A PERFECT START TO 2019 | MY HOTEL BREAK

A new year means new beginnings, a fresh start, new ambitions and bigger and better dreams. So, this year I asked, why do we so often spend the entire first day of our ‘new chapter’ hungover on the couch? This year – partially due to working NYE and partially thanks to a blog opportunity - I did something completely new for new year. The boy and I got up at a reasonable hour, packed our bags and headed on the road towards one of Scotland’s most charming towns - St Andrew’s - for an overnight stay at a rather plush hotel. 

When My Hotel Break got in touch a month earlier and asked if I’d like to try out their services to test run one of their featured hotels, I jumped at the chance! There was so much to choose from with hotels right across the UK. We decided to stay local and while searching through their easy-to-use website a stunning DoubleTree by Hilton in South Queensferry and the Lochside House Hotel in New Cumnock quickly became some of our front runners. Not before long though I stumbled across The Fairmont in St Andrew’s and stopped searching instantly. It’s a hotel I’ve always wanted to visit and knew it would have everything The Boy and I love in a hotel.

We arrived in the early afternoon on a cold but bright New Year’s Day. On first impression, the hotel is set on a stunning cliff edge with golfing fields all around. On entering the hotel, a welcoming grand fireplace instantly warmed us up. After a quick check-in, we were directed towards our Fairmont King View room. Our room was elegant and modern with hints of Scottish heritage. We had gorgeous views of the sea front and a HUGE kingsize bed that would fit a family of four. My jaw dropped to the floor when I walked into the bathroom. With floor to ceiling marble it’s every girl’s dream. It featured a grand bath – perfect for a bubble bath for two, a large walk-in shower and a beautiful basin area that made for the perfect make-up station. 

When looking at pictures online, one of the biggest pulls to this hotel was their courtyard area and it was even better in real life. A breath-taking open space that truly is the beating heart of the hotel. It’s where you will find all of their restaurants, bars and lounge areas. Still decorated for Christmas, there was a gigantic real tree crowning the top of their ‘Beauty and the Beast’ stairwell as I liked to call it but even without it, the hotel has a beautiful art piece draped from the ceiling that is there year-round. 

After we got our bearings, we decided to take an hour out and make the most of the spa facilities before getting ready for dinner. We spent a nice hour, swimming in the pool, chatting in the jacuzzi and detoxing in the steam and sauna rooms.  

7pm came around before we knew it and we headed down for dinner. We decided to book into the hotel’s Italian restaurant as it only felt right - 2019 is the year we tie the knot in Italy in case you didn’t catch the reference J. 

I could go on for at least a few paragraphs raving about the restaurant, but I’ll keep it brief. The food and wine was some of the best Italian food we’ve indulged in since visiting Tuscany last July. It tasted very authentic and the staff were incredibly attentive. We were kindly sat on one of their balcony tables which was so beautiful. My heart could’ve burst at how happy I was spending my first day of the year, indulging in delicious Italian food with my hubby-to-be in a beautiful setting. It was perfect. 

Before checking out, we took full advantage of the spacious bath tub, had a peaceful sleep in our big bed and ate a very tasty breakfast in the courtyard area in the morning.

The staff at The Fairmont were some of the best I’ve experienced in a hotel and I can’t wait to return. Before jumping in the car back to Glasgow, we took twenty minutes to stroll down towards the coast line and simply take in the views. Standing on a cliff edge and hearing the waves come in was so relaxing and I was gutted that we had to head off so quickly. On our next visit I’ll definitely be scheduling more time to soak in the views and explore the local town. 

A huge thank you again to My Hotel Break for giving us the most perfect start to 2019. One thing I did want to mention before signing off was that My Hotel Break are actually based in Scotland. Over the years, I’ve developed a deeper appreciation for local businesses and always strive to support them when I can which is why My Hotel Break will be my go-to for booking hotels in the UK from now on. Not only are they easy-to-use but they also offer some fantastic deals. They actually have a deal for the Fairmont currently available for just £74.50 per person for bed and breakfast. From my own experience of this stunning hotel, I can say that is an absolute bargain. 

If you’ve made it to the end of this post – well done JI wanted to share every amazing detail about this experience with you and simply couldn’t stop typing. 

Until next time. 

XoXo 

MOXY MERCHANT CITY: A PURSE-FRIENDLY HOTEL THAT'S PERFECT FOR A GIRL'S WEEKEND

Glasgow, in my eyes, is a bloody brilliant city. We have fantastic shopping, a competitive food scene, a diverse range of bars and a solid cultural calendar. So, it comes as no surprise to me that tourism has kicked it up a notch, with new hotels popping up across the city throughout the last year. Last week I had the pleasure of test running one of our newest additions – the swanky new Moxy hotel, located just off High Street.

STYLISH INTERIORS

Part of the Marriot family, Moxy is a laid-back, fun, and quirky hotel that’s the ideal option for those who are after modern bedroom interiors mixed with and a vibrant bar area. On arrival, you’ll find a large lounge area that includes everything from a pool table to a glass fireplace and a large screen – perfect for movie nights. After checking-in at the bar, you’ll be directed to your room where everything feels a lot calmer and sleek, with a comfy bed, TV screen and modern bathroom with shower.

PILLOW FIGHTS 

To mark the opening of the funky new hotel, myself and a few other Glasgow gals were treated to the ultimate girls night in, complete with scavenger hunt, cocktails, pizza, Magic Mike and the best part of all – a pillow fight room covered in feathers and the biggest teddy bear I’ve ever laid eyes on.

PURSE FRIENDLY

Music to my ears, the hotel is also extremely affordable with a double room with breakfast available from around £60 - bargain! So, if you’re visiting Glasgow for an upcoming Christmas shopping trip or simply want to be staying central for your next night out, Moxy is a great option!

Thanks so much to the team at Moxy for a great night.

XoXo  

Cosy couples getaway

Every once and a while, city life can get a bit much and if, you're anything like me, you’ll crave some fresh, countryside air. Living in Glasgow, it’s easy to forget just how fortunate we are in terms of geography (yes, geography). The capital and one of the best cities in the world is just 50 miles away.  One of the most romantic places in the UK, the Lake District, can be reached in under two hours.  And one of the world’s most beautiful Loch’s (and my happy place) can be discovered in just an hour’s drive. It’s time to make the most of having access to so many fabulous destinations so to kick it off, last month, Liam and I took up the offer to visit a quaint hotel perched on the edge of Loch Lomond, in the charming little town of St Fillan’s.

A BEAUTIFUL AUTUMN DAY

On route to St Fillan’s it was clear we’d struck the weather jackpot. The sun was splitting in the sky and the temperatures had reached above 15 degrees – it was perfect. On arrival to The Four Seasons, we were greeted with a warm welcome, but what I was most impressed with was just how welcome our little pug, Indie. We’ve taken Indie to a few hotels in the past but I can say without doubt that the staff at The Four Seasons took doggy welcomes to the next level. We were informed that our little baby could even join us for dinner AND breakfast. If you’ve got a dog of your own, you’ll appreciate how rare this is!

A PERFECT SUNSET

All checked in, we decided to head straight out and explore St Fillan’s while the sun was still shining bright.  We never actually made it into the little town but instead stuck to the loch edge, exploring forest walks, stumbling across tree swings and stopping to take pictures. Lots of pictures!

With the sun beginning to dip, we headed back to our hotel to get ready for dinner. Putting my makeup on in front of our HUGE window that looked directly onto the loch, I noticed the sun setting behind the hills quicker than I expected. I grabbed Liam, Indie and the camera and we headed down to the little dock and captured some of my favourite pictures of recent. You honestly can’t beat a sunset picture!

TASTING THE GRUB

Dinner time now and we were suitably starving and ready to stuff our faces! We’d read a little about the Tarken Bar & Bistro on Tripadvisor before we headed up so knew were in for some good food. For starters, we shared the Chicken and Haggis Croquettes. I’m not one to choose haggis but these were actually super tast. For mains, we chowed down the Traditional Burger in a Brioche Bun with double (or was it triple) cooked chips. TAST-Y. With little room left to spare but just enough, we ordered some desert and by desert, I mean cheese and crackers for me (LOL) and cheesecake for Liam. Full to the brim and a little tipsy from prosecco, we called it a night and headed back to our room.

Unfortunately, we had plans the next afternoon so couldn’t stay around to enjoy more of the area but we did have time to enjoy breakfast (yes, more food) before we departed and a brisk walk in the foggy weather. Again, breakfast was super tasty and set us up for the day ahead.

One thing I truly loved about St Fillan’s was how laid back the community was. Walking Indie down the road at 9am felt more like 6am with not a soul in sight and just the occasional car passing by. The Four Seasons echoes just that feeling with cosy fireplaces and the cutest library nook that would be the ideal spot to get lost in a book.

If you’re looking for a cosy, welcoming and homely place to stay with unbeatable views of Loch Lomond, The Four Seasons is just the place. I could only imagine how beautiful this place would be in the winter and would make a great Christmas getaway.

Thanks again to the staff at The Four Seasons for inviting us to stay and experience the beautiful St Fillan’s. We hope to be back one day soon.

xoxo