As the sun sets on 2024, the FQ team gathered to toast the launch of our newly released ‘Celebration’ issue with another blissful sleepover. Hosted by publisher and editor in chief Sarah Murray, we were joined by a small, cherished group of women at the oh-so stylish SO/Auckland Hotel for a night of pampering and festivities. Relive the evening with us below…
11:00am – 12:30pm
Kérastase K-Scan Experience
As any good sleepover should, our day started with some much needed self-care as we received an enlightening Kérastase K-Scan scalp analysis to uncover the health of our scalp at Sulin Hair Design in Newmarket, Auckland. Equipped with new knowledge, we were then truly able to make the most of a luxurious blow wave that left our hair revitalised and ready for a night of celebration.
3:00 – 4:00pm
Checking into So/Auckland
We then made our way to the sophisticated SO/Auckland Hotel in downtown Auckland where guests were able to take a moment to unwind in their impossibly elegant rooms while flicking through the latest issue of FQ. But, all thoughts of lush king-sized beds and city views were put on hold as the famed FQ Sleepover gift bag was waiting. Featuring hand-selected products from Kérastase to nourish and revitalise our hair, a selection of glow-worthy tanning products from the newly-launch local brand BONNIE, wine to sip on later in the evening from Swiftsure, fragrance from Abel and a selection of Image Skincare products from About Face.
With bags unpacked and outfits on, guests put the finishing touch on their looks with a spritz of Abel’s The Apartment Eau de Parfum, a dark, sophisticated gourmand designed to personify the epitome of Parisian chic, as they headed out the door.
5:00 – 6:00PM
Cocktail hour with Schweppes
Auckland was putting on a show for us as we admired the sun-soaked city skyline and Waitemata Harbour from the impressive Treasury Suite on the 16th floor. Newly revealed hair secrets and K-Scan (Kérastase’s hair & scalp diagnosis) results were shared and compared as celebrations officially kicked off with a refreshing cucumber & mint mule made with Schweppes Classic Soda Water. Many photos were taken in the impressive lounge area (all with chic Schweppes in hand, of course) as we excitedly caught up on our days and prepared for the next stage of our evening.
6:00 – 7:00 pm
Wine tastings with Swiftsure
Eager to indulge in golden hour from another vantage point, we made our way to Harbour Society’s intimate private dining in the Wine Cellar for a wine tasting experience with Waiheke Island winemaker Swiftsure. Once we were able to tear our eyes away from the wine-bottle filled walls (it truly was a sight to behold), we were able to discover the rich flavours and craftsmanship of these celebrated local wines. Their refreshing Marlborough 2024 Sauvignon Blanc was able to convert even the most staunch red wine drinkers, while the aromatic Bannockburn 2022 Pinot Noir perfectly lined our palates for dinner.
7:00 – 10:00 pm
Family dinner at Harbour Society
Before we knew it, it was time to make our way to the Waitematā Private Dining Room where we feasted on a family-style dinner paired with delectable Swiftsure wines. Our digital editor Louise Dunn and editor in chief Sarah Murray kicked off the meal with a toast to a successful 2024 and to celebrate one year of the magazine being published and independently owned by Elcoat Media. We were then swept away by conversation as we feasted on a selection of dishes, including bbq sirloin with peppercorn sauce and chimichurri, pan-roasted market fish and spatchcock organic chicken, with a decadent seasonal fruit platter and petit fours to finish.
10:00 pm
A very good night
After a relaxed evening of chatter and endless celebration, guests retired to their rooms with an indulgent soak in SO/ Auckland’s signature bathtub on their minds. They were then finally able to indulge in the remaining items in our suites, gently cleansing their skin with the Image Skincare BIOME+ Cleansing Comfort Balm. For the body, there was no other choice than to follow with a layer of the BONNIE’s Glow Getter Gradual Tanning Lotion for a radiant, sun-kissed glow the next morning.
6:30am – 7:30am
The next morning
The next morning guests rose to another picture perfect day. Using Kérastase to cleanse, nourish and revitalise their hair, and completing their skincare routine with the Image Daily Prevention Sheer Matte Moisturiser SPF30, to keep skin glowing and shielded throughout the day.
10:00am
And just like that…another FQ sleepover comes to a close! Now, time to dream about the next one.
