We went straight to the spa for a swim and a gossip in the jacuzzi, then to the dining room for a cream tea. We were just about to go for a nap when they brought us champagne.
We retreated sleepily to our rooms to watch a gorgeous sunset, the Social Network (quite enjoyed it) and more champagne.
Then dinner and yet more champagne. (There was actually a bit too much champagne, we wondered whether they were going to wake us up in the middle of the night with another ice bucket and bottle.) The hotel was quite swish so we pretended we were in Vegas and if we stepped outside it would be boiling hot. (You’ve gotta dream in England.) I love getting ready for dinner in a hotel: crazy heels are no problem, no catching a bus, just a tipsy walk down the stairs with a champagne glass. This was the obligatory blurry first photo the waiter took but naturally we all hated the in-focus one.
Next day we had a huge breakfast, no-judgement pastry consumption, more gossip, then a sunny walk by the river to blow out the cobwebs.
It felt so springy: daffodils and fluffy ducklings!
More tea and white chocolate and pistachio cookies (new favourite cookie alert) before leaving for home. It was so nice to have some quality time with the ladies, with not a single thing to do and let the conversation wander. We covered all the main bases: boys, cake, ice-cream, Mark Ruffalo, Donald Draper, boobs, clothes, shoes, makeup, hair. And just a bit of work talk. Perfect.
We stayed at the runnymede-on-thames and it was brilliant value for money. Our package included cream tea, spa access, dinner, breakfast (both of which were delicious) and too much champagne. Half an hour out of Waterloo, it was perfect for an easy weekend relaxing break, I really recommend it. Hope you had a good weekend; have a good week!
Runnymede is not that far from me. I shall have to investigate it
ReplyDeleteLooks like a fun weekend! x LZ
ReplyDeleteOh, ladies that luxuriate, how fab!
ReplyDeleteThose cakes look magnificent!Glad you had a lovely time - bet it seems a long time ago now - Giggleswick does.
ReplyDeleteThat looks like such a fun and much needed weekend - hope its not too long 'til your next one :)
ReplyDeleteWow, what a good idea. I love the idea of building an entire weekend around a cream tea... (especially one that has fruited scones).
ReplyDeleteWhat's the "Caroline, No!" bit? Did you have Brian Wilson along?
ReplyDeleteI've read about Runnymede in novels (Three Men in a Boat and To Say Nothing of the Dog—great reads!) so it's so cool to see it on photo. And tea is always good with friends. :)
ReplyDeletethat is near where I'm from- it's nice along the canal there isn't it, hope you had a lovely time
ReplyDeleteThanks for the tip Caroline! We were coincidentally looking for somewhere with a spa along the way out west last week for a short celebration so this recommendation was eerily timely. Don't think we got your bargain advance deal (ouch!) but it was really lovely. It looks like an office block from outside but has had a lovely refurb with lots of great designer wooden furniture inside. Not much character in the bedrooms but the location is beautiful, the food (esp breakfast!) is lovely, as is the cocktail menu, the pool and spa (even a mini sauna and cold plunge pool in the changing rooms), the massive soft beds, the board games and blankets in the river fronting lounge bar and the optional 1pm checkout time! If you do stay there then do go and have a look at Runnymede meadow and memorials, just to the west of the hotel, where the Magna Carta was signed.
ReplyDeleteDear Caroline, a weekend away with the girls with lots of food and Champagne sounds perfect. As does the subject matter xx
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely idea... obviously a very wise friend who organised it! Champagne just as you're about to nap sounds ideal ;)
ReplyDeleteI really want to take up knitting again and make myself something fabulous! Maybe I should start again this summer after exams!
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