Edinburgh is somewhere I love to go for days out only 50 minutes away on a train from Glasgow and it feels like a proper mini holiday with a whole new array of salons, spas, shops and café to try out. You really are spoiled for choice! Myself and the lovely Mairead decided a day of fun was just what we needed so when we heard of the new Champagne Pamper Package being offered between the Chamomile Sanctuary Spa and the beautiful boutique hotel The Bonham we knew it was perfect for us!
The Chamomile Sanctuary Spa is set in a gorgeous west end location, even though it is right off of a very busy Princes Street, it feels a million miles away. Looking quite unassuming from the outside, the minute you walk through those doors you are hit with sheer bliss, a really luxurious feeling haven. We were shown into the waiting room to fill in our client forms, it is certainly the most stunning waiting rooms I have ever spent time in- I would have moved in if they would have let me!
We were then led down stairs to the bottom floor which is a haven of tranquillity. Being down below ground level just added to the feeling of peace for me, totally cut off from the hustle and bustle of day to day life, even though you are just a stones throw from thousands of busy shoppers! We were shown our lockers with slippers and the plushest robe I have ever put on, got ourselves ready and then moved through to the relaxation room stocked with delicious Tea Pigs herbal teas, little nibble snacks and some gorgeous mood lighting. We made ourselves comfy on the loungers with our books and made ourselves right at home, until it was time for our treatments.
What I loved about the massages here was how attentive our therapist was, after both plumping for a back massage it was nice that we both had completely different massages by the same person. I was looking for a fairly hard pressure to get the massive knots out my back, and Mai wanted a lighter relaxation based experience, and we both got exactly that. Mairead was really impressed with the tips she was given to alleviate any problems she had, and I loved the detail that was put into explaining the treatment. Afterwards we were allowed to take our time and relax for a little longer with our tea and loungers, which was perfect for a spa package for two- a chance to unwind and have a giggle together.
I absolutely loved the atmosphere at Chamomile and cannot wait to go back, they have a superb array of treatments and packages on offer and just this month they are even launching a range of treatments for the man in your life, available on Mondays they can choose from a mani, pedi, massage or facial- such a good idea!
After such a luxurious massage we had both certainly worked up a hunger so within minutes we were picked up in a complimentary taxi to take us to the beautiful Bonham hotel for the second part of the experience! I love this aspect of the package, being swept away in a taxi adds a real element of luxury that I have never experienced at a spa before. It means you stay in this blissful fuss free bubble the whole time, and takes any effort away from yourself. I also love the flexibility of the package,you can choose to have the lunch or afternoon tea followed by your treatment or do it the other way around, you can tailor the package to suit you which is great.
Greeted by the friendly staff at the Bonham we were led through to be seated in the gorgeous 2 AA Rosette Restaurant- with the sun shining in the large windows it was such a welcoming atmosphere. The staff were absolutely second to none, everyone was really attentive and certainly made you feel pampered. We were given our glasses of champagne which went down a treat while we perused the stunning market menu which left us spoilt for choice. Deciding both to go for the goats cheese and wild garlic risotto, which was delicious delicious and then a main of Braised Beef Cheek on a bed of crushed burgundy potato for me, and the Grilled Sea Bream with sea food spaetzle and bisque sauce for Miss Mairead.
The food was incredible, buttery soft meat that melted in your mouth and generous portions that didn't leave you so full you couldn't get on with your day but not teeny tiny fancy restaurant portions that break your heart leaving you wanting more! To me it was presented beautifully but without an air of pretentiousness, which is something that just makes the experience even more relaxing. The attention to detail was amazing and for the quality of food and the luxury of the surroundings the prices on the market menu are absolutely superb. This pamper package-which is one of the best days out I have had in a long time- is £75 person, or if you just fancy going for an amazing meal the market menu at the Bonham is £18 for two courses or £22 for three which is incredible value for you what you are getting.
I am all about sharing the best deals with H2T readers, so when I noticed in the Bonham also do a 'Boozy Snoozy' lunch deal I just had to share it too. Costing £80 for a table of 4 with a 3 course meal and 2 courses of wine- I just had to share! I think it is a mega steal and well worth looking in to if there are a group of you.
You can peruse the incredible array of treatments at the
Chamomile Spa here and the take a look at the stunning
Bonham Hotel Restaurant here. This beautiful champagne pamper package can be booked by calling 0131 274 7444 or by emailing
reserve@thebonham.com
