the art of gifting | holiday cheer

There’s nothing I love more than surprising someone with a gift that truly resonates. A gesture that makes someone shine and feel seen and appreciated. Whether it’s a wonderful treatment, a lovely product from RETREAT, or a piece of jewellery or a luxurious handbag from our fashion boutique Mostert & Van Leeuwen: ultimately, it’s about the personal attention you put into it. That moment when you pause for someone, sense what they like, find beautiful or delicious, and choose something that brings a smile to their face. That’s where The Art of Gifting begins for me.

I've found that choosing gifts intuitively often yields the most surprising and meaningful results. By trusting my gut, daring to take risks, and looking beyond the obvious, I always find that one gift that truly sparks something. Sometimes the magic is even in a small gesture, like the fantastic cookies from Mariage Frères, which, with just a few ingredients, can create an unexpected moment of happiness. They also make a wonderful gift for yourself, by the way.

At RETREAT, we believe that a good gift is an experience: something that enriches a space, deepens a ritual, or enhances one's well-being. Below, I share six products, each telling its own story, carefully selected, of excellent quality, and chosen with love. Our team always ensures luxurious gift wrapping, making the act of giving a small celebration in itself.

bdk parfums | vanille caviar

Vanilla, but grown-up. Vanille Caviar is soft, creamy, and elegant. Not a sweet cloud, but an enveloping, warm scent that immediately provides a sense of comfort. I think it’s a beautiful gift because it instantly adds a touch of daily luxury to someone's life. You give someone a feeling of coming home...

mariage freres | dèsir teaset

For me, making tea is a moment of slowing down: water gently boiling, the scent of the leaves, the first sip. Mariage Frères tea sets are iconic, stylish, and carefully curated. Always a hit for anyone who loves rituals and moments of peace. I love giving this set to people who appreciate small details as much as I do.

aman essentials | purifying candle

Aman knows like no other how scent can change the energy in a room. This extra-large Purifying Candle transforms your home into a serene, almost meditative space. The fragrance is fresh, pure, and calming; it feels like you're gifting someone a touch of the Aman spa. We often light it during long evenings or a relaxing bath.

karolin van loon | ring

Sometimes you just want to give everything: something beautiful, something shiny, something grand and lovely. This Gaia ring by Karolin van Loon features two separate settings: a deep black geode with sparkle, and a powerful large grey pearl. The geode is framed with brilliant-cut diamonds that draw every gaze inwards, while the perfectly round pearl forms a strong, serene counterpart. When worn, it sometimes looks as if you are wearing two separate rings. A statement with finesse.

mostertvanleeuwen.nl

chambre52 | tobacco memories

Tobacco Memories is a must. Complex, warm, and surprisingly elegant. I use it myself as a finishing touch on special days, but it also makes a brilliant gift for someone who loves niche perfumes that evoke memories.

biologique recherche | la grand crème

A cream that feels like pure indulgence. Grand Crème is intensely nourishing and adds a luxurious finishing touch to any skincare ritual. It’s a wonderful gift for someone who appreciates high-quality skincare, or simply someone who deserves a little extra self-care. A true treat yourself gift, but given by someone else.