A day at the Bulgari spa, Knightsbridge, London, UK

I booked the Bulgari Break package, which included use of the spa facilities, and two treatments (facial and body massage). A most indulgent (£290), but fantastically relaxing way to spend a day in Knightsbridge. The Bulgari is one of my favourite and lavish spa's in London.

Stunning indoor pool area, I was lucky to have it to myself for the majority of time. 

Drinks poolside. 

Private cabanas. 

Time of visit: Wednesday in March 2014. 

Sunday night at Babington House, Somerset, England

Guest rooms at Babington House....the hotel is made up of lots of separate 'houses', giving the feel of a mini luxury village 

Wandering over to the Cowshed Spa 

Outdoor bathtubs for some guest rooms

Our room (15), dog-friendly room. V comfy big bed with sink-in pillows 

Lovely morning and a lovely outlook from our room 

Breakfast; yoghurt and granola and lashings of fresh strawberry jam with toast, all washed down with a flat white 

The bar area, such a relaxed vibe 

Such beautiful grounds 

A stroll around the lake in the grounds 

Room number: 15 

Quality of sleep: not bad, awoke from some banging noises coming from room above 

Time of stay: Sunday night in March 2014. 

Ms Curbappeal x

Almyra hotel, Paphos, Cyprus

What's the Curbappeal?:

- contemporary beach-side luxury chic 

- happy combination of adult-only and family friendly areas 

- plenty of walking (sea-front pathway) and plenty of dining options just a stones throws away 

- blissful contemporary spa, with adults only infinity pool 

- relaxed breakfast dining area under the Olive trees 

- feeling of a much larger hotel, given guests are free to the facilities of the sister hotel nextdoor - the renowned Annabelle 

Our room: 221 (sea-view) 

Recommended: yes, definitely. Especially for city folk who don't want to be too far from civilisation! (Eg you'll find coffee shops right on your front door) 

Beautiful spa. 

Sunset from one of the restaurants. 

Contemporary chic dining space. 

Breakfast area under the olive trees. 

Infinity pool (adults only area). 

Our room. 

Time for tea, by the pool. 

Another stunning sunset, as seen from next door Annabelle hotel - sister hotel to Almyra. 

Time of stay: November 2013. 

Manicure review: Urban Retreat, Harrods. Sunday 2nd December 2012.

It's Curbappeal:
- set within one of the most famous (art deco style) department stores in the world...there's something rather decadent about getting a manicure here
- escape the crowds to 'Urban Retreat'. The nails area is a large, light & airy space set on a mezzanine area overlooking the bustling hair salon


Treatment rating: excellent. I opted for an 'artistic' nail colour, which is basically the same as shellac - ie gel based polish to give that longer lasting. Huge colour choice. I went for the classic A/W12 purple look, choosing the quirkily named "Cavair for breakfast"

The bill: £55 for a manicure that lasts for over 3weeks seems worthwhile, but£4.50 for a small bottle of sparkling water....??

Anything we didn't like: Treatment was great but paying over the odds for the bottle of sparkling water was a little galling

Recommended: Yes. Try come on a Sunday if you want a more relaxed atmosphere. If you prefer a more bustling spa come on a Saturday & enjoy a pedi & manicure sat next to your friends


... Some photos straight from our iPhones...

Spa review: Luxury Pedicure at ESPA, Corinthia Hotel, London. Mon 10th Sept 2012.

It's Curbappeal:
- Ultra spacious nail studio set in a huge hushed luxurious spa
- Plush but relaxing decor, think funky chandelier style lights, mirrored art deco cabinets, comfy textured leather cream & pale greys chairs

Treatment: Luxury Pedicure. Included use of an electric file (so much more effective than manual filing), divine leg massage & paraffin wax booties to make your feet feel extra soft. Lush.

The bill: ouch for a pedicure (£85) but treatment lasted >1hr & my feet felt fully pampered & soft. Whole experience thoroughly relaxing from start to finish

Recommended?: definitely - great option if you feel like treating yourself to a decent pedicure (which many places in London struggle to offer in my view) in this luxurious spa set in one of Londons top 5* hotels

Airport Hotel Review: Alexander House, West Sussex, Uk

Our room: Treetops Suite

It's Curbappeal:
- stunning views of the countryside from our roll top bath
- good choice for a bit of luxury near Gatwick Airport
- nice pool and spa

Style rating: mixed

Crowd: a real mix. Mainly women on spa weekends. Lots of weddings. The odd couple.

Cuisine: breakfast: basic but tasty staples; dinner: fine dining at AGS grill room

Food rating: breakfast: ok ; Dinner: unbelievably good; we'd drive from London just to have dinner here. Just the food though - service was mixed.

The bill: ouch.

Recommended: a good option for a relaxing stay ahead of a flight out of Gatwick

... Some videos straight from our iPhones...

Dinner:
http://socialcam.com/s/0UJNxgi1

Bathroom in Suite:
http://socialcam.com/s/rqwxMMyU

Swimming pool:
http://socialcam.com/s/gXnJwEbZ

... Some photos straight from our iPhones...