Destination: A weekend in Paris

Ooh La La, Paris!

Valentine's weekend 2014 was not spent moping around with a box of kleenex and a rom com, but with a trip to gay old Paris instead! And no, before you ask, it was not with a strapping young gentleman who had whisked me off for a romantic weekend - it was with my old chum, 'Polls'!

We headed over to St Pancras station on Sunday 16th February for the 10.25am train to Paris and slept almost the whole journey there - after the obligatory morning coffee and pain au chocolate of course! Upon arrival in Paris we swiftly got into a taxi and embarked upon the short drive to our Hotel, Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris.

Yes, you read correctly. I was lucky enough to spend the night at this breathtaking Hotel, located smack bang in the centre of Paris, right in between the Eiffel Tower and the Arc De Driomphe. We were two very lucky girls.

So we pulled up in the taxi and were greeted by a very lovely doorman who whisked away our bags and ushered us inside. Our room wasn't quite ready yet, but that wasn't a problem as we wanted to get straight out and make the most of our whistlestop trip!

Turning right out of the Hotel, we walked towards the Eiffel Tower and stopped for lunch. Given that the main objectives of this short trip were to see the Eiffel Tower, eat a macaroon, drink red wine and gorge on French food, we were pretty successful right from the get go. We stopped in a little bistro and had a glass of red wine, shared some French onion soup and a croque monsieur before tucking into a delicious platter of bread and cheese. Perfect.

Feeling very full we waddled over to the Eiffel Tower and admired it from various angles before heading back to the luxurious, welcoming arms of the George V. Our room was breathtaking and as it was only a 'standard' room we couldn't help but to wonder what on earth the other categories looked like! 

Draped in creams and golds, the room was big, bright and everything that you could expect of a Parisian 5* Hotel. I was particularly impressed with the rather snazzy looking TV remotes and of course by the fact that there was a Nespresso machine with complimentary coffee capsules! Heaven!

After we'd appreciated our surroundings, we headed over to explore The Spa. This was also, as you can imagine, a highly luxurious and utterly relaxing experience! A lovely lady gave us a quick tour of the Spa and its facilities before we robed up and headed straight for the pool, where we stayed for at least an hour making full use of the Jacuzzi and reveling in our own joy.

The sauna and steam rooms are equally fantastic, especially as they are located in the changing rooms so that you avoid that awkward moment when you enter to find a hairy man and then can't leave because it looks rude. There was none of that! The steam room was simply divine and we left with our pores glowing as much as our insides!

Needless to say, we didn't return from the Spa for quite some time, so we actually didn't make it out for dinner by the time we'd got dressed and enjoyed the most delicious cocktail in the Hotel bar! Not that that was any kind of a problem as we were more than happy to stay where we were and enjoy the relaxed yet sophisticated atmosphere of the bar area.

The following day we headed straight out to find a croissant before continuing to explore the city. As we had such a short amount of time we decided to just walk around and see what we found. We'd also made a reservation for Afternoon Tea at the Hotel so we only had a few hours to explore.

I managed to tick off another important goal from my list as I found a rather lovely chocolate shop selling the most exquisite macaroons. Delicious!

We walked up and down the Champs Élysées admiring the views and popping in and out of shops before heading back to the comfort of the Four Seasons. Even though we'd already checked out, our bags had been taken care of and our table was ready for us at 3pm on the dot.

I do love Afternoon Tea and think that it is the perfect way to experience a Hotel without splashing out on the cost of the room, so I could not pass up the opportunity to have a taste of the George V in this way as I could definitely not afford to splash out in their Michelin star restaurant!

After we were more full that we'd ever been before in our lives, we got back into a taxi and headed back for England. Even though this trip was one of the shortest I've ever been on, it was definitely one of the most relaxing. I left Paris with a warm glow and with the feeling that I'd just experienced something truly special. Hopefully I'll be able to return soon!

Destination: Prague

Happy New Year, Prague!

That's what I said when I arrived on the 3rd of January this year! I was pleased to escape the wind and rain of England for the crisp coolness of Prague and take in all it had to offer, Christmas markets included!

I was lucky enough to stay at the decadent Four Seasons Hotel Prague and enjoyed its central location and exquisite rooms. The staff, of course, were friendly and welcoming and we were quickly ushered up to our room upon arrival so that we were able to make the most out of our early arrival to the city.

Our room was beautiful, with views of the river from our bathroom window and some delicious Czech Spa Water wafer biscuits waiting for us when we arrived. The L'Occitane toiletries smelled as good as ever and the swimming pool sized bath was just waiting to be jumped into.

We only had two nights in the Czech Republic so we were keen to make the most of each of them. With our woolly hats on and scarves tightly wrapped around our necks we headed straight out into the city to explore, heading straight for the main square at the recommendation of one helpful Concierge.

Our love of Christmas still hadn't diminished, which was lucky as there were still plenty of Christmas markets and festive cheer around the city. We loved tasting the traditional Czech dishes served fresh from the market stalls and took advantage of the fact that it seemed perfectly normal to warm up with a cup of mulled wine before midday!

We walked and walked and walked, all the way up to the Castle right back down to the dancing building and back again. Our feet had that tired feeling that only the hardcore tourists can appreciate and it was a comfort knowing that we could relax and unwind with a Czech beer as soon as we got back to the Hotel. The Hotel's bar and restaurant is perfect for this. CottoCrudo - their raw/cooked restaurant and bar concept is both sophisticated and relaxed, enabling us to feel comfortable simply stepping in from the cold or heading down in the evening for a more dressed up cocktail. One night we did just that and the bartender willingly created cocktail after cocktail enabling us to sample a full range of Czech spirits and concoctions! The food is also delicious and perfect for its setting - one night's cold cuts with cheese went down just as well as another night's seafood pasta and we were left satisfied and with that warm glow that only the most memorable evenings give you.

It was sad leaving Prague, not just because we would have to leave the wonderful world of Four Seasons, but also because we would miss the buzz of the city and the smell of all that delicious food. I hope to return again, perhaps when the Charles Bridge is covered in snow as I bet that this gives Prague's beautiful landscape its cherry on top!

Odiham Christmas Extravaganza

I went to the 'Odiham Christmas Extravaganza' this week and began tickling my excitement for this year's Christmas Festivities!

It really was a lovely thing - locals everywhere saying hello, catching up and desperately trying to find the place that sold mulled wine! For some reason this alcoholic Christmas delight seemed nowhere to be found along the highstreet - we were ushered into side streets and pubs to consume this apparently banned beverage!

But there was Christmas cheer all around and enough hog roast for everyone, which of course is the main thing. The local military wives choir was out in full swing, as were the local schools and their angelic voices. All shops were open until late and many were serving up a tasty 'hot fruit punch' and mince pies. There was even a little petting zoo complete with ducks, pigs, goats and donkeys!

Odiham's delightful offering has got me well and truly warmed up for Christmas and reminded me once more of the benefits of shopping local. The beauty of a hand-made craft item really does shine through and adds a whole other level to the 'thought' that counts!

Odiham is a small village in Hampshire, not far from Basingstoke. 

Review: Vintage Afternoon Tea at Reform Social & Grill, London

Free Flowing Champagne!

Probably not the wisest choice at 2.30 in the afternoon, but it was a Saturday and who ever says no to free flowing bubbles?

Once we were seated in our little booth we started off the afternoon with a peach belini before being shown the menu. The waiter informed us that we could choose from either a Vintage Afternoon Tea or a Gentleman's Afternoon Tea which both included the same set of 'fancies', but had very different sandwich options.

We opted for the Vintage version which included the usual egg, salmon, cucumber and ham. The fillings were tasty, but there could have been a lot more of them and in bread a little less dry.

Onto the second level - the scones. In this case it was just the one scone each, but it was nice and came with clotted cream and a little pot of Tiptree raspberry jam. I would have expected another scone each, but perhaps that's just being greedy!

The top layer held the 'fancies'. This was indeed a vintage selection of a rather tasty rhubarb and custard pot although no spoon was provided so I had to use the one that sat with my tea cup. Whilst on the note of tea, I had a rather nice jasmine blend, with my friend opting for a green tea. This actually was forgotten when taking our order, but the waiter covered it up well, topping us up with champagne as he subtly asked what tea we would prefer.

Other 'fancies' included a flourless chocolate and orange cake (nice, but a little burnt), a pistachio macaroon, a slice of battenburg cake and a cherry bakewell cupcake. These were all perfectly adequate, but perhaps a little uninspiring. Still, the free flowing champagne was indeed free flowing and keeping us from feeling too hard done by!

So after we had gobbled up our afternoon teas we were surprised that rather than offering us a top up of sandwiches, our tea stand was hastily cleared away. When we asked about maybe trying the Gentleman's sandwich choice we were informed that this would come at an additional cost, as would a top up of finger sandwiches, scones or fancies. We decided to pay the extra however, and were presented with a tasty looking slate of Gentleman's savouries.

We shared a slice of sausage roll, a mini Welsh wagyu burger and a Hanger steak and Herefordshire snail open sandwich. They were nice, warm and tasty, but again few and far between.

All in all the afternoon was a pleasant experience. You couldn't fault the staff or service and our glasses were kept well topped up throughout the sitting. Although the tea was nice, it was clear that they had made a decision to provide either champagne or food and opted for the champagne option. Maybe a compromise could be reached with simply an extra scone or sightly fuller sandwiches? Or maybe even just some less burnt chocolate cake...!

Review: Meadow Afternoon Tea at Coworth Park Hotel

Well let's just say that it was not what I was expecting...

It was SO much better!

Seriously. For some reason I was expecting stuffy and highly traditional as Coworth Park is part of the Dorchester Collection. In my mind that meant that it would be akin to the totally traditional Dorchester itself, but thankfully I was proved wrong.

We arrived an hour early for our afternoon tea, planning to have a nice walk around the grounds and see that iconic sight of the hotel set behind the meadow. The drive through the grounds to the main building showcased the vast space in all of its beauty with wild flowers growing as far as the eye could see, and the grand and imposing building of the hotel itself. 

Upon entering the building I was surprised. From the outside the hotel appeared a lot smaller than I'd imagined it would be, yet as I stepped inside I was greeted by vast amounts of space with a light, open feel. The friendly doorman went to sort out our table for us so that we could go off for our walk, but actually they had our table ready and waiting an hour early. Could they read our minds?!

So in we went. The drawing room is tastefully decorated in a fresh, yet traditional style. Stuffiness is non-existent with the daylight flooding in through the adjoining conservatory, the powder blue walls and the delightfully comfortable chairs. There is also a harpist, but you will be thoroughly disappointed if you were expecting him to churn out Beethoven. Peter Andre is more up his street.

We weren't sat down for long before our first waiter introduced himself and offered us a glass of Champagne. Unfortunately for me I was driving, as Coworth Park serves Veuve Cliquot as their bubbly of choice with afternoon tea. Not to fear though, as our waiter had the bright idea of serving us a delicious mango non-alcoholic cocktail which went down a treat. 

Next we had a second waiter - a lovely little Irish chap - who timed our afternoon perfectly, waiting until we'd nearly finished our mocktails before presenting the tea itself. We'd also chosen a delicious Elderflower tea to accompany our treats, which was delightful.

As I was expecting a truly traditional afternoon tea, I was once again delightfully surprised. Whenever I have afternoon tea I always try to save the best until last, so naturally I began with the cucumber sandwiches and ended with the delicious ham and mustard, although none of the four varieties were exactly displeasing!

Next up to the scones, both plain and fruit, snugly wrapped up in their napkin to keep warm. These were perfectly sized and wonderfully soft, accompanied by homemade jam and some kind of compote. I must admit that I didn't take too well to the compote, but many others seemed to enjoy it so I shan't complain!

At the penthouse we found four tasty treats. A pink grapefruit and pistachio tulip (I had this first, but should have had it nearer to last!), a pretty looking lemon tart with poppy, a slice of raspberry rose battenburg and finally a blood orange and geranium jaffa cake.

Needless to say, we were completely stuffed to the brim! However our delightful little Irishman offered to pop some extras in a little box for us to take home. In hindsight I shouldn't have declined such a kind offer, but at the time I was blinded by overindulgence!

Eventually we made it out of our chairs, said goodbye to the harpist and headed off for our walk. I shan't drag on with words, but instead let you see the photos for yourself. Although I will just stop to mention how truly amazing the bathrooms were in this place!! Vanity stations in every cubicle and all of the hand cream you could ever want!! Top marks to Coworth Park!!

Some busy bees working away on the lavender!

Destination: From Budapest with love

"When one goes away, 

one simply must stay in a palace"

And so that is what I did.

Four Seasons Hotel Budapest, Gresham Palace

The infamous chandelier!

Beautiful mosaic flooring in the lobby

Three nights in Budapest would be fabulous wherever you stayed, but 3 nights in Four Seasons Budapest, Gresham Palace was something else altogether.

From the moment I arrived until the moment I left, I was blown away by just how beautiful this hotel was. The art-deco features and decor work so incredibly well in this place that they alone could make the entire experience memorable, before you add the Four Seasons experience into the mix.

My room was superb. The bed was comfortable, the bathroom was fabulous, and the windows gave the room that extra special touch. My room was on the fifth floor, right next to the spa, which was perfect for an early morning swim and a 'relax' before breakfast!

Deluxe King room with gorgeous windows

The swimming pool is a little unusual in that it stands alone in the middle of the room, raised up out of the floor rather than going down into it. It is a simple, long structure perfect for doing a few lengths before hopping into the bubbling hot tub and soothing sauna. Of course, the staff in the spa were always ready and waiting to offer assistance and were not in the slightest bit phased at us wandering in and out in our super comfy bath robes!

We ate in the hotel's Gresham restaurant on our first evening in Budapest, choosing to dine al fresco after enjoying a cocktail or two in the hotel's bar.

Lobster and scallops at the Gresham restaurant

Traditional, and tasty, Hungarian love cake!

Subsequently, my mum's new favourite drink is a Bellini. Clearly I need to take her out with me a lot more in future, as this was the first time she'd ever had one! (Shock horror!) Whilst on the subject, the bar at Gresham Palace insists on providing the most delicious (albeit filling) snacks to accompany your cocktails. We needn't have gone out for dinner most evenings, as we were more than happy picking away at the various canapés and nibbles provided for us here!

Mother mine enjoying her Bellini!

Budapest itself is buzzing with bars and restaurants as well as having some of the most beautiful buildings and monuments I've ever seen. Head down to the city park and there's even more to look at, including the baths there which are completely stunning.

St Stephen's Basilica

Before I went to Budapest everyone told me to make use of public transport, but to be honest we didn't find that we needed to. We walked to everywhere we wanted to get to, and found that this was a really great way to see the city as you are able to go at your own pace and stop off wherever you want to.

There are so many photos attached to this post, but I think that you need them to truly appreciate the beauty and diversity of this city. There are so many different types of restaurants and places to visit, all snuggled up beside ancient buildings and a beautiful landscape. There's not many cities in which these two diversities can live with each other so closely and in such great harmony, but Budapest certainly makes it work.

Destination: Trekking Through Chiang Mai's Northern Hilltribes and Villages

On the second half of my Thailand adventure I embarked upon a three day long trek through northern Chiang Mai's hilltribes and villages, expertly guided by G Adventures.

The trip began in Bangkok where I met the rest of the group that I would be travelling with on this week long adventure. We started with all of the basics, running through our trip itinerary and getting together all our paper work before we went off for dinner with our native tour guide, Tom Tom. Here we learnt our first lesson - always let the Thai person choose your Thai food! Full of food and enthusiasm we then headed off to the infamous Kao San Road for some local beer and team building.

The morning after the night before we awoke not quite so fresh faced, but nonetheless ready for action! A quick tuk-tuk ride around Bangkok soon woke us up and soon we found ourselves packed up once more and ready to board the overnight train to Chiang Mai.

This was an adventure in itself! The sleeper train was clean and cosy, and the staff as friendly as ever in the Land of Smiles. We played cards, chowed down on some more yummy Thai food and fell asleep to the dulcet tones of the staff selling 'Oren juuuuuis!'. If anyone overcame their excitement for the journey ahead and actually slept, they almost certainly dreamt of what was awaiting them at the next stop.

When the day of the trek arrived, everyone was as excited as ever. The prospect of a quick dip in a waterfall en route was almost too much for us to bear! The heat was getting to us all, and the waterfall was a blissful oasis in the glaring sunshine.

Once we had dragged ourselves away from the waterfall and back into the rear of the pick-up truck, we ascended as far as we could into the hills before we had to get out and begin our trek. It was hot and humid, but the beautiful surroundings soon made us forget it. Walking through the jungle we all stopped chatting to take in as much as we could, only stopping to fully appreciate where we were and to point excitedly when we spotted a wild banana or mango.

Our guide was great. Sammy was an expert of the jungle and had the answers to all of our questions. He even got out his catapult to grab us a fresh mango from a tree and was our personal lychee picker! We trekked for two days, stopping at a village each evening to soak up the village life and eat some yummy home cooked food. The second day's trekking was definitely more challenging than the first, but we were rewarded at the end by elephants and by reaching paradise.

As if we hadn't already had the time of our lives, we were in for even more of an adventure! Our third day's mode of transport was a bamboo raft which was lovingly made for us by men from the village we stayed in the night before. We embarked upon the six hour journey in high spirits and arrived at our destination with sun burn, hunger and fantastic memories.

That evening we all slept extremely well and awoke still with the excitement of the previous days, but also with a sense of sadness that the majority of our trip was over. Nonetheless, we continued on our adventure with another day in Chiang Mai, another trip on the sleeper train and then our last day together in Bangkok. Somehow, 15 strangers from across the globe managed to become great friends in the space of a couple of days and share an experience of a lifetime, all thanks to G Adventures!