Tag: UK

I’m starting a new trend, rather than having one big summer holiday in the year I’m going to have lots of little holidays!

Preferably in places that I can get to within an hour or two. Maybe even in my own city? Because let’s be honest the getting there bit is rubbish. Lots of little breaks make you more evenly relaxed throughout the year.

The key to this new concept is to pick somewhere that feels like you’re really far away from your life but you’re actually just a short drive away. I will be putting this theory to the test in 2016 but my first taster stop on the tour was Hilton London Syon Park for a spa weekend with my bestie.

Hilton London Syon Park is in Brentford around 2 miles from Twickenham and easily reachable by car or public transport. Set in lovely grounds with Syon Park estate as a backdrop and modelled on the old stable block which originally sat there 200 years ago.
When we arrived the staff on reception were extremely friendly and efficient. Sometimes they are not and you have to wait around but our request for early check-in caused no added stress or issue and we were whisked right through.

When we got to our room the first thing we did was get in our fluffy white robes, lie on our beds and order room service because why not! We stayed in a twin with view and it really was gorgeous. Stylish, modern décor in grey and lavender hues with a stunning view of the grounds from our balcony. The best touch in the room was a TV in the bathroom above the bath; the lazy women’s dream come true.

We were booked in for treatments at the Kallima Spa in the basement of the hotel so padded down there in our slippers. This hotel has some random quirks which add to it’s charm, for example the glass walkways talk to you or spit out film quotes and there is a fairly out of place statue of the blues brothers on the outside of the building.

The Kallima spa is a tranquil space in the basement of the hotel. You can book individual treatments or just use the pool, steam room, sauna and Jacuzzi. We did all of it! The spa is open to the public as a day spa so my top tip if you are staying the weekend is to have treatments on the Saturday and use the spa on the Sunday. The Saturday was really busy but on Sunday most people had left and children must vacate the pool by lunch time. I loved the pool and really did feel far away. I pretended to be back in Morocco for quite a while whilst floating around.

We plumped for the Tranquillity face and body treatment. I’ve never had a body wrap so thought it might be a new fun experience. I loved this treatment. It combines a lot of elements so you get so much from it. The facial and massage made me feel fab and she got rid of some really gruesome knots in my back. I found the body wrap a little strange, it is quite something staring down at your naked body wrapped in cling film! However I have to say that my skin was the softest it’s ever been and smelt wonderful and fresh after. I highly recommend it.

The Marco Pierre White restaurant at this Hilton is definitely its trump card. Make sure you pre book when you check in because it’s super popular in the evenings. Now I don’t make this statement lightly as I have eaten in some fine restaurants but the meal we had here was one of the best I’ve ever eaten. If you are a vegetarian or vegan you won’t find much for you as it’s a steak house and doesn’t really accommodate for the non-meat eaters. We chose the 10oz Sirloin steak and it melted in the mouth. It comes served with triple cooked chips, and was cooked to absolute perfection. The roast rump of lamb was equally great so much so I think about it roughly twice a week! Please please make sure you order the creamed spinach whatever you do because the only explanation for how amazing it tastes is that they have fairies casting spells in that kitchen, it’s heaven in your mouth!

After that meal I slept like a baby (I’m sure the wine had nothing to do with it)
I absolutely love hotel breakfasts so I was really looking forward to what was going to be on offer. It was a bit disappointing that there is a only a buffet as we had hoped to order something a bit more bespoke – Eggs benedict or an omelette freshly made. Having said that the buffet was very well put together and all tastes are catered for with plenty of continental breakfast choices and a hot plate for the full English.

This hotel really meets a high standard for a very reasonable price point. It does feel luxurious and the pleasant and friendly staff add to its relaxed nature. We both left feeling rejuvenated, relaxed, well fed and like we had been away for way more than one night. I’m already planning a second trip there in the New Year. Maybe see you there for your first mini holiday of the year!

Stays at Hilton London Syon Park start from £149 per room per night, based on two people sharing a Queen Guest Room on a bed and breakfast basis including taxes, complimentary WiFi and full use of the spa facilities. Reservations – www.londonsyonpark.com /020 7870 7777.

Reviwed by Chloe Misson | @CselinaM