The SavvyBostonian

Kicking Off 2026 in London: New Year Rituals, Winter Walks, and a Few Favorite Things

Happy New Year, and welcome to 2026.

I always love the start of a new year. It feels like a reset in a “fresh page, same me” kind of way. This year, I kicked things off with a mix of my favorite London rituals: a cozy New Year’s Eve with friends, a long New Year’s Day walk, a museum moment, a very cold London surprise, and a night at the theatre that reminded me why live storytelling hits differently.

If you are curious what London feels like right now, or you want a few ideas for January in the city, here’s how my first days of 2026 unfolded.

RESTAURANTS, TRAVEL

Girls’ Spa Weekend in Bath: The Ultimate Relaxing 2-Day Escape

There’s a certain kind of weekend you book when everyone is tired, no one wants a packed itinerary, and the goal is simple: to come home feeling better than when you left. That’s exactly what our girls’ spa weekend in Bath was about.

Bath has a way of slowing you down without isolating you. Bath has a charming city centre which is perfect for exploring in between periods of peak relaxation at the spa. In the blog post, I’ll share where we stayed, where we went to eat, plus nice places to see and shop at in Bath. If you want additional travel tips for sightseeing, I’ll also leave my blog post on my day trip to Bath with other resources at the end.

Let’s jump in!

LONDON

New on My London Guide: 5 Places You’ll Love

Cheese Belts, Pizza Perfection & Cocktail Escapism

From a conveyor belt dedicated entirely to cheese (yes, really) to Italian spots worth traveling across the city for, these updates to my London Guide lean deliciously indulgent. Add in a standout Turkish restaurant just off Carnaby Street and one of London’s most reliably fun cocktail bars, and you’ve got five more reasons to keep eating and drinking your way around the city.

TRAVEL

AC Hotel Riga Marriott Review: Is It Worth Staying Here?

Hello from Riga! This was my very first time in Latvia, and also my first time in Riga, so choosing the right hotel felt especially important. After a smooth arrival, I checked into the AC Hotel by Marriott Riga, a centrally located property that is part of the Marriott Bonvoy portfolio. From the moment I arrived, the experience set a positive tone for my stay.

The check-in process was warm and welcoming, and the staff immediately made me feel at ease. That first impression matters, especially when you are arriving in a new country for the first time, and it is something this hotel does very well.

BOSTON

Boston Guide Update: 5 New Hotels + Restaurants to Try

Boston’s restaurant and hotel scene never sits still, and neither do I. I’m back with a fresh round of additions to my Boston Guide, including two hotels I’ve now reviewed in depth (hello, Back Bay chic and Seaport efficiency), plus a few meals that were so good I’m still thinking about them on the flight home.

If you’re planning a Boston trip and want a mix of treat-yourself spots and practical, well-located stays, this update is for you.

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