I had the pleasure of taking a staycation for my birthday celebrations and stayed at this wonderful luxury hotel in Harrogate, North Yorkshire. I had planned and worked hard all year to celebrate my birthday on an island somewhere in the Caribbean this year after not having a holiday for years. But due to the current Covid-19 pandemic situation, travel was really not an option.
So I went about the great hunt of finding an alternative to the Caribbean that would still offer me the relaxation, mental break and beautiful views I had been longing for all year. Not an easy challenge. I found a list of UK staycations from Cornwall to Carlisle but none of them were quite hitting the spot with the mix of glamour, good food and relaxation I craved, until I came acoss this gem hidden in the fields of North Yorkshire.
Entrance to Rudding Park Hotel
The fields are wonderfully secluded in the countryside of Harrogate with a long drive leading up to the reception. Upon entering the main doors, my temperature was taken and sanitiser provided before I was welcomed in. The hotel receptionist was very friendly and immediately asked if I required luggage assistance. When I said yes, one of the staff courteously rolled out the hotel luggage cart to my numerous bags in the car park and delivered them to my room. Service was a solid 9/10, the only thing that would have made it better would have been the staff explaining some of the facilities available for my stay like the spa, golf etc.
Breakfast in bed at Rudding Park
I stayed in the Ribston Wing double room for a nightly rate that included dinner, Yorkshire breakfast, morning newspaper, access to the Indoor Swimming Pool, Juniper Log Sauna, Bucket Shower, Wi-Fi and use of residents’ gym.
The room was fresh and crisp upon arrival, it had a terrace with with outdoor seating and I arrived to a lovely complimentary bottle of Agustí Torelló Mata’s2017 Cava and a birthday card from the hotel. Very sweet welcoming touch.
We had the option of having dinner in the Clocktower restaurant or fine dining in the Horto restaurant. I went for the clocktower option and enjoyed a well cooked, well portioned 3 course dinner. See photo of my starter below:
smoked salmonstarter creme fraiche, watercress, capers. brown bread & butter
The next day, we took a walk around the grounds and facilities. The fields are vast and picturesque and there is so much space to enjoy a morning walk undisturbed.
View of Rudding fields from my walk
We also stopped by the spa which was massive! There is an option to just attend the world-renowned spa for the day, and a cafe that caters to day visitors.
Overall, my stay was definitely brilliant and I would rate it a 9/10. It was one of the best sleeps I had in a long time and the breakfast in bed was sensational. The staff went above and beyond their way to make us feel comfortable from check in to (our late) checkout. The only thing that would have given it 10/10 would have been the explanation of available facilities to us and perhaps getting us booked into some activities and the spa.
Otherwise I felt it was worth the cost and every bit as luxe as I desired. Sure it wasn’t the Caribbean, but it allowed me to take a break from the everyday, celebrate my birthday in style and leave feeling more relaxed.
I would definitely recommend it if you are looking for a relaxing, stylish UK staycation. Watch my video of the review on my instagram @metiyachique
I just wanted to check in with you guys, as it’s been so long and this year has so been so challenging. I hope you are all well, please let me know if you are reading this. I haven’t posted since last year and I’m so sure no-one reads this anymore. But I wanted to write to mark my year around earth. 2020 will be unforgettable anyway. But I wanted to write about finding hoy in 2020 and mark this year on a special day of my life to always remember that God can make light of even the darkest situation. I booked a staycation in UK to celebrate my birthday safely this year. I stayed at the lovely Rudding Park hotel and it was a great time.
Birthday cake in Clocktower restaurant
Despite the several downs, I can say that God has been faithful to me and allowed me to be here whole today. I took an exercise of recounting all the things I’ve been through since last year. And I can truly say that it’s by God’s grace that I’m here now. It was too many life-threatening situations that I escaped and I know for a fact that if I can come out unscathed, then I will make it through it all. God is watching me and he is watching you, he will take care of us and guide us through even the darkest times.
It’s officially the last month of the year! Yes December is here and that brings with it all the celebrations of the festive period. I’m sharing this wonderful festive look you can rock to your christmas parties, end of year celebrations or even office parties thanks to LOTD.com.
I love the feel of this jumpsuit, perfect combination of comfort and glamour – the fact it has sleeves means you can confidently wear it in the cold weather without fear of totally freezing. Also this is really easy for a day to night change if you are going from the office to dinner/drinks. You could add a belt to it as well – a thin gold waist belt or similar for an extra touch, but I like it flowing and free so I just wear it on its own. It’s also ideal for team itty bitty (HEY SISTERS!) hehehe but my bustier girls can wear it too – just pin it higher up if you wear support underneath. Overall, its a ten from me – I love this jumpsuit and will be rocking it all festive season.
Would you guys rock this look? Let me know how and where you would wear it in the comments!
Hi guys! How are you doing? It’s officially winter and Yorkshire is freezing *cries*. I cannot put it off any longer with pictures of my sunny travels and scenic beach views, so here is an up-to date post of me recently on a shopping trip in Harrogate, UK, rocking my winter style.
As you guys know, winter is not my favourite time of the year (I am working towards a life that doesn’t include winter anymore, because I have realised we just are not suited to one another). But anyway before that break up can go ahead, we must survive yet another cold season. This one is already looking up and a smile was put on my face a couple weeks ago thanks to the guys at LOTD.com who kindly sent me some chic pieces to get me through this winter! Find photos and details below:
I got this lovely basic black long sleeve bodysuit. I love how simple it is, the round neck is perfect because it’s not too high but covers high enough to look super chic and be warm too! The material is quite thin so it can be worn underneath a blazer for work or you can wear it up with a mini skirt or down with jeans like I did:
I also got these lovely booties which are perfect for these dark nights. They are so comfortable and can be worn in the day at the office then straight to evening drinks. My jeans tucked perfectly into them as you can see:
Better view of the booties – the heel is really comfortable so you don’t get that ‘I’ve been wearing heels’ pain some shoes can give, yea you know what I mean. They are on sale right now as well £15! Shop them here
So I paired my items with some jeans from All Saints and a ZARA coat that I seem to have taken over from my best friend – you guys ever have those situations where your girl leaves something at your house and you try it on accidentally one day then just can’t stop wearing it? Hahaha its probably because I miss her to be honest – love you A 🙂
There you have it, a little taste of what winter is looking like so far. Thank you to the guys at LOTD.com and thank you for stopping by lovelies, have a great week and catch you soon. Love and light x MC
Disclaimer: I did not get paid for this post and all opinions are mine.
