I like to take the liberty on my birthday week to make The Weekly all about me. Actually, to be more factually correct, all of my favorite restaurants and hotels from the year. And all of my favorite beauty treatments, shops and frivolities. In other words: all my secrets.

Another Turn Around the Sun 

Normally as each year passes, I feel like it’s the best year I’ve ever had in my life. However, if I’m being real, 2024 wasn’t quite that. It wasn’t an easy year at all. As a result, I uncharacteristically felt like I didn’t have anything to really celebrate on this birthday. That is, until Friendsgiving, which I host in NYC annually, with my closest friends who are my family.

On that afternoon, when I was feeling a little glum, my niece, Aya, came over and gave me the biggest hug, which lasted minutes. It was one of those moments that conveyed a love that I know is so rare to feel if you’re not a mother. A few days later, when I returned to Chicago for Thanksgiving, my niece, Genevieve, talked my ear off, non-stop for six hours straight. And the next day, my nephew who showed up as a young man at the age of 10, told me it was okay to still call him Baby James. I can go on and on, but my 17 nieces, nephews and God-kids have brought me so many stories like this. I know these moments may seem trivial, but in looking at life as one does on a birthday, they mean the world.

A Moment to Appreciate Life

It’s actually these moments that made me snap out of my funk and acknowledge that on this birthday, I have more to celebrate than I ever have in my life. My family is ending the year with a clean bill of health. We’re even planning a trip next summer to fulfill my Dad’s bucket list of seeing Scandinavia. I landed two TV projects; not the one that I thought we would, but opportunities that will transform Galavante. Our opportunities at Galavante are more exciting than ever, as we grow our team and offerings. I have so many people who are dear and special to me — more than I can count. Maybe this is not where I thought I would be on this birthday, but it’s exactly where I belong.

A Few of My Favorites

So in honor of mine, (and Taylor Swift’s) birthday, I wanted to share a few of my favorites. The source of so many of my favorites all comes back to Galavante. The chance to build Galavante has not just been a chance to build a business. It’s been the opportunity to see and experience all the extraordinary that the world has to offer, both at home and in the world. In putting together this list, it reminded me of how beautiful a life I have created. For those who come into my home and ask what smells so good, or those who wonder how I have not one ounce of Botox in my face, you now have all my secrets below.

3 Favorite Hotels Stays of 2024

1. The Mansion at the Four Seasons Buenos Aires
2. Bulgari Hotel Paris
3. Janu Tokyo

3 Favorite Hotels of All Time

1. Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc, Antibes, France
2. Singita Lebombo, Kruger National Park, South Africa
3. Villa Rockstar at Eden Rock, St. Barths

Top 4 Meals of 2024

1. Sushi at Japanese restaurant Kyubi at The Arts Club London
2. Patria Parilla in Uruguay
3. Japanese breakfast at Janu Tokyo
4. Bar Bête in Brooklyn’s French Omelette

Favorite 6 New Restaurants in NYC

1. Penny
2. Sendo Sushi
3. Quique Crudo
4. Corner Store
5. San Sabino
6. Borgo

Favorite Standby Haunts in NYC

1. Polo Bar
2. Aman New York
3. Casa Tua Lounge
4. Dinner at Marea’s bar
5. 4 Charles Prime Rib
6. Le Bilboquet
7. The Grill

My Beauty Regime in NYC

It really takes a village. These are my go-to experts for natural treatments that give you that little something extra. I consider them the gatekeepers the Fountain of Youth.

Acupuncture + Acupuncture Facial: Kana at ORA Space
Facial: Mzia Shiman
Lymphatic Drainage + Body Contouring: Monique at Fluid Water Therapy
Manicurist: Rosa at Rescue Spa
Eye Lash: Karchen at Bling Spa
Integrative Medicine: Dr. Erika Schwartz + Evolved Science Team
Colorist: Jada at Eddie Arthur Salon
Hair Stylist: Janine at Eddie Arthur Salon
Non-Surgical Treatments: Christine at Skinney Med Spa

My Products List

Biologique Recherche P50
Augustinus Bader Rich Cream
Augustinus Bader Eye Cream
Goopglow Vita C Eye Cream
GOOP 20% Vitamin C +Hyaluronic Acid Glow Serum
Clarins Pore Control System
Natura Bisse Stabilizing Cleansing Mask
GOOP Goopglow Microderm Instant Exfoliator
iota Body Super Matcha Lotion with Natural Retinol
Natura Bisse Vitamin C Body Lotion
Clarins Super Restorative Balm for Abdomen & Waist
Diptyque Philosykos Handwash
Diptyque Rose Lotion
Oribe Beautiful Color Shampoo
Oribe Beautiful Color Conditioner
Diptyque Rose Foaming Body Wash
Augustinus Bader Body Wash
Augustinus Bader Rose Oil

Products for the Home 

Diptyque Rose Home Fragrance Diffuser
Diptyque Dishwashing Liquid with Orange Blossom
Cire Trudon Abd el Kader Candles
Molton Brown Delicious Rhubarb and Rose Fine Liquid Hand Wash
Antica Farmacista Hand & Body Wash in Prosecco, Santorini and Grapefruit
Antica Farmacista Lotion in Prosecco, Santorini and Grapefruit

Daily Wellness Regime

Kroma Matcha Tea
Welleco Super Elixir
Green Tea
Clear Spring Miso Soup
Brodo Broth
Methodology 3-Day Vegan and Seafood Delivery

Gym: Equinox Sports Club

Splurge Day: Aman New York Hammam Spa House

Always in my Refrigerator: Black River Caviar

What I’m Looking Forward to in 2025

1. The relaunch of the Orient Express from Paris to Istanbul
2. February in Africa
3. A trip to Cape Verde and Portugal
4. Two of my travel show projects starting to film
5. Celebrating 50th birthdays with my college girlfriends in Asia
6. A Nordic cruise with my parents and family to fulfill my Dad’s lifelong dream to go to Scandinavia
7. Health for my family and friends
8. Quality time with people I love most.

And of course, I’m looking forward to Galavante continuing to be the best travel website out there, and to entertain and (hopefully) inspire you. We’re launching our E-commerce store this next year, so you’ll have even more reasons to visit us. I know how lucky it is to do what you love. It’s because of you that on this birthday, I appreciate more so than ever how lucky I really am.

Thank you for the birthday wishes all over the world.

Christine Drinan, Founder

More from Christine

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Off Season is the New In-Season
The Great Love of My Life