*gifted stay*
WYNYARD HALL HOTEL

THE HOTEL

I have visited this hotel before but not to stay but for their amazing Festive Shopping Fayre which they have on every year around Christmas time and its now one of my favourite things to do at Christmas as they have so many shopping stalls as well as a teepee which you can have mulled wine around the fire but also ice skating - what else do you want to do at Christmas?!

So I knew this hotel was extremely good looking and its surroundings are simply stunning. But pulling up to this view and being able to pull up outside this building, park up and head inside with our over night bags ready to stay the night makes me feel extremely lucky. The grounds of the hotel make it feel even more special with its big long windy road into the hotel. Also, the houses before you pull into the hotel are just jaw dropping gorgeous and always gives me house goal vibes.

After checking in we get shown around the hotel which is defo one to make sure you look up but I bet you can't help it! Everywhere is just so big and the decor is amazing! With old Hall's like this, most of them are still quite old fashioned and decorated like it's still was when it got built but this one is more my cup of tea.

THE ROOM

We stayed in the Duke of Wellington suite which overlooks the lake - who even knew Wynyard Hall had a lake?!

It's such a gorgeous room, a proper princess room. Perfect for that breakfast shot...

Obvs we had our own sitting area in the room equipped with a fireplace, a dressing table in front of the big windows and a hidden bathroom. I say hidden well because if the girl who took us to the room didn't tell us that the bathroom was there then we would have been searching for it. The door was disguised in the wall with the same wallpaper on which was quite cool and so was the shape of the room - it was a circle shaped room which added to the quirkiness of it.

THE FOOD

We had a 5 course tasting menu booked with wine pairings at the restaurant in the hotel and I knew I had to wear heels well because its just that type of hotel where everyone dresses up. Which I secretly love because I don't get to dress up that often (of choose not to) and I don't mind wearing heels for the short period. Plus I can blame the wine if I stumble when really its most probably the heels because I don't wear them that often.

The restaurant is beautiful and big with again, big ceilings and big grand paintings. Its just a good atmosphere with great staff too who were soo attentive during our meal. The five course tasting menu was honestly one of the best meals I've ever had and the wine pairings was something that I wouldn't really choose as I like to just stick to what I know but in all honestly I don't know much about wine so in fact it was the perfect add on to our meal. We got to try new wines that we wouldn't normally choose and it added excitement to each course because actually the wine tastes totally different when paired with a certain course. I never really understood that something can taste different with a certain type of food but it actually does. Every single wine tasted better after a bite of my meal and I was blown away by that.
So if you have the choice to add on the wine pairings then defo do that, plus the guy who explains the wines is so helpful.

Also, can we just take a moment to appreciate the bowl in the second food pic?! I was in love with it and asked where I could buy one to which I was informed that one of the members of staff had made them - WOW. I would honestly buy these and need to know how I can get my hands on them.

BREAKFAST

Of course, as always. We requested that we have breakfast in bed well because let's be real - who can be bothered to get dressed before 10am when you're in a hotel room as good as this??

This was one of the best breakfasts I've had because I actually got beans, you would be surprised to find out that not that many hotels offer beans on the full breakfast. 

THE SPA

I didn't actually know that Wynyard Hall had a spa and I hadn't seen any images of it so I actually didn't know where about in the hotel it was - little did I know it was an old boathouse right on the lake.

So after breakfast and after checking out we headed to the spa which is very cute and quite which was a very nice surprise as normally spa's are super busy (mostly too busy to go in anything). There is some indoor saunas and steam rooms but I think the main attraction is the jacuzzi's outside which have such a good view. 

I am already planning my next visit here as I feel like one night wasn't enough to explore everything. We didn't even make it to the gardens or get a chance to get treatments whilst we were here so thats defo an excuse to head back soon. 

Have you visited Wynyard Hall?

Laura xox

* gifted stay*

When The Coniston Hotel first got in touch I was excited because it was a hotel I had never heard of or came across it. I thought it would be good to visit a hotel and spa where I didn't already have an opinion of. I was visiting on a blank canvas and that was exciting for me as I normally have an idea of what the hotel looks like or the best places for IG spots ( a girl has got to be prepared and make sure my outfits suit my backdrop )

THE HOTEL

The Coniston Hotel is located in Skipton which for those that don't know where it is, its just left of Harrogate so if you're stuck for things to do the day after you visit the hotel or before hand then head into Harrogate and have lunch as its such a cute little area.

Its a family run hotel which makes it even more wow when you pull up to see its size - its massive! 

The staff at the reception were super kind and helpful which was a lovely welcome, I find the staff who meet and greet you are your first view of the hotel and how you stay will be.

THE ROOM

We made it to our room which was a lake view room and even though it was miserable weather its always good when you have a room with a view. I love to wake up and look outside and weather permitting then also having breakfast outside too (obvs with a duvet wrapped around you because I do live in the UK.) Although it is a family run hotel you wouldn't be able to tell by the looks of the rooms as I find family hotels have their own quirky stamp on each room but this had the standards of a ...

Dropped our bags off and off we ran to the spa for our treatments - THE BEST BIT.

THE SPA

The spa is just to the left of the hotel in its own separate building which is good if you just book for a spa day as you can park right outside of the spa instead of having to go through the hotel. Its a modern building and it looks spectacular. Once we arrived west down in the spa cafe and had our spa lunch (I chose the Caesar salad and a white wine). They have a good selection of drinks as well as food and I really enjoyed mine in the sunshine as they have a little outside area or you can sit inside with that lovely spa smell ( which is my favourite smell ).

When I head through to the spa I genuinely don't know what to expect as I hadn't seen any pics so it was a nice surprise to find out they had an outdoor area with a heated pool, bar and sun lounges. And it was the perfect day to make use of these sun lounges as we were lucky with the weather.
The only thing I will say is that if you go on a weekend its going to be busy outside as thats the most popular and its only a small area so just bare that in mind. It could benefit from extending the area to around the corner as that area is bare. Which is something I find at every spa is that the outside is always the most popular and never big enough to cater for everyone wanting to get in the pool or be in the sunshine.

Inside they have a big pool, jacuzzi, steam room and sauna and the usual things you would expect at a spa. Its a huge area indoors which is also really nice and bright as they have floor to ceiling windows.

Our treatments were up next and could not have been more excited for my full body massage - which totally done its job. I was super relaxed and de-stressed after which is one thing I love about having a treatments is, is that you feel like a new woman after and sometimes we need this after the hectic lives everyone lives these days.

THE FOOD

We had our meal booked in the Macleod's restaurant which is a 2 AA rosette restaurant. Its a cosy setting and we had a live pianist during our meal which gave it such a good atmosphere. The food we had was bloody lush and you can totally see why they have achieved 2 AA rosettes.

We had the best nights sleep and woke up to breakfast arriving in our room as you should know by now - we love to have breakfast in our robes in the comfort of our room. Because you get such a short amount of time to actually be in your room we always make the most of it - if you have never done this, then I would highly recommend you do next time and I bet you will never go down for breakfast again.

Have you visited The Coniston Hotel before? I will certainly be visiting again.

Laura xox

Matfen Hall 

(visit website here)


When I got invited to Matfen Hall, I never actually had heard much about the hotel more just about the golf course as my dad loves golf! So when I visited their website I was so excited because their website it so good! The grounds look amazing and exactly what you want when you visit a hall.

We arrived on a rainy Friday afternoon much to our delight we checked into our Bridal suite which has recently been done out so I was dying to see inside because I've never stayed in a bridal suite before so didn't really know what to expect. BUT OH MY GOD. I was blown away, honestly it was a moment where it took me a while to speak. The decor, the views, the ceilings, the space - it was all perfect.

Taking in the lush views over the golf course, sipping on prosecco we decided to get ready for our evening meal in the restaurant in the hotel. The decor of the hotel is very oldy worldy and would be incredible if it was done in the same decor as the new bridal suite but it totally suits the hotel so doesn't look dated.

Our evening meal in the restaurant was perfect and the food is so delicious. For starters I had a cheese soufflé which I have never actually had before but would totally have it here again because it was lush. For my main I had duck which was even better with homemade chips dipped into the duck sauce. They have a wide range of drinks including a good Gin and cocktail menu. 

Breakfast was perfect on our little table and chairs overlooking the golf course and stunning views. The big windows are one of the best features in the Bridal suite and I'm a sucker for a view. One of my favourite things is breakfast in the hotel room so whenever I can order breakfast to the room I will do. 

The spa at Matfen hall is cosy, it has a few sunbeds, a sauna and a steam room with a pool and a jacuzzi. It has enough there to keep you entertained and relaxed if you're there for the day. I had a little nap which was cosy and well needed. I also had an Elemis biotec facial which was amazing and I love that it uses the machines as I feel that they would do more and give me better results. Its meant to tighten and tone the facial muscles and I certainly felt tighter afterwards and my skin looked so clear. 

Overall my visit to Matfen Hall was amazing and I would 100% go back again to stay in the bridal suite - its not just for brides. Its a super cute cosy getaway near where I live and its certainly one I need to go back and take my mother as I think it would be a lovely mother daughter stay.

Have you been to Matfen Hall before?

Laura x

The grand entrance is beautiful and exactly what you want to pull up to if you’re heading for a well

deserved treat. 

When I was invited to Redworth Hall spa for a day I was surprised that I hadn’t been before but I think

it’s one of those ones that are hidden gems, one that isn’t spoken about enough - hence why I am

telling you about it because it deserves its time in the spotlight.

They’ve spent millions on the leisure and spa facilities and it’s been

completely transformed to create a new Decleor spa with six luxurious

treatment rooms (including a dual room), a relaxation room featuring Gharieni

thermal loungers, a new L’Oreal hair & nail salon and an expansive, new gym. 

There’s also a new restaurant & bar - The Lounge – offering a delicious all-day

menu.

*To be totally transparent - this was a gifted visit but this isn’t a paid blog post so as always - my views

are all truth and not sponsored in any way*

Myself and my mother visited The Retreat on a Saturday which is sometimes bitter sweet - the

atmosphere is there when you go on a weekend but if you want total tranquillity then I suggest you

go on a weekday as there isn’t much space around the pool to totally chill out. 

But saying that - we managed to. The pool area is not what I expected as the pictures that I have

seen online are taken at night and make it look totally different - in a good way though! It is so nice

and bright with windows around the whole pool making it feel bigger than it is - it also makes it

beautiful when the sun is shining and relaxing when the rain is pouring and you’re indoors.

The recent £2m investment has seen the creation of a new restaurant – The Lounge – with the

most beautiful foliage (which makes it so instagrammable) and also new treatment rooms with the

most perfect tranquillity room which you head to before your treatment – it’s honestly that relaxing

that I fell asleep whilst waiting for my massage. They also have a new L’Oreal hair salon and nail

salon - doesn’t this sound like the place to be?!

For our treatments we booked the Hot Lava Shell massage to which is always tailored specifically to

your needs - mine was to try to get the knots out of my shoulders so my lady worked her magic with

the shells and then went deeper with her hand movements to try to ease the knots - I can tell you this

was bloody amazing and worked a treat! My body felt brand new after and I fell asleep around the

pool straight after because I was so relaxed! 

After our massages we went back to the pool area to read our books and chill out even more

because let’s face it – that’s what a spa is all about. 

Once we had woken up - it was time to feed our stomachs and I was so excited for this because when

you first walk in, you can see the lounge area where you go for lunch and it looks so beautifully

decorated with a cherry tree wrapped in fairy lights. One of my favourite things to do at a spa is going

for lunch in our dressing gowns and this did not disappoint. 

We actually ordered the same juice we were given as a taster when we first arrived - a healthy green

juice that I wouldn’t normally order but because we were given a taster (along with a little chocolate

treat) at the start of our day we thought it was the perfect drink to stay hydrated and to wake

ourselves up.

You can actually have afternoon tea but we went for the lunch menu because I really fancied the

poached eggs with bacon! It was honestly so delicious that I could have eaten two!! 

After lunch we went back around the pool area to visit the sauna and had a swim until we were ready

for another nap! Sounds like the perfect day right?! The only thing that I would change if I was to go

again would to book an overnight stay too so you feel like you don’t have to leave but also to explore

more of the hotel as we only really saw the spa! 

You’ll find a great range of indulgent spa experiences as gift vouchers, from individual

treatments to luxurious spa days and overnight breaks on their website.

My mother really enjoyed herself too and she is becoming quite the spa connoisseur! The only thing

she said she would change would be the chairs and loungers around the pool to make them comfier

(which I agree with as they’re wooden chairs which make it harder to get comfy if you don’t have a

dressing gown and towels to cushion yourself against).  

But we will 100% be going back and I can’t believe I haven’t been before!

Have you visited The Retreat at Redworth since it has been transformed?

BOOK YOUR SPA DAY NOW - https://www.retreatatredworth.com

Laura xox

LASER HAIR REMOVAL

I've wanted hair removal since forever and it was always one of those things I dreamt about. What girl doesn't?! The hour we would save not having to shave..

It wasn't even the shaving that got me down, it was the shaving rash that came with it. Sorry if thats too much info but were all girls here, we all get it. I thought that was more annoying than anything so the idea of not getting that because I didn't have to shave would just be the dream.

So when Therapie opened up in the Metro Centre my dreams came true. Not only is the clinic absolutely gorgeous and not clinical at all - its actually quite cosy but it also does a lot of treatments that I know I have already got my eye on such as botox, fillers and skin treatments.

THE PREP

So before you actually start the process, you will have a consultation to see which areas you want & a patch test of the machine to see which level you can handle. (more on that lower down)

But my biggest issue ( it's not really an issue at all ) was that you cant have a real tan or be wearing fake tan at all on the areas where you want it. So when we done the patch test my legs were too tanned to carry out the patch test because the machine needs to pick up the dark hair so if you have a tan then the machine finds it hard to find the hair and zaps everything which results in you getting burnt.

So once you have had your patch test and your first session is approaching then you need to match sure not to tan that area or go on the sunbeds. The night before you have to shave everything you want gone.
If you're getting your underarms done then you can't wear deodorant either.



THE TREATMENT

So the treatment itself can be a bit embarrassing as depending on what area you are getting done, you have to have that area on show for around 15 mins. But once you have done it its totally fine. The girl who done mine made me feel very comfortable & I didn't feel the dread the second time round.

What does it feel like?
Its cold to start because gel gets added to the area and the machine itself cools the skin when the hot zaps go into your skin to the hair follicles. But it does get hot and thats what you want, the hotter that you can handle means the more its going to work. She asks when you get to a 3/5 for hot or pain than tell her and she will stop and move on because thats that area done.

Of course the most sensitive areas hurt the most and by hurt I mean its like a plucking feeling but only in certain areas. My underarms are totally fine and pain free it just gets a bit hot - but my bikini hurts a little more.

For hair removal to work you need to have around 6 sessions on each area.

THE RESULTS

I have only had 2 sessions, and I only need to shave once a week. HOW AMAZING IS THAT?!

I have noticed a massive difference in my underarms but once I have had all 6 sessions I will be hair free for a long long time.
I wouldn't say its going to be forever because after around 4 years I think you have to have a top up but only one session.

There are two products to help the aftercare of the area which you can buy from Therapie. One of them is a gel to help cool the area for a few days after the laser. The after three days of using the gel - you then are recommended to use Murad exfoliant to help the hairs fall out naturally and it helps with ingrown hairs. ( TMI - but these have all gone even though I am still shaving atm)

I cant wait to finish the rest of my sessions to be totally hair free!

I also am loving getting it done with Therapie because their clinic is so nice and relaxing rather than clinical ( they have candles on in every room with marble walls )

They always have deals on so check out their price list but let them know I sent you too!

Laura xox

20 Stories

The hottest new bar / restaurant in MCR just opened its doors in Feb 2018 and the people of Manchester weren't aware of what impact this new place would make.

It was the perfect time to open so they could make full use of their 360 degree views of Manchester in the soaring heat during the summer months. It is after all one of the best features of 20 Stories.

When you enter the restaurant you grab the lift up to the 19th floor (but why not the 20th floor? its named after where the food comes from? and you step out into the most amazing restaurant I've had the pleasure of entering.
If you turn left you have views, if you turn right you have the restaurant and bar and more views. Even the toilets have views.

The terrace gives you NYC vibes as soon as you step in. With its amazing views, pretty floral designs & set up, its all about the wow factor and I was simply stunned. I've never seen anything like it and I fell in love with every single detail.

Theres domes covered in flowers in perfect spots where you can zone out with a few of your friends without being amongst other diners. Its the perfect party set up! (plus the perfect instagram pic)
The terrace is sectioned into two parts, a restaurant & a bar.
We were sat in the perfect spot which was right under the sun & overlooking Manchester, it made us feel like we were the only ones in the restaurant.

The perfectly chosen music totally sealed the deal for us. Imagine this: A drink in your hand ( a Bloody Mary which was delicious) surrounded by stunning views, sat there with a loved one, and just taking everything in with music thats chilled but upbeat. Perfection. and this was before we had any food.

MANCHESTER BORN AND BREAD

THE FOOD

The executive chef of 20 Stories is Aiden Byrne who is a Michelin star chef who has created a menu to showcase the best of the North west and aims to source local ingredients within a 50 mile radius.

I can honestly say it will be one of the best meals you will eat because its just so fresh and tastes amazing. Every course went down perfectly, we hardly spoke during each course because we wanted to appreciate every mouthful.

The staff were so attentive and they made us feel so comfortable and at home that we didn't want to leave. They made our visit that little bit more perfect just when I thought it couldn't get any better. So I'm forever grateful to 20 Stories for inviting me to dine with you and create a memory that will last forever.

If you're ever in Manchester then you need to visit here for lunch or an evening meal - which I think would look even more idyllic with all the lights.

Laura xox