Take a fresh look at what’s important to you this year

A new year can bring new pressure to adopt the ‘New Year, New You’ approach. Instead, let’s focus on realistic goals with our suggestions for how you can start 2024 in a positive way…

"I want to try to make more time for me"

Check in on yourself and dedicate time to what makes you feel good:

- Members of The London Library have over one million books to choose from; settle in and flick through your selections in one of the grand reading rooms. Not a member? Waterstones is here to help with over 200,000 titles to choose from.

- Take time to build your bespoke skincare routine with plant-based products from Aesop or sink into relaxation mode with the award-winning Hydrafacial treatment at Sofitel SPA.

- Sharpen your look with a fresh trim at Truefitt & Hill. As the oldest barbershop in the world, providing services to the Royal Family for the last nine consecutive reigns, you're in trusted hands.

- Relax in Arterton's private lounge and get a private wardrobe consultation to ensure you start 2024 in style.

“I want to see more of my friends and family”

Plan quality time with your nearest and dearest:

- Bring a little Danish hygge to your coffee catch-up with friends at Ole & Steen, or get a purposeful cup and contribute to helping others with a new start at Redemption Roasters which helps prison leavers find meaningful employment.

- Find inspiration for creative activities at home with the kids with The Royal Academy's step-by-step guides. Or join one of its free workshops for a fun family day out. Some workshops are tailored for families with children with special educational needs.

- Appreciate good company and great service at one of London’s best afternoon teas.

- Take in panoramic views of the capital whilst sipping on tipples with loved ones at Rooftop at The Trafalgar.

- Impress your other half with these ideas for romantic things to do in London.

"I want to explore more of London"

Be a tourist in your own city and make the most of what the capital has to offer. Cycle, walk and explore with our brands:

- Don’t let cold weather slow your roll; upgrade your cycle and outdoor wardrobe with apparel brands ASSOS, Arc'teryx and Snow Peak.

- Rediscover your city together and hop on a Santander Cycle from Waterloo Place, St James’s Square or just off Haymarket.

- Wander through London, the world’s first National Park City and stop off at these serene spaces.

- Refuel on days out with coffee in hand from The Gentlemen Baristas or Compane followed by a sweet treat. Our favourites are the latest special from Buns from Home, or anything from Rose Bakery in Dover Street Market.

“I want to make more sustainable choices”

Put energy into making positive changes for our planet:

- Refill your staple toiletries at D R Harris’ refilling stations. Contribute to a greener planet as D R Harris will plant a tree for every purchase made, in partnership with Eden Reforestation Projects.

- Standout with statement pieces from Sirplus. Tucked away in hidden gem Princes Arcade, this innovative menswear brand makes half its garments using surplus shirt fabric, and the rest are crafted using sustainable materials and techniques.

- Can't bare to part with your favourite pair of shoes? Put a spring back in your step and send your trusty Barker Shoes off for its refurbishment service. Dedicated Grenson or Loake shopper? Your shoes can be good as new with their repair services too.

- Satisfy your craving for responsibly sourced cuisine at Fallow, or why not try its St James’s Market neighbour, Scully. Committed to being as close to net zero waste as possible, Scully is known for its bold, innovative flavours and dishes that'll get you and your guest talking.

- Utilising ingredients that may otherwise go to waste, visit Café Murano for Northern Italian delicacies.

- Plan a shopping day out with even more places to shop sustainably in St James's.

“I want to broaden my culinary horizons”

Whether you want to try a new cuisine, cut down on meat, or expand your menu rotations at home, our neighbourhood has what you need:

- Shop at Fortnum & Mason’s incredible Food Hall; full of tempting fancies and delicacies from London and beyond.

- Named after the owner’s mother’s hometown in Indonesia, Toba serves up authentic Indonesian fare – including some menu items that you won’t find anywhere else in London.

- Take a seat at the Teppanyaki Counter at Ginza for a culinary tour of Japan.

- Learn more about cheese with Paxton & Whitfield’s Cheese Academy. Or book an online cheese tasting for a masterclass with one of its experts.

- Experiment with eating less or no meat at our favourite veggie restaurants in London.

- For an incomparable Chinese fine dining experience, book your table at Gouqi. Whether you sit down to one of its set or tasting menus or make your selection from its extensive a la carte menu, every dish is 10/10.

“I want to experience more culture”

Let our experts guide you:

- Look at the work done by masters of the contemporary arts at the Royal Academy of Arts. Dust off your paintbrushes or learn a new skill with its series of short courses.

- Absorb new ideas with independent film, exhibitions and an inspiring programme of talks at the ICA.

- Visit Hatchards and Sims Reed Gallery to explore a vast collections of rare books. Or, visit Maison Assouline for its bold printed covers and coffee table books. Whilst you're there, why not grab an aperitif at its trendy Swans Bar.

- Enjoy a walk around the neighbourhood, stopping off in its many galleries and finish off at St James’s Market Pavilion to see it's current free installation featuring up and coming artists.

"I want to be more active"

Avoid starting an unsustainable fitness routine in 2024. Instead, get your body moving with small swaps and activities you enjoy:

- Swap part of your travel route for a walk with our guide to walking to our neighbourhood from major London stations including Kings Cross, Waterloo, Bank and more.

- Boost your mind, body and spirit with Ten’s reformer pilates or conditioning classes. Or get your mitts into the new year with a boxing class at E by Equinox.

- Get your steps in with a loop of beautiful St James’s Park. Or pick up the pace and jog past swans, pelicans and other inhabitants of the lake and park. There's plenty of benches dotted around so its perfect for people at all fitness levels.

More ideas to add to our list? We’d love to hear from you; share your suggestions and goals for 2024 via @StJamesLondon.