*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

Santorini - the most instagrammed location.

Its the place to be on instagram and theres no denying it looks incredible, but the question is - is it worth all that money?

Well this year, myself and my mam went on holiday to Santorini after putting it off for years, we have always wanted to go since those instagram shots came out (yes we got sucked in). Because lets face it, its not the cheapest holiday that you'll have, it will more than likely be the most expensive holiday you will have - unless you live a lavish lifestyle then lucky you!

So we thought - what the hell lets just do it. So off to the travel agents we went because booking a holiday is much simpler when done through a travel agents and saves all the hassle of doing it yourself. But if you're good at that and have some spare time then you could probably get it cheaper.
We went to Thomas Cook, Kuoni and Tui and actually narrowed it down to a few in Thomas Cook as they seemed to have a better selection of what we wanted.

Our main 'must have' was to have a private pool with caldera views because whats the point in spending all that money to visit Santorini if you don't wake up with that 'view' everyday of your holiday.

We ended up actually choosing one at the bottom of the island  (Oia - 'the most instagrammable part of Santorini' is at the top of the island) mostly because you could get more for your money and you didn't lose the views. But the way it worked out was that it was better to book direct with the hotel (but Thomas Cook done everything for us) because of specific rooms so we done that. Board wise - its mostly just bed and breakfast which does make it more expensive so just keep this in mind whilst booking. We are fine with that because as long as you can stock up on the breakfast and even make little sandwiches to have around your private pool then you're sorted until tea time. Plus, take your own drinks (pour bottles of gin into bottles in your suitcase) or buy them on the plane on your way over and all you need money for is your evening meal.

THE HOTEL

So anyway we ended up booking AMBASSADOR SUITES SANTORINI because with this hotel you got everything we wanted and more. We loved the fact that the pool was on the edge of the cliff whereas compared to other hotels the pool (or jacuzzi) seemed to be more in the corner of the balcony which we didn't want. Plus how cool is it that the hotel is a cave?!

When we arrived we didn't really realise how much of a cave the rooms would be - walking to our room you had to walk through tunnels which was cool but steep so if you're travelling with older people who have difficulty walking then you might want to mention this to the hotel/ travel agent.

The hotel is quite big and had a fair few rooms - all different types of rooms to cater for everyone, they even had villas!

The staff are so lovely - they literally do anything for you. Even carry two massive breakfast trays down steep cave banks to bring to you and then go back for extra bacon and Nutella for when you want it.

In the hotel you have a main pool which is in such a good location with the best views - obviously you get better views in your room but it is such a trendy spot. The only restaurant is based behind the pool so it acts as the pool restaurant during the day and the perfect spot for drinks during the sunset.
There is a restaurant just next to the hotel just a few minutes walk which is cheap and cheerful.

If you manage to tear yourself away from your amazing room for breakfast then it is located just above the pool to the left hand side which means you overlook the hotel which is - again - another amazing view. If you hadn't of realised by now but if you love views, then you will adore this hotel.

There is a shop about 10-15mins away to the left of the hotel and other than that and the restaurant 1min away theres nothing else around so for half of the week we hired a car to get us around the island which was the best decision. Otherwise it would have cost us around 50 euros every night to go out and about to the other towns.

THE ROOM


The room itself was a bit basic as it didn't have a built wardrobe or any cupboards or drawers etc so it felt like our stuff was all over but I mean it would probably end up like that anyway! It was a cave room so what more can I say really as the money shot was the view and the pool so thats what made it the best and worth every penny really.

The best thing about it was that being able to order your breakfast to your room every morning was honestly the reason we went. Theres something about eating your breakfast on your own balcony with a view like this - it makes you feel like theres nothing better.

THE SPA
Yes, thats right. Theres a spa - I know, could it get any better. Well I mean if it was cheaper yes it could but the hotel itself couldn't.

We actually didn't even use the spa because we didn't feel the need but it made me at ease knowing there was one. But we did go and visit just to have a look because we knew it would look amazing! It was just along from our room so one morning after 3 plates of breakfast we went and had a look and this is what we found..

Next on the blog.. 

IS SANTORINI REALLY WORTH IT?! I talk about my experience in Santorini.

Have you been to Santorini? Did you think it was worth it?

Laura xox

(OUR BATHROOM)

(OUR TERRACE)

TUI SENSATORI RHODES

You guys all know I love a holiday! So if you have been following my latest holiday over on IG (click here to follow) then you will have seen I have just been to Rhodes and it was another amazing holiday. But it was a brand new hotel so I wanted (as always) to give you guys my honest review of the hotel I stayed in.

THE BACKGROUND INFO

Every year my mother & myself love to go on very glam, very calm holidays. We like 4 poster beds, adults only & lots of cocktails and photo locations. We like modern, new, white, marble & swim up rooms. So when we seen this in Jan (meant to open in May) we booked it straight away. All we had to go off was artist impressions so when it was meant to open in May and got put off until a week before we were meant to go was a bit worrying.

(OUR BEDROOM)

FIRST IMPRESSIONS 

When we turned up to the hotel it was late at night so it was dark but coming into the hotel it was clear that there wasn't much around and there was no big entrance until you got further into the hotel. But when we walked into the lobby - my jaw was down. The decor, was so nice and its so me. Theres literally amazing decor from the floor to the ceiling (honestly, look up). It was big, tonal colours and very modern. They have these sensory pods in the lobby which are a cool touch.
They have fruit infused water & cool towels on arrival (I'm sure its meant to be warm towels?)

But the staff seemed very lovely. We were guided to the buffet but since it was late there was only a selection of cheese and desserts on offer but that was okay for me as I wasn't hungry enough for anything else.

They took our cases straight away from the bus to our rooms so we didn't have to deal with dragging them around.

After eating we went to our room which first impressions it didn't look anything like the artist impression as I'm sure the artist impression was all white room but the room was mostly all wooden. But nevertheless it was a good first impression especially the bathroom.

(COCKTAIL FACING THE MAIN POOL)

(OUR SWIM UP POOL)

THE FACILITIES 

This hotel is the biggest hotel we have been to in the past few years as we tend to go to quite small quite hotels.
It has:
- Italian a la carte
- American a la carte
- Greek a la carte
- Healthy a la carte
- Buffet restaurant
- An outdoor cinema/ Stage
- A bar for the stage
- A bar where they have live music
- An adults only bar near the beach
- An adults only pool
- A kids pool (with slides)
- Tennis courts
- Archery
- A sports bar
- Gym
- Spa & indoor pool
- Nursery
- Snack bars
-An architectural site

(THE GREEK RESTAURANT)

THE FOOD

I was super super excited that it had a lot of restaurants because I get quite sick of the buffet so it was a nice change to have a different restaurant most nights. The ONLY bad thing is that you had to book at reception or via the ATLANTICA app but when we arrived there was restaurants that were fully booked and you can only book 2 days in advance. If you wait until the night before then chances are it will be fully booked. So a couple of nights we were stuck with the restaurant but its in a really good location if you sit outside as theres normally entertainment on which you can hear. Plus the buffet has good food ( only thing for me was the flies around the food) but I know that cant be helped sometimes.

Kuzina - The greek restaurant was amazing and its in such a good location (basically in the middle of the pool). Also the food during the day from the greek restaurant is amazing too (service a bit slow during the day) and they serve gyros, chips, greek salad and more! This is also where you can get cocktails which is handy as its around the main pool. Waiters do come round but there is only one so sometimes you're better going to get them yourself.

Caprice - the Italian restaurant is available for breakfast, lunch & dinner. We went for breakfast once but there was only omelettes and fruit basically so we had a coffee and went back down to the buffet as that has everything. But for dinner it was amazing! The starters, the main and dessert. From start to finish it was gorgeous, plus they do pizza!

Liberty - the American restaurant is away from the main pool and near the architectural site. It was nice to have a nice juicy burger to be honest because its something you miss from home and you cant always get them at the buffet. Although I found that some of the plates came without everything it stated it would come with e.g the brownie for dessert said it was coming with popcorn & basically sounded amazing - it came just as a plain brownie which was very dry.

Gaia - the healthy restaurant it next door to the Italian which is in the best location as it overlooks the whole hotel so it has amazing views. They have amazing salads for starters plus the whole menu has calories etc next to it so if your calorie counting this is perfect.

Citrus - this restaurant is adults only but also please be aware you have to pay for this - so we didn't visit as we didn't see why we would pay since there are so many nice ones included. But we have heard its really amazing!

Buffet - the main buffet restaurant has everything. apart from Nutella - they say its Nutella but its not actual Nutella which was disappointing since they have pancakes and waffles! But I actually found a dessert I liked because normally I find buffet desserts to look good but tasteless.
                                   

(CAPRICE RESTAURANT)

(BUFFET RESTAURANT)

THE DRINKS
Theres lots of bars around the hotel but what I found was the lack of menu's. They have about 5 cocktails on the menu at the beach bar which are disappointing plus the service there is slow.

I ended up having wine and mojitos because they didn't have any Gin cocktails or cucumber to go with my gin and tonic. But in the lobby bar they have more choice but I actually seen that some nicer cocktails you had to pay for which is not good.

So basically don't get your hopes up with the drinks selection.

Since we had a swim up room too we asked about drinks delivered to our room but they were clueless and hadn't even thought of that but if you wanted any sort of room service you were charged.
Because we normally get a swim up room so we can sunbathe on our terrace and use our own pool but because of the drinks we actually had to go and sunbathe at the main pool.

The wine & beer were nice though!

Soft drinks - I found their Fanta lemon to be not actually Fanta Lemon, i'm guessing it was the cheap version.

(SWIM UP ROOMS)

(OUR TERRACE VIEW)

OUR ROOM

We booked a 'double swim up room with terrace' which was room number 3006 which was based exactly opposite the greek restaurant.
At first I thought we weren't going to have much privacy but it was okay actually. It was nice on an evening to be getting ready and have a cup of tea listening to the lady playing the piano.

Since we were close to the entertainment including the outdoor theatre it was noisy. On the nights where we wanted an early night - we were still awake at 12am as the entertainment goes on until then so there no chance of an early night but good if you love the liveliness.

The decor is gorgeous - very minimal but modern. it has a big bathroom with marble everywhere. But the main attraction is the terrace with the swim up pool. We shared a pool with about 5 other rooms but there was only one time the whole holiday that there was me and someone else from another room in the pool at the same time. It was good where we were as there was the music from the bar opposite so it felt like we weren't totally on our own and separated from everyone.

You get a mini bar that we were told was free but once we drank the first lot they charged to fill it up - strange.

Walking through the hotel theres just places where you're still stunned at how amazing the overall feel is like when I found these rooms I was like what are those rooms called and how do I get one of them!! I just think online its not very clear as to what room is what and even when we booked in the TUI travel agents they weren't even sure.

(ADULTS BEACH BAR)

OVERALL THOUGHTS

As you can tell, theres still some teething issues with the hotel and staffing - like the maids not really cleaning the room but thats a small issue that they're trying to solve as time goes on. I don't think they were ready to open when they did and it feels like they're still playing catch up but by now they should be in a much better situation.

The whole hotel is perfectly decorated and theres no issue on that end. You won't regret going here because we had an amazing time.

I tell you what totally helped is the facebook group who share everything from tips like to make sure you take mosquito repellant and any updates of the hotel. Plus customer photos which show what its really like... find the facebook page here

They also have trips that you can go on but we literally just like to stay in the hotel relaxing!

(CAPRICE - ITALIAN RESTAURANT)

Would you love to go here?

p.s hope this helped anyone thinking of going here.

Laura xox