This summer we have had to sacrifice going abroad on holiday to save for our big day next year, but we haven’t missed out on any fun with the beautiful weather we have had recently (amazing for Scotland).
Over the past few weeks the other half and myself have enjoyed the best our home region has to offer, including a lovely trip to the island of Cumbrae and a wonderful relaxing spa day at Lochside House Hotel and along the way I picked up a few wee natural souvenirs.
Our Island Getaway for a day
The one thing I love about living in Ayrshire is our trips across to the three islands; Arran, Cumbrae and Bute but by far my favourite is going to Cumbrae and visiting the town of Millport.
image from http://www.calmac.co.uk
There is something magical about Millport and every time I go there I feel like I’ve been transported aboard. The lovely sandy beach, seaside town and the palm trees which line the street add to the feel. Plus the fact that it has never rained anytime we have been and there is an amazing beer garden where we love to just sit, bask in the Scottish sun and look out across the sea, making it very easy to feel like you’re on holiday, even if you are just there for the day.
It really is a little gem of an island. We love to walk into the town from the ferry, which is only a 15 min journey from Largs in Ayrshire. However, the thing I love the most is the little shops in Millport town, where you can buy lots of amazing trinkets and gifts. The one thing I couldn’t resist buying this time was a cute little natural soy wax candle (£4.00), called Tinkerbelle (my love of Disney influenced this buy). It has a lovely soft, summer smell and when lit fills the room with a sweet scent. I’ve recently started exploring natural candles, so this was a timely buy.
Tinkerbelle natural soy wax candle
A relaxing sanctuary
The same week we went to Millport, we also went to our favourite place EVER! Lochside House Hotel in New Cumnock. If you are looking for a place that feels like home, somewhere to relax, where the staff are always friendly and helpful, where the rooms are stunning, the foods and cocktails are delicious and the spa and treatments are divine, then this is the place for you too.
Stunning Lochside House Hotel – image from http://www.ayrshireweddingdirectory.com
We first came across Lochside House Hotel when we were looking for somewhere to go to for my 30th. Our spa break and my birthday celebrations were followed by a proposal, which my other half blames the amazing setting for his importune proposal with a jelly Haribo ring. Not that I am complaining one bit 🙂 Lochside has had a place in our hearts ever since and its little wonder that we have chosen it as the venue for our big day next year. Since my 30th we have went many times for lunch, dinner, to stay and especially to enjoy the spa and its facilities.
This time we went of a revive and relax package (they always do great deals), which included 1 hour in the thermal suite (steam room, sauna, Jacuzzi), 2 x 25 min treatments and a fruit smoothie in the relaxation room for only £44pp. I decided to have a relaxing shoulder, neck and back massage and a file and polish, it felt great to be pampered.
One of the things I really like about the spa at Lochside is that they use ESPA products for all their treatments. I LOVE this luxury brand and always treat myself to a little something when I go. In the past I have bought the bath oil, body oil and shower gel, but this time I tempted by ESPA’s new lip balm. I love a lip balm, I have way too many but for some reason I can’t stop myself buying them.
ESPA Lip balm
This Mandarin Lip Balm (worth £10) from ESPA is called Love Your Lips and is a little bit of luxury to soften, smooth and protect lips. It feels amazing on and you feel the benefits straight away.
The lip balm is enriched with a 100% natural formulation, with ingredients including Mandarin Essential oil for a sweet citrus flavour and aroma, Wild Mango Butter to condition, soften and smooth, Pomegranate to increase hydration and Rosemary to protect against environmental damage which can lead to premature ageing.
ESPA lip balm with its handy little mirror
I love that it includes a little mirror as well, making it easy to apply on the go.
Have you bought any little natural treats while on holiday?
Annmarie xx
The small but mighty ramblings of a redhead 