marmite, and cashew cream — a sweet-and-salty symphony.
Celebrate Christmas Eve in true Italian style at Parnell’s Non Solo Pizza, where a leisurely lunch transforms into a lingering, festive feast. Start your day early, claim your spot in the sun, and indulge in generous platters of family-style favourites in NSP’s convivial courtyard, all paired with a glass or two to toast the season.
Choose Advieh for your Christmas Day celebration and enjoy a festive, contemporary feast complete with classic trimmings. Kick-start the festivities with a crisp glass of Ruinart on arrival, followed by an indulgent menu celebrating the season, with dishes like the nostalgic Wagyu Beef Wellington, pancetta-stuffed turkey, and a fluffy Kiwi pavlova to finish. Advieh’s festive feast is $249 per adult, $125 per child.
Steal a final golden hour with friends at the freshly revamped Andiamo before the real celebrations take hold. From four to five pm on Christmas Eve, imbibe your way through the stellar bubbles and beer menu, each drink just $10. Tempted to linger a little longer? Herne Bay’s cherished spot will serve its signature Italian fare all day, so settle into a sun-drenched seat, explore the new menu, and let the afternoon drift on by — pure bliss.
For early risers who choose to start their Christmas Day with a morning stroll along the beach, rest assured that your go-to for barista coffee and quality cafe fare — Takapuna Beach Cafe — will be open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, from 6:30 am until 12 pm. Enjoy the full menu on Christmas Eve, and on December 25th, takeaway options include coffee and freshly baked pastries (with no added surcharge).
Think outside of the bento box and linger over an elevated Japanese Festive Experience with Nic Watt’s contemporary five-course menu. Designed to be enjoyed by family members of all ages, Masu’s seasonal set menu makes for a delicious, unconventional Christmas Eve and Christmas Day feast. On Christmas Day, the five-course, family-style menu is sure to delight with its fresh ingredients, unique flavours, and artful plating. Available from $195 per person or $65 for a kid-friendly bento box.
Channel the Mediterranean vibe this Christmas with Esther’s rolling festive feast menu. Available for both lunch and dinner seatings, the set menu is $249 per adult and $99 per child (aged 12 and under). Share Esther’s famous puff bread around the table, and indulge in the baked saganaki, Cloudy Bay Diamond Clam Risotto, and Speckle Park Rib Eye off the bone. We have no notes.
For an entirely satisfying Christmas yum cha experience, Huami delivers on all fronts and is the perfect spot to take the family for an immersive festive feast. Offering a selection of elevated Chinese cuisine, indulge in fruit wood-roasted Peking duck, deep-fried soft shell crab, crispy tabasco prawns and more, washed down with a Huami gin, a whiskey from the restaurant’s impressive selection, or a glass of something bubbly. End the day on a high note with a delectable dessert — like the tart lemon confit and mascarpone cheesecake — and head off on your merry way, well-satiated. The Yum Cha Lunch and Nectar Set Menu is available from $98.
While the beloved Sunday Christmas Feast officially wraps on December 21st, the much-lauded waterfront address will be open and operating until closing time on December 24th. Guests can enjoy the full Bivacco menu — including a whole host of Italian shared plates and apertivos —right up until the big day.
For the most carnivorous among us, paradise is always found at Jervois Steakhouse, and this Christmas Eve, the beloved Herne Bay institution is open for business with plenty to inspire indulgence. Whether you’re looking for a casual pre-festive feast or a more convivial group get-together, JSH has it all. Just make sure to book early — we’re sure this beloved eatery will be packed to the rafters come Christmas Eve.
If you are lucky enough to be on Waiheke Island for the festive season, or simply need a reason to escape the mainland, Mudbrick’s beloved dining rooms await you on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. From midday, indulge in a creative take on classic Christmas fare. At The Mudbrick Restaurant, linger over the seven-course degustation as you gaze out over rolling vineyards and enjoy exceptional wines. For a more laidback celebration, The Archive Bistro offers a set menu of chef-selected bites, followed by your choice of entrée, main, and dessert.
Poliform’s Ernest sofa continues Jean-Marie Massaud’s prolific collaboration with the brand. Defined by its low-lying, modular form and deconstructed volumes, Ernest offers limitless configurations and a striking floating effect. Upholstered in richly textured fabrics, the design redefines comfort through soft contours and an expressive, contemporary presence.
With Ernest, Massaud reimagines comfort with bold creativity. This vision comes to life in a sofa defined by plush, deconstructed forms that echo the inviting softness of a down cushion. Each element marries effortlessly, allowing for intimate or expansive, straight or L-shaped arrangements, all while preserving the design’s striking character.
This summer, florals whisper rather than shout, embracing muted patterns and soft, sorbet hues. Forget prairie girl nostalgia; we’re drawn to the quiet confidence of pared-back floral prints. Florals for spring? Groundbreaking. Florals for summer? Effortlessly calm and refreshingly relaxed— it’s giving polished yet ultimately off-duty.
Prada floral quilted satin mini dress from Farfetch
There are few rituals more joyful than a long Italian lunch, and this season Parnell favourite Non Solo Pizza is inviting Aucklanders to embrace La Dolce Vita in true celebratory style. Its Weekend Long Lunch brings together generous dishes, fresh produce and the convivial spirit of Italy, all enjoyed in a sun-soaked courtyard that feels like an escape to the Med. These long, vibrant lunches begin at midday every Saturday and Sunday and are made to last as long as the stories and laughter do. It is the perfect weekly ritual to relax, reconnect and indulge.
Lunch begins with classics for the table. Warm house-made pane with Italian butter arrives alongside creamy burrata with spinach and green olive pesto, delicate shaved asparagus and peas, and silky beef carpaccio layered with truffle aioli, crispy capers, pecorino and rocket.
The main event continues the abundance. A whole roasted market fish is served with pea and spinach purée, smoked mussels and bright gremolata, while slow-roasted beef tenderloin arrives with rosemary, garlic and a decadent vincotto drizzle. A crisp Caesar salad with crispy prosciutto and a soft-boiled egg adds freshness, while golden duck-fat potatoes offer irresistible crunch.
To finish, a luscious meringue with vanilla mascarpone custard, berries, citrus and orange sauce delivers the dolci finale every Italian feast deserves.
Every Sunday, live music from 12.30pm to 2.30pm adds to the atmosphere, with a curated lineup of different artists each week creating the perfect soundtrack to a long, lingering afternoon.
A selection of spritzes is available for $16, including a classic Aperol Spritz, a bright Limone Spritz with limoncello and San Pellegrino, and a refreshing Fragola Spritz with strawberry and lemon. Guests can also enjoy a chilled glass of Ruffino Prosecco or an ice-cold Peroni on tap for $12, while wine lovers can savour Idle Hands red, white or rosé at $12 a glass or $60 a bottle. It all makes for an idyllic summer afternoon enjoyed with friends, family, pre-Christmas celebrations or even hens weekends.
The Weekend Long Lunch is priced at $55 per person, with the private To Kalon dining room available for groups of up to 10 at no additional cost.
Hosting at home becomes an experience to remember with Sambonet, the storied Italian brand that blends elegance with everyday practicality. The Sphera Bar Collection transforms any gathering with its striking, sculptural shapes and thoughtful details. Whether you’re hosting loved ones for a festive feast this Christmas or searching for an heirloom-worthy gift for your resident culinary enthusiast, Sambonet’s latest creations promise to impress.
At the centre of the collection, the Insulated Ice Bucket and Wine Cooler redefine classic barware. With seamless curves and mirror-finish stainless steel, both lend a sense of modern glamour. They catch the light in a way that feels both architectural and effortlessly chic, transforming tired tablescapes into elevated masterpieces. Yet beneath the elegance is pure functional form. Each piece is engineered to maintain optimal temperature, ensuring that every pour — from a chilled glass of sauvignon blanc to the perfect dirty martini — tastes just as balanced as it looks.
Whether on show for casual drinks with friends or styled on a curated bar cart, Sambonet’s new Sphera Collection cleverly blurs the line between functional object and sculptural centrepiece. They bring ceremony to the everyday rituals of mixing, chilling, and serving. For the host who truly appreciates design-led entertaining, the design-forward new range reaffirms that true sophistication lies in the details. With Sambonet, those details are nothing short of exceptional.
Captivated by nature’s timeless allure, Van Cleef & Arpels invites you once again into its inspired garden with the enchanting Flowerlace collection. The Maison reveals exquisite new jewellery and watches that capture the poetry of flowers in radiant designs, each piece a testament to Van Cleef & Arpels’ mastery of gemstones and artistry. Flowers, a wellspring of inspiration since the Maison’s founding, have flourished in countless forms, each crafted with techniques that celebrate its High Jewellery legacy.
Combining the radiance of yellow gold with the sparkle of diamonds, each piece’s petals shine with intensity, as if bathed in natural sunlight. The lines that form an elegantly rounded flower evoke the fluidity of ribbon, heralding another enduring Van Cleef & Arpels theme, couture.
Five creations come to life in this sought-after new collection: a ring, a Between the Finger ring, a pair of earrings, a pendant, and a versatile clip pendant that adapts to your style. To breathe life into each piece, the Maison’s artisans blend their expertise, beginning with the ancient art of lost-wax casting. Sculpted in wax, each motif is reborn in molten gold, carefully shaped, adorned with precious stones, and finally, polished to a luminous finish.
These latest masterpieces pay homage to the iconic Silhouette clips of the late 1930s, when Van Cleef & Arpels reinterpreted flowers with the sleek sophistication of Art Deco. Fine gold threads outline each blossom, their forms animated by the dance of sparkling stones and shifting light. The ribbon motif, a signature woven through the Maison’s history, honours the timeless connection between fashion, art, and jewellery.
The newly minted Flowerlace pieces herald the eponymous High Jewellery collection, which also combines nature with couture. Created in 2007, it presents a dialogue between white gold and diamonds with timeless, enduring appeal.
Flowerlace is both a tribute to nature’s boundless muse and a salute to the Maison’s rich legacy, honouring Van Cleef & Arpels’ illustrious past while inspiring its future.
At OYF Remuera, Pilates meets far infrared (FIR) heat to create a uniquely restorative fitness experience. Founded by Nera Fernando, the studio blends movement with holistic wellness in an environment designed to nourish both body and mind.
“I wanted to build a space that made people feel elevated the moment they walked in,” says Fernando. “OYF is more than a fitness studio — it’s a sanctuary.” With soft lighting, welcoming staff, and a strong sense of community, the vibe is intentionally grounding. But the heat is where the magic happens.
Nera Fernando
“Our classes are held in far infrared (FIR) heated rooms,” explains Fernando. “Unlike traditional heat, FIR penetrates deeper, helping with detoxification, circulation, pain relief and inflammation. It also calms the nervous system — so you leave feeling energised, not depleted.”
Fernando was inspired to bring OYF to Auckland after experiencing its transformative effects while in Canada. “It combined everything I was looking for — intelligent movement, genuine community, and a focus on wellbeing.”
Alongside Pilates, OYF offers heated yoga, strength classes, and a full calendar of wellness workshops. “Our events are designed to deepen understanding and create connection. Whether it’s postnatal recovery or hydration education, it all feeds into a more holistic practice.”
Fernando believes movement is a powerful re-entry point for anyone feeling burnt out or disconnected, “People think self-care is indulgent. It’s not. It’s essential. When you prioritise yourself, you show up better for everyone else.”
Her current go-to? “Tone & Sculpt. It uses resistance bands and weighted bars in a heated space. It’s dynamic, effective, and leaves you glowing.”
With new reformer classes launching soon in Ōrākei and plans to expand across Auckland, OYF is just getting started. “Our mission is to build a wellness network that’s inclusive, empowering, and deeply connected to the community.”
From tanning-friendly hair removal methods to unleashing the charming conversationalist within, here are the pointers poised to prepare you for the forthcoming festivities.
Prime with a peel
Ideal for those who may have left it a little late, with an extensive range of peels on offer to suit every skin type and concern, a peel is the best way to achieve a glowing visage quickly. Using clinically proven next-generation retinols, L-lactic acid, AHAs, BHAs, and other anti-ageing ingredients, peels exfoliate, detoxify and stimulate cellular turnover and collagen production. Think of them as ‘medi facials’. For discreet efficacy, you can even surrender your skin to the non-invasive powers of a peel on the day of your soirée, and be ready to put your best face forward by sundown.
Don’t forget to hydrate
While knocking back electrolytes is quite likely already a habit of yours, you’d be wise to pay special attention to your water intake when there’s the prospect of a late night ahead. Why? It’s all too easy to lose track of how many beverages you’ve imbibed throughout the evening, but by ensuring you’re well hydrated beforehand, you can soften the blow of the monster hangover in your future. For an extra defence against the dreaded morning after, consider Seoul Tonic, the drink designed to be drunk before drinking.
Think of three things
Specifically, three positive things you did this year in preparation for the age-old question destined to make an appearance in polite conversation: “So, what have you been up to?” Ideally, aim for noteworthy endeavours outside of work. Everything from how you’ve been training for your first ultramarathon, to your new passion for seeking out and reviewing the city’s best matcha will be better than saying ‘same old, same old’ — lord knows we’re all too familiar with the conversation-killing abilities of such a statement.
Sugar then spray
You’re probably well aware that after a session at the waxers, spray tanning is a no-no for at least the next 24 hours. Alas, wait time isn’t an issue after the ancient Middle Eastern hair removal practice known as sugaring. Done via a natural paste or gel made from ingredients like sugar, water, lemon juice, and sometimes honey, salt and essential oils, many find the process less painful than waxing. Naturally, this translates into less irritation, which means once you’re done, you can go ahead and get your glow on, no wait time necessary.
Eat something
Because you know — from snippets your friends have regaled — what happens when you don’t. The key is to choose the right foods that also take into account the outfit you have in mind. Give dairy (known for its bloating effects) a miss and opt for oat milk in your coffee instead. Potassium-rich foods like bananas or sweet potatoes are good too, as they help fight bloat while keeping you satiated without feeling heavy. When in doubt, opt for lean proteins like chicken, which are less likely to lead to grazing on sugary stuff later.
For Van Cleef & Arpels, spring has always been a moment of renewal. It is a time when nature’s quiet poetry takes form in precious materials. The Maison’s Lucky Spring collection captures this sentiment with exquisite finesse, artfully intertwining symbols of nature and luck in a celebration of lightness and optimism.
Delicate ladybirds, blossoms, flora and fauna come to life in rose gold, white mother-of-pearl, onyx, and carnelian. Each detail is a tribute to the grace of awakening nature. Steeped in symbolism, these creations offer more than adornment — they are wearable charms of good fortune, imbued with the Van Cleef & Arpels’ inimitable craftsmanship.
Adding to this sense of joyful renewal is the artistry of Alexandre Benjamin Navet. Through vivid illustrations, Navet infuses the season with painterly energy. His floral motifs, rendered in bold hues and soft lines, echo the warmth and vibrancy of Lucky Spring, serving as a dialogue between fine art and high jewellery that feels distinctly of the moment — radiant, romantic, and full of possibility.
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