NEWS COPY – by Grant Bailey
Forget bank-breaking extravagance – freshly-laundered linen, a long soak in the bath and a cosy night indoors are all we need to live in luxury.
A study, which revealed the top 50 small luxuries we value the most, has shown crisp, clean sheets are what people prize above all else.
Even with all manner of gadget-related boons on the list, nearly a quarter of Brits would prefer to get stuck into a good book or enjoy a luxurious dip in the bath over more extravagant treats.
In fact, a humble one in six NEVER indulge in the more extravagant side of life.
Filip Boyen, CEO of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, who commissioned the study, said: “In this cash-rich, time-poor world we now live in, it makes sense that people’s ultimate luxury is less materialistic and more experiential, placing value in the opportunity to stop, switch off and relax.
“With the New Year upon us, 2018 should be the year we treat ourselves to the small luxuries and invest in the time to treat ourselves, wherever we are.”
The survey, which was conducted by market research company OnePoll, found men are most likely to opt for a quiet night in, an extra shot in their coffee and a screening of their favourite film on TV when they need to indulge.
Women are more likely to favour a trip to the theatre, receiving a fresh bouquet of flowers and a catch-up with friends over lunch.
Despite these basic tastes, 46 per cent of those surveyed also admitted they crave a more luxurious lifestyle than they currently have.
Of those who were surveyed who are currently in a relationship, two thirds said their partner treats them to enough of their favourite small luxuries, though smitten husbands and boyfriends are more likely to be satisfied than their other halves.
Seventy one per cent of men in relationships said their partners treat them like kings, compared to 64 per cent of women who regularly receive the royal treatment.
Still, if couples found they were owed a treat from their partner, they would be most likely to choose a night out together over a romantic massage or an offer to do the dishes.
Fifty one per cent of Brits don’t think money can buy happiness, but if money were no object, with all the world’s luxuries open to them, 28 per cent would go on their dream holiday and a fifth would take a trip around the world.
Filip Boyen added: “The research proves just how far the sentiment of luxury has come over the 27 years we’ve been in business.
“Our small hotels know that it’s the thoughtful gestures that count and make a guest’s stay really special, as well as providing a culturally relevant setting in which people can take a step back and enjoy life’s small luxuries.”
TOP 50 ‘LIFE’S SMALL LUXURIES’
- Freshly laundered bed linen
- Time to read a good book
- Getting a takeaway
- Having a long soak in the bath
- A fresh haircut
- A cosy night in
- A short break in a hotel or B&B
- Watching the sunset/sunrise
- A lunch date with a friend
- When someone makes you a nice cup of tea/coffee
- Receiving a bouquet flowers
- Five minutes to myself
- Luxury quilted toilet paper
- Catching your favourite film on TV
- A glass of champagne
- Getting your car valeted
- Buying fresh artisan bread
- Using a premium perfume/cologne/fragrance
- Having a manicure
- Going to the theatre
- Receiving breakfast in bed
- Enjoying a fine wine / whiskey
- Buying tickets to a concert
- Buying yourself flowers
- Leaving work half an hour early
- Receiving a hand-written letter
- Keeping an empty seat beside you on public transport
- Getting tickets to a sporting event
- A picnic
- Buying new makeup
- Paying for someone to clean your home
- Hitting the snooze button
- Applying a facemask
- Ordering the most extravagant dessert on the menu
- When the clocks go back
- Hearing your favourite song on the radio
- Having a blow-dry
- Finding a plug socket on public transport
- A lazy bike ride
- Ordering the most expensive item on the menu
- Skipping the ads on Youtube videos
- Splashing out on expensive toiletries
- Spending time away from your phone
- Buying a new candle
- Reading a magazine
- Getting a ride in a sports car
- Getting an extra shot in your coffee
- Upgrading to premium seats at the cinema
- Getting invited to corporate hospitality
- Getting 4G coverage unexpectedly
ENDS
