Europe's next big beauty capital is a surprise💄

Welcome back to Happenings. Today’s issue features the “it list” of European Christmas markets, the world’s most up-and-coming (but also somewhat ancient) beauty destination, Northern Italy’s most Instagrammable alpine hotel, and HAP editor Luke Abrahams’ sharp travel takes. Oh, and our NYC Know-It-All has some damn great recs for you today, too. Read on.

So Turkey has always been the hotspot for fairy houses, courtesy of Cappadocia, but did you know there’s a super cool Unesco-inscribed neolithic site in Sardinia that’s just as cool? The ultra remote and gorgeously rugged Italian island of Sardinia is home to more than 7,000 beehive-shaped stone Bronze Age monuments known as nuraghi. While iconic, there are dwellings here that are even older: the domus de janas, or “fairy houses” that were first built by the Ozieri (3200-2800 BCE). If you’ve never heard of them, they were Sardinia’s first great Neolithic civilization and one of the most sophisticated societies in the western Mediterranean. Cool, huh? Of course, you can visit to get a peek at what’s left. Find out more here.

I just mostly look for shells on beaches, or hermit crabs if I am somewhere tropical, so when I read this, I was genuinely like WTAF? Last week, tourists on the island of Ibiza were left rather shocked after a human foot washed up on the popular beach Playa d’en Bossa. So it didn’t get washed up again, one beachgoer held the grizzly discovery in place with a stick until the feds showed up. How did it get there? Some experts believe it was because of stormy weather caused by Storm Alice, which engulfed Ibiza and the rest of the Balearic Islands over the past few days. The questions are, where did this foot come from, and who does it belong to? Read more here.

Don’t you just love a beauty glow-up? Greek pharmacies are apparently the next big beauty destination. Cult pharmacy status has long been France’s thing, but it seems travelers are now ditching the streets of Paris in favor of Greece’s ultra retro (and ancient) pharmacies. As with anything in this part of the world, the emphasis is always on all things natural, and quality sourced from all over the mainland, and those gorgeous islands. The catch? With any trend comes the masses. Here’s a handy guide from our friends at Condé Nast Traveller, who have put together a definitive list of where’s best to hit up for wondrously fabulous pores.

Oh, look. A new section. I just spent three rather lovely days in the Italian Dolomites at Forestis lodge. Think stunning views, chic AF hotel, eltic vibes (I know right?) and some seriously epic hikes. Because nobody can be bothered to read anymore, here are some pretty pictures to persuade you to ditch your weekend travel plans in favor of a glorious mountain break.

Oh, look, it’s that time of year when the candy companies and department stores max out our credit cards in the name of the baby Jesus. Don’t you just love religious consumerism? Anyway, here are five Christmas markets worth booking this festive season. Good luck, and god bless because those crowds are going to turn you into the next Grinch.

Dresden Christmas market. Why go? It is Germany’s oldest and is perhaps the best place in the entire country to stock up on arts and crafts.

Stay at Gewandhaus Dresden 🛏️

Strasbourg Christmas Market. Why go? It’s dubbed the “Capital of Christmas” babes. Think Christmas decor overload, plus sexy French men and women. And fromage! (That means cheese).

Stay at Hôtel Les Haras 🛏️

Zagreb Christmas Market. Why go? Croatia at Christmas? Really? Hell yes. The shopping is great but most people come here for the vibes and decorations, often considered Europe’s best.

Stay at Zagreb Esplande Hotel 🛏️

London’s Christmas bonanza. Why go? Listen mate. I have done Christmas all over, and let me tell you, nobody does Christmas better than the British capital. The decorations are brilliant, the collabs are legendary, and the choice is unmatched. Enjoy.

Stay at The Hari London 🛏️

Prague Christmas Market. Why go? I mean, gothic fairytale churches and charming market squares? It’s like Christmas took a massive festive dump and said this is where I will con tourists into buying a festive ornament worth more than their spleen. It is pretty, though.

Stay at The Julius 🛏️

Our weekly column from hospitality-obsessed city native Megan Shelton unveils the gotta-be-there spots across the Big Apple that are anything BUT basic.

For more NYC + travel content, follow Megan, who doubles as HAP’s NYC Know-It-All and Contributing Writer, on Instagram, TikTok, and her Substack, Turndown Service