A taste and a whiff of christmas

Shoppers at Solaire are unlike any others in Metro Manila in that they walk into The Shoppes with a purpose, ready to spend, spend, and spend, instead of browsing and waiting to be persuaded. That’s the “tea” and what I learned while munching on citrus gelee and hazelnut praline gingerbread inspired by Jo Malone’s holiday cologne Ginger Biscuit — a nostalgic amber spicy blend with notes of ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, caramel, hazelnut, vanilla and tonka bean — with some sweet and savory treats and tea pairings at the aptly named Oasis Garden Cafe.

Jo Malone is the first fragrance boutique at The Shoppes and the latest partnership between the Estée Lauder Companies and Suyen Corporation, taking over one of Ben Chan’s prime retail spots (other prominent examples are the Estée Lauder boutique beside Paul Smith in Greenbelt 5) so they are strategically located where the customers are.

Back at Oasis, there’s something for everyone at their 10-piece afternoon tea menu. Rosemary scones with blueberry jam, lemon curt and clotted cream are an easy favorite. Sandwiches like the Scotch quail egg, black truffle and kataifi nest inspired by the popular Wood Sage & Sea Salt Cologne are savory and filling, while the Baramundi kilawin with candied ginger and pea, a savory take on the cologne of the season, is an interesting must-try that will compete with your companion’s gossip. As for the sweets, another Wood Sage-inspired bite stands out in smoked milk, chocolate and salted caramel.

Just like Oasis, the Jo Malone store in The Shoppes is right between designer brands like buzzy Celine and across quiet luxury favorite Stefano Ricci. It fragrances the Shoppes space and proposes a relaxing pause, like their complimentary hand and arm massage service to explore a new fragrance, before you get back to that festive feeling and shopping again.

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Jo Malone opens at The Shoppes in Solaire on Dec. 11. Follow @SolaireResort and #JoMaloneLondonPh for updates.