I had the pleasure of taking a staycation for my birthday celebrations and stayed at this wonderful luxury hotel in Harrogate, North Yorkshire. I had planned and worked hard all year to celebrate my birthday on an island somewhere in the Caribbean this year after not having a holiday for years. But due to the current Covid-19 pandemic situation, travel was really not an option.

So I went about the great hunt of finding an alternative to the Caribbean that would still offer me the relaxation, mental break and beautiful views I had been longing for all year. Not an easy challenge. I found a list of UK staycations from Cornwall to Carlisle but none of them were quite hitting the spot with the mix of glamour, good food and relaxation I craved, until I came acoss this gem hidden in the fields of North Yorkshire.

The fields are wonderfully secluded in the countryside of Harrogate with a long drive leading up to the reception. Upon entering the main doors, my temperature was taken and sanitiser provided before I was welcomed in. The hotel receptionist was very friendly and immediately asked if I required luggage assistance. When I said yes, one of the staff courteously rolled out the hotel luggage cart to my numerous bags in the car park and delivered them to my room. Service was a solid 9/10, the only thing that would have made it better would have been the staff explaining some of the facilities available for my stay like the spa, golf etc.

I stayed in the Ribston Wing double room for a nightly rate that included dinner, Yorkshire breakfast, morning newspaper, access to the Indoor Swimming Pool, Juniper Log Sauna, Bucket Shower, Wi-Fi and use of residents’ gym.

The room was fresh and crisp upon arrival, it had a terrace with with outdoor seating and I arrived to a lovely complimentary bottle of Agustí Torelló Mata’s 2017 Cava and a birthday card from the hotel. Very sweet welcoming touch.

We had the option of having dinner in the Clocktower restaurant or fine dining in the Horto restaurant. I went for the clocktower option and enjoyed a well cooked, well portioned 3 course dinner. See photo of my starter below:

The next day, we took a walk around the grounds and facilities. The fields are vast and picturesque and there is so much space to enjoy a morning walk undisturbed.

We also stopped by the spa which was massive! There is an option to just attend the world-renowned spa for the day, and a cafe that caters to day visitors.

Overall, my stay was definitely brilliant and I would rate it a 9/10. It was one of the best sleeps I had in a long time and the breakfast in bed was sensational. The staff went above and beyond their way to make us feel comfortable from check in to (our late) checkout. The only thing that would have given it 10/10 would have been the explanation of available facilities to us and perhaps getting us booked into some activities and the spa.

Otherwise I felt it was worth the cost and every bit as luxe as I desired. Sure it wasn’t the Caribbean, but it allowed me to take a break from the everyday, celebrate my birthday in style and leave feeling more relaxed.

I would definitely recommend it if you are looking for a relaxing, stylish UK staycation. Watch my video of the review on my instagram @metiyachique

Love and light x Metiya