running away to the countryside
The beautiful chaos that is London was getting to me for a while. I felt as if I wasn’t catching a break and I was losing a bit of inspiration. It’s crazy how much removing yourself from your everyday can do to help you relax and enhance all your senses to come back and feel completely rejuvenated. I teamed up with Homewood Park Hotel & Spa to give you my guide on how to relax on a holiday on my one night away to Bath.
As the taxi headed in the direction of the hotel, I knew I was in for a treat. Just a bit away from the city-centre of Bath, the hotel is nestled in the gorgeous landscape of the English countryside with views of gardens and foliage from each window. A moment to stop and breathe and take in the chill ambience. A moment like this won’t last forever, so you savor it.
{one}
If you’re planning on doing a relaxing weekend away without any tours or activities, then don’t feel bad on splurging a little more on your hotel. You want to find a place that is comfortable enough for you to spend most of your time in like Homewood Park. A place with a spa and restaurant is an added bonus as it takes away the stress of trying to figure out how you’re going to pamper yourself. Homewood Park had a lovely Elemis spa and fully equipped outdoor heated pool with sauna and steam. The Restaurant at Homewood Park is considered one of the best dining experiences in Bath and it truly was a beautiful experience to have unique cocktails made that accompanied a gorgeous three-course meal.
{two}
Take time to do the things that you don’t take time to do otherwise. For me, I like to do a bit of guided meditation where I use the Calm app. Sometimes reading the newspaper {not on an iPad or iPhone} and enjoying the crossword puzzle is something you don’t get to do. Of course, catching up on a bit of sleep is the most luxurious “task” of all.
{three}
Make the hotel room your “home” away from home. Sometimes bringing along a candle that reminds you of your living room helps. The easiest way to make any place a home is to unpack. Utilize the wardrobes and closet space to your fullest potential. Homewood Park made that easy for me as I unpacked my toiletries in the bathroom, ran a hot bath, and grabbed a snuggly robe from the closet that I had no intention of taking off until it was time for check out.
{four}
I have a hard time unwinding, if you haven’t guessed. Leave the planner/agenda at home, “forget” the to-do list in the car, don’t even stress about reservations. Most of all, constantly remind yourself why you’re on this retreat. It’s to spend more time on yourself.
{five}
There is nothing worse than going a weekend retreat like this with the girlfriend that is looking for a good night out instead. Go with likeminded friends or a loved one. Be sure to communicate what you want out of the trip and make sure your standards meet theres.
