Wednesday 17 June 2015

U2 Magic in Montreal

A bit of U2 magic in Montreal last night, I've never seen so many fans on stage what an experience, great to see the band literally getting up close to fans, I missed that on the last tour. Can't wait for October when I'll be seeing them live!

Thursday 11 June 2015

Lodore Falls Hotel Pamper Day with Afternoon Tea

My friend Margaret and I bought an offer on Travelzoo for two treatments and afternoon tea for £55 each and took up this offer last week. The trip took a bit longer than expected and after an hour we arrived at the Lodore Falls Hotel. The setting can't be beaten with the hotel nestling at the foot of a tree covered mountain close to the shores of Derwentwater. The hotel is one of those slightly old fashioned Victorian hotels that I personally love, lots of wooden panelling, welcoming and warm.


We apologised for arriving late and were taken straight into the beauty salon for our first treatment, a back massage (we had a choice between this and a facial.) It was very nice and relaxing but not very varied in terms of the massage. It also felt a little hurried but I will not complain about that as we did arrive late.

After that we were taken into the spa where tea and fresh fruit was waiting for us which was lovely and refreshing. Then we were shown where to change, this room was very small with lockers a toilet and shower. I imagine if the place was very busy you would not be able to move. We went into the pool area where there were a few loungers and chairs, luckily we got the last two loungers available. We had to find someone to get towels. Again it was not a big pool but it was fine and we just chilled.

At 12:20 it was time for our slot in the outside hot tub. I noticed in reviews that some people thought having 20 minute time slots for this was ridiculous, but I think it is a good idea as it means that everyone gets a chance to have time in it. The tub was lovely and warm but boy it was parky (it was a cold day) when getting out, luckily it was right beside the door into the spa so we could dash in!

Now it was time for our afternoon tea (we could have opted for a light lunch if we wanted) and we had to wait only a short time for it to arrive. It was good except for the scone which was very dry and I would have liked some proper cream cakes, there were profiteroles, carrot cake and a lemon meringue tarts, but I always associate afternoon tea with cream cakes. There was also pannacotta that seemed very like jelly to me, tasty though. We took our time and enjoyed chatting and relaxing.

At 2pm it was time for our last treatment, a pedicure, (we could have opted for a manicure.) It said it could last for up to 50 minutes but it lasted 20, a short treatment but my toes look lovely! Stupidly I didn't wear sandals so the beautician got me some disposable shoes so my varnish would be able to dry.

All in all we enjoyed the day and it was good value for the money we paid. I have been to Oxley's at nearby Underscar and that is an amazing place and Lodore can't compare with the standard of facilities there. But for £55 we had a good day and felt much better for it.

A Moody Derwentwater