A working mum takes a well-earned break away from it all, if only for 24 hours…
When the hubby asked me what I wanted for my birthday, I muttered the words, “A night in a hotel by myself”.
Perplexed, he asked, “Are you serious?”
Yes, yes, yes! I have never been more serious about anything in my life. With three kids five and under and a full time job, I’m slathering on anti-aging cream faster than Boots can stock its shelves with the stuff. This is all to no avail of course, because I’m pretty sure you’re meant to clock more than five-hours sleep at night and drink something other than straight diet-coke.
Did I mention two out of my three kids are 21-month-old twins?
So, no. This birthday, perfume will not suffice. Two hours in a salon will not cut it. And a date-night where I have to mound on YSL Touche Eclat in a vain attempt to mask the circles under my eyes is not how I want to ring in another year.
I crave 24 hours, uninterrupted, where I can pee without a tiny audience, binge watch Netflix and the only crumbs in bed are mine.
Enter the Mummymoon.
This holy grail of uninterrupted bliss actually exists and it was better than anything I could have expected!
I took my mom jeans on the train to Edinburgh where the DoubleTree by Hilton hosts the ultimate mummy escape.
At check-in I was greeted by a warm chocolate chip cookie, which I saddled-up to a cheeky gin and tonic in the hotel’s lush bar, while the final touches were carried out on my room. The kind bartender comped my drink when he learned I was there for the Mummymoon.
What on earth could top 11am free drinking? The answer was found in my deluxe suite.
Perched on the table was a selection of glossy magazines, a personalised spa-set, a mouth-watering fruit platter and a note telling me that my only duty was to phone reception and let them know what time I wanted my massage.
Seconds later I slipped into an oversized, fluffy robe and a pair of soft slippers.
My masseuse arrived promptly with a massage table, aromatherapy oils and the kind of music that lulls me into a catatonic state.
After a short consultation on my problem areas, she got to work and I got to … relax.
I rolled from the massage table to the oversized bed and ordered myself room service. There’s nothing nachos with extra cheese and a hamburger can’t fix in my book.
The most effort I made all night was to apply the mudmask from my personalised spa pack. I spent what felt like an eternity in the shower, half expecting a little fist to pound at the door and tell me they want more juice.
Finally, I slipped into bed with grand plans of catching up on the latest season of my guilty pleasure, Grey’s Anatomy, only to fall asleep before opening monologue could finish.
Twelve divine hours later … I still can’t believe it myself, but 12 divine hours later I woke up rested and rejuvenated. My last act of my first-ever Mummymoon was to order a full Scottish breakfast in bed.
All I wanted for my birthday was to hit the pause button – a time-out from this 24/7 duty we call parenthood. A moment to recharge my batteries, so I can keep on loving and creating memories with three of the squishiest boys you ever did see.
The Hilton DoubleTree took every tired mum’s dream and made it a fabulous reality. My only regret is that I didn’t ask sooner. But now that I know the Mummymoon is a real thing and not just the birthday musing of an exhausted mum, I’m convert for life. Because every once in a while we have to look after ourselves. And that’s totally okay.
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Edinburgh City Centre is ideally located and within walking distance from both Waverley and Haymarket train stations, and just 30 minutes from Edinburgh Airport. Guests enjoy proximity to major attractions including Edinburgh Castle, shopping on Princes Street, the charming Old Town, Holyrood Palace and the Scottish Parliament.
A listed 1892 building, this recently opened hotel was originally the art deco inspired St. Cuthbert’s Co-operative. Choose from a range of deluxe guest rooms and suites with views of the iconic Edinburgh Castle. Enjoy air conditioned rooms and complimentary Wifi throughout the hotel. Work out in the 24-hour state-of-the art fitness centre.
The exclusive rooftop penthouse is ideal for weddings and private events and showcases stunning views of Edinburgh Castle. Meet with friends and colleagues for drinks in the sophisticated Monboddo Bar or stop in for their Express Lunch. Dine on fresh, delicious cuisine in the stylish Bread Street Brasserie, an award-winning restaurant.
DoubleTree is offering new mums and their chosen + one a very special overnight stay, with a selection of teas and a fruit platter on arrival, room service dinner and breakfast and a selection of bath products and magazines. Guests will also receive a 60 minute aromatherapy massage in their room – all from £196. Package and price subject to availability.
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Edinburgh City Centre, 34 Bread St, Edinburgh. Phone: 0131 221 5555 or visit www.doubletreeedinburghcity.co.uk