Don’t get me wrong, I totally love London, the adrenaline fuelled rush
hour, the coffee bean snobbery and the hours spent subconsciously people
watching whilst going about your daily routine. I actually, quite weirdly,
get a buzz from the stress the pressure of this magical city that never
stands still for too long and its creative buzz. But sometimes, even I need
a break. Time to step away from the frantic and frenzied lifestyle that
keeps me ticking.
Last Thursday, it was said the weekend ahead was going to be a scorcher, I
had finished a major deadline and was desperate for some ‘proper’ time with
my boys. You know the kinda time I mean, not just watching TV together, or
all hanging out in the same room but focused on our own lil worlds. I mean
just relaxing, running around, getting tired and hungry together. Generally
being in sync and, most importantly, feeling like you actually want to do
these things, rather than just because you feel guilty and end up doing them
half arsed.
So all this meant there was no way I was not going away for the weekend,
even if it meant a hotel in Bognor! I was going to get some sea air no
matter what! I had a brainwave and called the lovely ladies at
www,babyfriendlyboltholes.co.uk and they came to the rescue. They’ve got a
massive selection of hotels, cottage and villas that are not only cool and
classy but super baby and toddler-friendly too. Sian knew what I needed
immediately and suggested some beautiful family friendly luxury hotels that
were close to London with availability. I usually take ages to make a
decision but I was so adamant that we were going away that I choose New Park
Manor in the New Forest within a matter of minutes. The spa, crèche/play
room and green spaces reeled me in straight away!
I rushed my work, rushed home for 5pm, packed all our bags and by 7pm we
were in the car en route to a weekend away! YES!!!
We arrived around 9pm, and although the ladies at Baby Friendly Boltholes
had thought ahead to book us a table for dinner and baby listening, I think
us adults were more shattered than Sonny, so the staff kindly offered us
room service - which was great. Although Leigh was not impressed with the
beer selection. But, since that was his biggest complaint of the weekend,
you can imagine there was literally nothing to complain about! He’s just a
Londoner with extremely high standards for all things food and drink -
especially beer and coffee - AKA a snob! lol! Anyways after the wine and
evening snack we settled into ultra comfy bed, with Sonny in his own toddler
bed, fell fast asleep!
Waking up to Sonny sat next to the window admiring the horses in the fields
and cloudless blue sky was heavenly. Yes we had escaped the city!
We ambled down to breakfast (more on that later!) and planned our day. We
only had one whole day away but we managed to do sooo many fun things none
of which involved London-style traffic, public transport or expensive beer –
although Leigh did manage to track down some of Hampshire’s finest pale ale
along the way!
We skimmed pebbles, went swimming, had a spa, read the papers, played
croquet, watched TV in the bath – yes our room even has a TV above the bath!
- bounced on the trampoline, played football and finished the evening with
an amazing 3-course meal complete with Sonny-friendly kids menu. Sounds
pretty hectic doesn’t it? But believe me the day seemed to be never ending -
and I mean that in a good way. I usually spend between 4pm-6pm on the
weekend wishing the time away to get some peace (I know, awful isn’t it?)
but this was different. The fresh New Forest air, peacefulness, relaxing
spa treatment and, obviously, the beautiful weather made me feel as if I
never wanted to the day to end!
We all passed out at 9.30pm and woke at 8am ready for day 2 of the
adventure. We indulged in the full cooked breakfast, but there was also a
breakfast table with everything you could wish for, muesli, yogurt, cereal,
fruit etc. Obviously Sonny took advantage of the novel mini boxes of cereal
and sampled pretty much the whole selection! The sun was shining so brightly
in the breakfast room we decided to finish off with our coffees from the
comfy seats on the lawn - how idyllic does that sound? Meanwhile, Sonny made
friends and played Lego ninjas with the badminton equipment!
Our checkout was a fairly leisurely 11am, so we after our coffee, we headed
upstairs, packed our bags and settled up. It was all seamless with no
mistakes on the bill or confusion with rooms - don’t you just hate it when
that kind of stuff happens? So, we were in the car and on our way in no
time.
We rounded off our our awesome weekend with a 20-minute drive to the coast
at Mudeford with its pretty beach huts and sandy bay for some obligatory
fish and chips. Now that’s what I call a perfect ending to a perfect
weekend!
All in all, the message I want to get across to you a ladies is that no
matter how stressed, depressed, anxious or just generally uptight you feel,
there’s nothing better than a weekend away, .taking time to switch off from
your everyday domestic chores with your lil family, to remind you how bloody
lucky you are! So give the lovely sisters (it’s a family business for
families you know!) at BABY FRIENDLY BOLTHOLES
020 3603 1160 a call. Sian (big sister and boss!) is offering MM mums a brilliant £50 off bookings for 3nts
or more too! (book by and quote MMBFB)
