BABY FREE CHILL DAY @ CHAMPNEYS SPRINGS DAY SPA

I am a firm believer that every Mum (and Dad, I'm not bias here!) needs time to wind down and to remember what life was like before they had a tiny toddler clinging to their thigh and slobbering all over them - god love them though. Fortunately, for my birthday my lovely boyfriend volunteered to keep the small one alive for the day whilst I did some serious relaxing. So off I trotted, gym gear, swimwear and book in hand ready for the kind of peace and quiet I had craved for a year and half.

I arrived at the spa - which luckily is located around 10 minutes away from my own house - at around half 9. As soon as you exit the car park you are whisked away to a completely different place. The entrance is surrounded by water which you access via a picturesque wooden bridge that wouldn't look out of place in a Bali temple. Not that I've been to Bali but I watch a lot of TV! I was greeted at reception with the standard Champneys robe and flip flops and pointed in the direction of the welcome breakfast which was included in the package. I made myself a brew and plonked myself on the comfiest chaise sofa I've ever laid on which looked out onto the gardens. However, on a less positive note, I was a little disappointed with the "breakfast" selection. If salmon bagels and fruit yogurt aren't your thing make sure you have a slice of toast before you arrive. Also, if it looks like apple juice, it isn't! It is a weird, healthy tea! You've been warned!

First things first, I booked onto a couple of exercise classes and hit the gym. As a single Mum without access to a car, I rarely get chance to hit the gym so I thought I would make the most of the facilities on offer. Over the day I attended a Dance Fusion class which was a lot of fun but still managed to leave me a little red in the face. I also joined in on a Pilates/HIIT type class which definitely left me sweating. Afterwards, I made my way to the pool for a dip to cool off and a lounge on the poolside sunbeds. With a sauna, steam room and whirl pool jacuzzi, it provides a perfect wind down after hitting the exercise - or just instead of the exercise, either/or!

Included in the package was a lunch which you were given a time slot on arrival. There was a hot and cold salad buffet bar and also a Chef bar where you could pick your ingredients and they would cook you a fresh stir fry or wrap. I may of accidentally tripped and had a 4 course lunch of soup, salad, stir fry and then pudding (glorified fruity mousse). The stir fry pictured was the simplest but yummiest dish I've eaten. I'm actually salivating a little writing this post. 

After lunch, I headed outside and plonked myself on one of the day beds - one of two, which was a little annoying as when I nipped inside to grab a cup of tea someone grabbed "mine" and I then spent the next half an hour loitering trying to win it back, I'm a little competitive you see! After the bed stealers left, I then spent the next 2 and half hours lounging in my little daybed and reading Harry Potter. I made it my own little nest and honestly could of stayed there all day. I even Googled to see how much it would be to buy one and was swiftly beaten back down to reality at the price!
Before I left I hit the gym for the last time and went for a dip before curling up on a sofa and waiting for my chauffeur to arrive - and by chauffeur, I mean my darling boyfriend and over tired toddler in a little Corsa.

All in all, it was the most amazing day of "me time". I left feeling refreshed and relaxed but slightly gagging for a chocolate bar. Although the treatments were a little pricey for my bank account they did sound heavenly and I'm sure would of made the experience even more relaxing. The health life just obviously isn't for me. However the lying on a bed surrounded by pillows life is definitely for me.

If your a parent on the edge and need a break head on over to Champneys website to find one near you.

*Not a sponsored post, just sharing the love.