Since I feel like I’m celebrating 36 for the second time, it’s only appropriate that there be 2 celebrations, right?! This weekend was Chris’s gift to me for my birthday . . . a get-away for the two of us to a hotel/spa just 30 minutes away from our home.
Our room was in an area of the hotel that used to be the stables of the estate. For being relegated to the ‘stables’ our room was very comfortable and was called the Wellingtonia. That cute little bear was the hotel’s version of a ‘Do Not Disturb’ sign. So cute!
I was amazed that there was a television (along with a phone) right next to the bathtub. If we were there for longer than 12 hours, we may have tried that television out. I’m sure if the kids had been with us, they would have sat in there for hours.
The Passageway
The hotel had a definite charm of its own.
Entryroom Fire
Foyer Entryway
If the weather had been nicer, it would have been nice to explore the grounds a bit more, but it was cold and rainy so we just opted for a short walk around the close proximity of the buildings.
The Secret Garden
Cottages
Outdoor Spa Area
After a restful night’s sleep, we got up for a bite of breakfast and then decided to hit the gym. Chris and I have both been on this workout kick since my birthday so the gym was actually something we were really excited about. But, this gym was not like a normal hotel gym; this was more like I imagine a country club is like.
The Women’s Locker Room
We had a great time in the gym, doing our various workouts and enjoying the fruit they had laid out in various areas. (I did not want to have a repeat of my first time at our local gym with a one-on-one with the staff – I had to run out early before I lost my dinner from the night before . . . I hadn’t eaten breakfast that morning – a mistake I won’t be repeating anytime soon.)
Chris on the Rowing Machine
After our relaxing workout at the gym, we walked around the rest of the facilities to see what they offered. The pool area was beautiful and seemed very tranquil, but we aren’t big swimmers and didn’t want to sit poolside reading.
Pool Area
Instead, we showered and then headed to our appointment for a couples massage.
Pre-Massage
The last time we tried to have a couples massage was not a very relaxing experience because I couldn’t stop laughing through the whole thing. It was just hard to relax when Chris was in the room. This time was different, we had an aromatherapy massage so they asked each of us how we wanted to feel afterward. We both chose ‘balanced’, rather than ‘relaxed’, etc. Then they had us choose an aroma that matched up with that. I did feel ‘balanced’ afterward and really felt rejuvenated. Just in time to head home . . . back to normal life.
We arrived home to find the kids having a great time with our friends who were so great to stay with them for the 24 hours we were away.
Pit Marathon
It really was a relaxing way to start off my 36th year . . . again. Here’s to a healthier, stronger, relaxing, and happier year!
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