Last month feels like a bit of a blur. Between work and a road-trip down south, there didn’t seem to be a moment to catch my breath (let alone catch up with emails). So, when the chance to enjoy a bit of a stay-cation popped up, I absolutely jumped at the chance!

The Lane Hotel is one of Edinburgh’s newest  boutique hotels, having been open for only a year.

Tucked up a cherry blossom lined Canaan Lane, it is the brainchild of the same family who run Edinburgh’s oldest family-run pub, The Canneyman’s. But as much as the pub is quirky, The Lane is luxurious.

There are currently five stunning bedrooms all found in a Victorian property, with a newly opened serviced apartment, which is perfect if you’re looking to enjoy Edinburgh as a family.

Rather excitingly, this summer will see The Lane open a further four bedrooms in the upstairs portion of the Canney Man’s. Not only this, but guests will also be able to enjoy breakfasts in the pub – a truly unique way to start your morning in the capital!

When we visited, we stayed in the stunning Prosecco Room, which was an absolute joy of pastel shades and Parisian styling.

Looking out over the Canney Man’s gardens. With the window thrown open, it was so lovely to hear the good tempered buzz from the gardens filter through the window, and at night, it was incredibly peaceful. Located in the heart of Morningside, there are so many boutiques and shops to visit, but honestly? We stayed in and enjoyed the comforts of the hotel!

Once you’ve checked in, there really isn’t any need to leave the comfort of the Lane Hotel. On the top floor, there is a fabulous little spot for all guests to enjoy.

A snacks room! Kitted out with everything you need to beat a midnight craving, it’s an absolutely genius idea!

Kitted out with crisps, biscuits, chocolates and breakfast goodies, there is everything you could possibly need during your stay!

Back in the room, we made copious use of the in-room tea tray – enjoying cups of tea and finally getting round to some reading an general ‘unplugging’. Then, later on in the evening, thanks to the in-room wifi, we loaded up a movie and enjoyed the evening.

Although the morning arrived far too quickly, it was made all the more bearable thanks to a rather swish bathroom! With heated floors, and a rainfall shower – the early start was invigorating, and we got to enjoy the Baylis & Harding amenities.

If you’re looking for a luxury break in the heart of Edinburgh, do take a look at The Lane Hotel. With stunning bedrooms, an unbeatable location and the friendliest of staff – we’re already planning a return visit!

Rooms at The Lane Hotel start from £90 per night, and you can find out more here.

When it comes to places I feel like I should have visited a long time ago, Liverpool comes pretty close to the top. I visit nearby Cheshire on a semi-regular basis, so the fact that the city is just over an hour away, and I’ve never headed over just seems a bit ridiculous.

So when the chance to stay at the stunning Titanic Hotel popped up it felt like fate. I’ve heard only good things about the hotel since it opened a couple of years ago, perched in the old Liverpool docks. It’s part of a multi-billion regeneration of the city’s waterfront, and undoubtedly, it’s the city’s most stylish spot.

After driving up from Gloucestershire, the promise of a luxe hotel was exactly what we both needed. We were staying in one of the Superior Dockside rooms – with sweeping views across the water and of the vacant warehouse opposite, I just loved the mix of contemporary and industrial finishes.

The hotel is named, obviously, for the Titanic, which although never docked in the city, the White Star Line was registered nearby. Throughout the property there are nods to the heritage – blueprints adorn the walls, and ads for the company pepper corridors. Since we had been driving for a few hours prior to arriving in Liverpool, we were both famished, and headed down to Stanley’s Bar and Grill for a little supper. As we perused the menu we tucked into a ‘Tear and Share’ focaccia £3.95 which was studded with oven dried tomatoes and rosemary.

A portion of steak sounded too good to miss, so we opted for 10oz sirloin steak £23. Served with onion rings, salad and chips, we also opted for a portion of garlic butter too (£2).

Served simply it was the perfect choice for an indulgent supper.

The onion rings had the flavour of Indian bajis, which was a delicious surprise, whilst the triple cooked chips were piping hot, with a crisp exterior and fluffy insides.

I opted for the Breaded Veal Escalope £26.95 which came served alongside truffle parmesan chips and a small rocket salad.

Veal is one of those dishes you don’t tend to see on a lot of menus, so whenever I see it, I usually end up ordering it/ This was was covered in a light, crisp breadcrumb, and is definitely something I’d like to try and recreate at home!

The chips which accompanied the dish were equally delicious – hot, crisp and scented with truffle oil, they were an indulgent treat.

After such a rich meal, it was such a luxury just to be able to creep back upstairs to our room.

Absolutely huge, with a separate sitting area, and room to get some work done, the room made us feel like we were more Soho than Merseyside!

The only way to end such a fabulous day was with a bubble bath. Thankfully, the bathrooms at the Titanic Hotel are just as luxe as the rest of the interiors. With a huge bath, and oversized rainfall shower, it was an absolute heaven to relax in!

All too soon it was morning though, and we had to head back up to Edinburgh. Breakfast is served back downstairs at Stanley’s Bar & Grill, and was a busy affair, with a choice of hot and cold options.

Thank you so much to the Titanic Hotel Liverpool for having us – we had an absolute blast!

Rooms at the Titanic Hotel Liverpool start at £89 per night and you can find out more information Hotels in Liverpool | Luxury Hotels Liverpool | Titanic Hotel.

With ‘the Beast from the East’ firmly behind us (fingers crossed) I’ve never felt more in need of a luxury break! I’m not sure if it’s the fact I couldn’t leave the house for five days, or just the unending rain and snow, but I’ve become a little obsessed with the Epicurean Collection – a group of stunning, independent boutique inns sprinkled around the south of England.

Until the end of the month, the Epicurean Collection are offering an incredible offer – a one night stay, inclusive of breakfast, will set you back only £69. Considering how beautiful all the inns are, and the stunning locations you’ll find them in, this feels like beyond a bargain.

You can upgrade your experience with the Epicurean Collection’s range of specially curated experiences designed to help you get the most out of your countryside stay. All the experiences include a stay for two people at one of the boutique inns on a bed, dinner and breakfast basis. The experiences range from watercolour workshops, William Blake exhibitions, champagne teas, cocktails masterclasses, spa getaways, wakeboarding, warbird flights and much more.

The inns are below (complete with links) so you can plan your breaks away! Don’t forget to visit this month, so you can make the most of this incredible offer!

Hampshire

The Yew Tree from £79

A relaxed Hampshire setting is the ultimate Highclere hideaway.

The Mayflower from £89

This harbour-side inn is the perfect spot for a relaxing coastal treat.

The Anchor Inn from £99

A classic country pub with a quirky-cosy design and delicious menu of British fare.

The King’s Head from £89

Experience classic English sophistication in the heart of rural Hampshire, near Winchester.

The Woolpack from £89

Escape to the smallest hamlet in England to this cosy countryside inn.

Berkshire

The Dundas Arms from £79

Just an hour from London, offering a cosy retreat from city life.

The Crab and Boar from £99

Seasonal food, stylish décor and boutique mod cons makes this a romantic get-away favourite.

Gloucestershire

The Lion Inn from £69

Combining modern elegance with rustic warmth and homely comforts.

The Horse and Groom from £79

A tradition inn exuding warmth, comfort and character.

The Seagrave Arms from £99

Country house turn cosy Cotswolds inn brimming with English charm, fine dining and a relaxed atmosphere.

The King’s Arms from £69

A quintessentially English country escape within the beautiful Cotswolds countryside.

Oxfordshire

The Trout at Tadpole Bridge from £89

A fabulous riverside inn located in the heart of Oxfordshire countryside.

West Sussex

The White Horse from £79

Nestled in the foothills of the South Downs this award-winning boutique inn defines countryside elegance.

The Old House Inn from £79

West Sussex’s best kept secret, just moments from Gatwick airport yet offering a peaceful countryside stay.

The Welldiggers Arms from £79

The perfect place to savour exquisite cuisine or a drink in the traditional cosy bar.

The Royal Oak from £99

Just a stone’s throw away from Goodwood Estate, this inn never fails to delight.

Wiltshire

The King John Inn from £79

Beautifully refurbished interiors make this Victorian inn and ideal country hideaway.

Dorset

The Museum Inn from £89

The thatched roof inn features cosy fires and tempting seasonal fare.

Somerset

The Archangel from £69

Things are given a contemporary twist at this luxury country bolthole.

I went to school and university in St. Andrews, so it’s fair to say the town has a bit of a hold on my heart. It’s probably where I’ve spent the most time in one place, and I love heading back every so often to explore my old haunts.

One of the spots which has undergone a complete transformation since my time as an undergraduate, is the new Kinnettles Hotel, which opened in the summer of last year. Previously a casual restaurant with St. Andrews’ only nightclub in the basement, the hotel is now a true sanctuary in the centre of town, complete with spa, bar and incredible restaurant.

With only nine rooms, Kinnettles is a wonderfully intimate hotel, and it’s perfect if you’re looking for a plush retreat in the town. We stayed in Room 3, a gorgeous haven of plush greys, which looks out onto North Street through a curved window.

The attention to detail in the furnishing of the hotel is evident – every corner has been furnished, and it’s provided some serious interiors inspiration for me!

We popped in on Sunday, to enjoy a leisurely end to the weekend, and we couldn’t have had a better time! The room itself is glorious – a huge cloud of a bed, with beautifully crisp linens, as well as a small sitting area to sit and enjoy the buzz of town.

The room’s ensuite bathroom is the stuff of dreams! The only room in the hotel with a bath, I couldn’t have loved it more!

The shower was equally glorious – encased in marble, and benefitting from fabulous water pressure – it made an early Monday morning (almost) bearable!

As if the marble-clad bathroom wasn’t glorious enough, they come stocked with luxe ESPA toiletries. The bathroom was even scented with an ESPA diffuser, which made it feel even more enjoyable to relax in a hot bubble bath!

The rooms in Kinnettles, really are nothing like anything else in St. Andrews! We were lucky enough to head downstairs for dinner at the hotel restaurant (review to come!) but I should have spent hours sitting in the bay window watching the comings and goings!

The bed was absolute perfection too! Crisp linens and puffy pillows meant that drifting off to sleep was, pardon the pun, an absolute dream. I just wish I hadn’t needed to buzz through to Edinburgh first thing Monday morning, as I could have easily enjoyed a lazy afternoon in bed!

The whole stay was so glorious, we’re already planning a return visit!

Rooms at Kinnettles Hotel start at £169 per night, and you can find out more about the hotel here

Whenever I’ve got a weekend free, and not too many plans, I typically tend to head down south, and end up in Cheshire. It’s a gorgeous part of the country, with beautiful countryside, postcard-perfect little villages, and surprisingly good shopping (one of my favourites is Selfridges at the Trafford Centre). A few weeks back, when were were heading up north from our stay in the Cotswolds, we figured we’d add a pitstop, and sped a night at the glorious Eleven Didsbury Park.

For all the times I’ve visited Cheshire, I don’t think I’ve ever been to Didsbury, but it’s a charming spot – very residential with beautiful Victorian houses. It’s also close to Manchester airport, as well as the Trafford Centre, so if you want a little mini-break prior to jetting off, or if you’re in the mood for some retail therapy, this is a perfect spot to visit.

We were staying in a gorgeous Eclectic Villa Room, which included a sumptuous super king sized bed, separate sitting area, bathtub and even a dressing room! We had been driving up from Oxfordshire on the day we arrived, so having such a gorgeous room to arrive to was an absolute dream.

We had enjoyed supper in Alderley Edge, so the first thing to do was draw a hot bubble bath and relax a bit. The bath is tucked into the corner of the room, and is the perfect spot to read a book and unwind.

The ensuite bathroom was equally luxurious, with a roomy rainfall shower, and it came fully stocked with lush Temple Spa toiletries and plenty of fluffy towels.

After an absolutely heavenly night’s sleep (seriously, the bed was insanely comfortable) we headed downstairs to enjoy breakfast. We kicked things off with a freshly squeezed orange juice and some fresh berry smoothies.

We couldn’t resist ordering a full English breakfast. With sausages, scrambled eggs, bacon, mushroom, tomato and black pudding, it was a perfect way to set ourselves up for the long drive up north.

I opted for the Scrambled eggs and smoked salmon on an English Muffin. Light and fluffy eggs went perfectly with the salmon, and it was a delicious end to our little stay-cation!

Thank you so much to Eleven Didsbury Park for having us! You can find out more about the hotel here.

When we headed down south last month, I was in serious need for a little luxury. Happily, we had very kindly been booked in to the stunning Tewkesbury Park Hotel for a rather fabulous break.

Situated in the historic town of Tewksbury, right on the edge of the Cotswolds, the hotel has been recently renovated, and it’s an absolute gem.

To reach the hotel, you weave through the rolling golf courses which surround it. It’s such a stunning entrance, and I swear, every time we drove up, we had to pull in and take a minute or so just to enjoy the countryside. It’s just that pretty. Downstairs, in the on-site restaurant (which I’ve got a whole post lined up about), there are floor to ceiling windows, which let us enjoy the perfect sunsets. The hotel has over 160 acres of land around it, so it’s a real haven to enjoy!

We were lucky enough to enjoy one of the hotel’s six historic suites. Ours, King Richard III, was located on the top floor, and was absolute perfection. A beautiful room, which looked onto the rear of the property, there was a cosy sitting area, where we could see miles of the most perfect English countryside, as well as a perfect, huge super king bed.

It was one of those hotel rooms which I had a hard time leaving! Between the comfy bed, and the stunning views, it was all too easy to curl up with a good book and spend an indulgent afternoon inside!

We also had the most wonderful bathroom to enjoy! A huge, standalone bath was perched in the middle of the room, this combined with a rather snazzy wall-mounted television meant that my already-long soaks were even longer!

As if the bath wasn’t glorious enough, there was double everything. A wonderfully roomy double shower was the perfect way to wake up every morning.

The bathroom as a whole was glorious. I loved the attention to detail – with double sinks and tonnes of light – it was such a joy to get ready in!

As if the room wasn’t fabulous enough, the hotel as a whole was just spectacular. There is a spa, gym and swimming pool as well as a golf course to explore.

We found the staff to be unfailingly polite and friendly. From phoning to check our room was ok, to pointing out the historical battlefields which surround the hotel, everyone was unbelievably nice. We also enjoyed a delicious dinner and afternoon tea (but I’ll go into both of those in later posts!).

A night in the King Richard III Suite starts at £350 per night. You can book your break here.