Belinda Carlisle once sang that Heaven is a place on Earth.
But what she failed to go on to say was that it can actually be found at the Apex Waterloo Place Hotel in Edinburgh.
My first morning at the hotel kicked off with a relaxing 60-minute hot stone body massage at the hotel’s Yu Spa – a new experience for me as I have never had a spa treatment before.
My masseuse started from my feet to my neck, massaging each muscle then covering it with oil before using the hot stones to warm them up and get rid of any knots.
It’s safe to say I was in heaven – even if some pressure had to be applied to fix my “crunchy” shoulders and calves.
The hour went by in what felt like a minute and I can safely say I have never felt so relaxed.
It was the perfect start to my day, having spent the previous night gorging on amazing food in the hotel’s restaurant, Elliot’s Bar.
We arrived at the four-star hotel just after 8pm on a Friday night and were welcomed by friendly reception staff before making our way to our room – actually, calling it a room is definitely an understatement, as it was more akin to a New York apartment.
Stylish and contemporary, the DeLancy Suite not only had a kitchen area and living room with a 42in TV, but it also had a mezzanine floor where we found our gigantic bed, another 42in TV and best of all, a massive bathroom complete with a walk-in shower.
I could have stayed in that suite all weekend had the thought of tasting some delicious cuisine not been too tempting to resist.
Our meal in Elliot’s began with a delicious amuse bouche of smoked mackerel salad. The taste that came from that tiny piece of food was unbelievable and definitely got us excited for our starter. Fresh bread straight from the chef’s oven was also presented to us while we waited for the next course.
For a starter, I went for Elliot’s Nicoise – seared tuna loin, heritage potatoes, fine beans and crispy quail egg.
When it arrived, it was so beautifully presented it seemed a shame to eat it. It reminded me of a Jackson Pollock painting with all the colours mixed into one.
Eventually I gave into my hunger and was glad I did – it was amazing. The seared tuna was full of flavour and the potato and quail egg were the perfect accompaniment.
Next up was the main and with an 8oz rump steak on the menu, neither I nor my mother could resist.
Having asked for it to be cooked medium, I was delighted that the chef got it spot on. The peppercorn sauce was the best I’ve ever tasted with a fantastic spicy aftertaste that lasted for ages.
For dessert, I went for the chocolate brownie with homemade marshmallows and vanilla ice cream while my mum tried the goat’s milk cheesecake with blueberry coulis and honey mascarpone.
Both were delicious and, with clean plates, it was safe to say we absolutely loved our desserts.
The rest of our evening was spent lazing around in our enormous bed watching Friday night TV.
The next morning, totally revived from a sleep in a very comfortable bed, we feasted again – this time on the plentiful continental breakfast.
With everything from pain au chocolat and a great range of cheese and meats, to an excellent cooked breakfast, there really is something for everyone. The variety is also great for those staying longer than a weekend.
Following our relaxing spa treatment, we hit the shops that Edinburgh is renowned for.
But if you are looking for something a little different, there is plenty on offer in the capital.
Edinburgh Castle is always a great place for a visit; no matter how many times you’ve been it always manages to entertain, while the Dungeon of Horrors is a great visit for the more courageous. Other highlights include the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art, Arthur’s Seat and the Royal Botanic Garden.
The Scottish capital also has a thriving theatre scene, which is currently blessed with having Disney’s The Lion King at the Edinburgh Playhouse.
After we had our fill of Cosmopolitans and Louis Vuitton dresses, we headed back to the hotel for another night of delicacies.
This time we went straight for a main course. I chose the braised and rolled lamb shank, Moroccan couscous, spinach and a spiced jus – definitely a good choice.
The meat arrived in two medallions on a bed of couscous and instantly broke away the moment my fork touched it. It was soft and succulent and I savoured every delicious mouthful.
For dessert, I went for the Elliot’s trifle with mixed berry and elderflower jelly, vanilla custard, genoise sponge and strawberry sorbet. Now, I know that trifle doesn’t sound like it would fit into a four-star hotel’s style, but this was not your average “grannie’s home-made trifle after a Sunday roast” trifle.
This trifle was deconstructed with each element getting a stage all to itself. Together, it was a combustion of flavour and was a lovely way to round off our heavenly experience at the Apex Waterloo Place Hotel.
Apex Waterloo Place Hotel; 23-27 Waterloo Place, Edinburgh. Phone 0131 523 1819 or e-mail edinburgh.reservations@ apexhotels.co.uk For more information, visit www.apexhotels.co.uk Room rates start from £95. To upgrade to the Duplex Suite is it usually an additional £100. Spa rates start from a basic package of swim and lunch or afternoon tea, £25. Hot stone massage are either £40 for a half hour treatment or £65 for an hour.