Review - Dormy House Hotel and Spa

Like many Londoners with a fine love of the city and its bustling, eclectic ways, there comes a time when I yearn for a hearty dose of escapism in the countryside.

I start to crave rambling, tree-lined walks, childlike frolics in lush fields, quaint farm shops selling exciting organic cheeses and crackling log fires that beckon weary urbanized souls in search of rural solace.

It was during one of these moments that I booked a trip with a loved one to Dormy House  - a luxury boutique hotel with a brand new spa, nestled within the alluring green pastures of the Cotswolds, high above the historical village of Broadway.

When we arrived, weary-eyed from the journey and full of expectation, we were welcomed into an inviting reception area, which was the perfect example of charming countryside-chic.

This recently refurbished 17th century farmhouse still boasts the same striking stonework and wooden ceiling beams of the original building, so the effect is truly magnificent.

We were then shown to our 'Top Notch Room' - a homely haven of comfort with an enticingly plush king size bed, ample-sized sofa, free wi-fi, luxuriously fluffy bathrobes, soft slippers, iPad, seriously slick flat screen TV and a Nespresso coffee maker - perfect for rousing sleepy city-dwellers to a more alert state.

Freshly baked shortbread and crisp red apples were laid out temptingly on a sleek desk, along with a helpful information pack, explaining the hotel's amenities and services.

I especially adored the endearing finishing touches, which gave the room a warm yet stylish feel, such as the joyously kitsch owl doorstop with the words 'Nesting. Please do not disturb' embroidered on one side of its plump body and 'Out having a hoot. Please make up my room' on the other. I later found out that this charming character was handmade by eco-designer Sarah Ward, who uses recycled fabrics to make her adorable home accessories.

How could you say no to that face?

There was also a spacious balcony overlooking the lush Vale of Evesham, complete with tasteful outdoor furniture and cozy blankets for chilly evenings.

After an invigorating power shower with the foamy aid of divine Temple Spa bathtime products, we made our way to dinner in the hotel's very own high end gastro pub, The Potting Shed - famed for its hearty British cooking and unpretentious, relaxed atmosphere.

Our starters consisted of a flavoursome game terrine with watercress and the best chicken and duck liver pate I have ever had the pleasure of devouring in 10 seconds. Mains were a glorious celebration of rich rustic fayre and involved a creamy chicken and leek pie and a sultry slab of pan-roasted ribeye, pleasingly placed beside some hand cut chips and locally-grown organic spinach.

Oh lordy...

We finished off our feisty feast with a substantial sliver of dark chocolate tart and a happy trio of homemade ice creams, which tasted as if they had been lovingly churned in an idyllic riverside barn by rosy-cheeked milkmaids donning floaty gingham dresses.

Come to daddeh...

After such a bountiful meal, we decided to roll off with our food comas to Dormy House's gorgeous yellow lounge, where we lounged in front of a crackling open log fire, whilst nursing a couple of much-needed after-dinner drinks.

Somebody smell burning...?

We also spent time in Dormy House's red and blue lounges - which were equally elegant and also designed by renowned London interior design team, Todhunter Earle.

The next day, after waking from a blissful slumber in a ridiculously comfortable bed, we padded down to The Garden Room for breakfast and were greeted with a plentiful buffet consisting of various cheeses, meats, fresh bread and seasonal fruits.

Being a 'breakfast is the most important meal of the day' type of person, I decided to indulge in the buffet and order an extra cooked dish of kipper with a poached egg too. Well, I did have a sprightly day ahead of me involving spa frolics and fresh country air - which is apparently meant to make you hungry.

Such buttery joy...

I must admit that dining in this artistically-designed room, overlooking a romantic, well-manicured garden, whilst gorging on truly exquisite food has to be one of my most finest breakfasting moments in a hotel...and I have had many of those I can tell you.

The perfect place for a proposal...or just pie

With slightly rounded tums, we plodded down towards the breathtaking House Spa for a rejuvenating soak in the glamorous outdoor Jacuzzi before swimming a few laps (OK, bobbing up and down) in the 16 metre long infinity pool. I then (with immense difficulty) pried myself away from this heavenly place to make my way to the treatment room area for my 'Really Relaxing' 60 minute full body massage, passing a very opulent looking Veuve Clicquot champagne nail bar along the way...

The best manicure of your life...

My treatment began with a warm welcome, a cool glass of fresh juice and a hot face towel, before my sleepy self was pummeled, kneaded and firmly stroked to a blissful yet invigorated state by my experienced therapist.

A deeply-nourishing, hand-blended oil was used, containing lavender to calm, black pepper to revitalize and myrrh for its restorative effects on the skin.

Afterwards, my serene self was led to a sun-drenched outdoor area, overlooked by the spa's lavish lounge - complete with a roaring wood-burning stove centerpiece, where I was presented with a glass of water and a refreshing raspberry sorbet.

Why is it always the little touches that make such a difference?

On our journey back to the big smoke, feeling mirthful and re-energized, we knew we would miss this soul-soothing sanctuary in the captivating Cotswolds countryside, with its friendly staff, eclectic little touches and beautiful rooms that tell an enchanted story of another era...

Musings from Cannes and Pomp in Paris

Yet again I have naughtily neglected my beautiful blog after jetting off to Paris and Cannes for a spot of shopping, sunbathing, art ogling, schmoozing and celeb-spotting. 

Paris was very much a family affair. Along with my parents and witty brother Martin (aka Brother Mart), I took in the Parisian sights with glee and feasted on fine cheeses and bloody organic meats, marveling at the magnificent architecture and masses of historical statues at every turn. Seriously. I had never seen so many statues in my life. They were everywhere.

Embarrassingly, this was my first trip to Paris (I hang my head in shame), and although I adore my city and all of its Londoney splendor, I must confess to falling in love with this historical, truly beautiful part of the globe.

I even spent a day larking about at the Lourve, where I gazed mesmerized and awe-struck at iconic paintings and sculptures, before deciding to pose for some shamelessly silly photos with the aid of my reluctant photographer Brother Mart.

I'm an arty one me.

Apologies to my lovely vegan readers

We then all made our way to Meze - a quaint, although slightly dull seaside village in a random part of the South of France (nowhere near the glam side. Oh no). Yes, this place was easy on the eye and relaxing, which is all very well for those in search of lonesome scenic solitude, but for us convenience-loving city folk, it was a tad boring.

Wary locals would eye us suspiciously, shops would shut at 5 pm sharp, whilst local eateries would close their doors on a whim, leaving us last-minute foodie foragers in deep despair, clutching our grumbling tums as we pondered our next feast-finding move.

When we finally found the food it was good though. Oh yeeeeah....

DO I?!

In all fairness to Meze, Sunday perked up tremendously, when the harbour suddenly filled with a mass of excitable people surrounding a hub of mysterious musical activity. Brother Mart and I approached the hub with stiffed curiosity. Was it a band? Was it a beret-donning dance troupe? No. It was a random child holding a red flag. Whilst being sung at. Badly.

Anyway, enough with my pretentious London pomp. There was a refreshing beauty in the way these mellow folk lived a calm, drama-free existence, and I admit that I felt slightly envious. Us Londoner's are so addicted to the fast pace of urban living, reveling in a whirlwind of social occasions and excitement-induced exhaustion, that we forget the joy to be found in the simple pleasures of life.

A-meze-ing (sorry)

...And forget the simple pleasures we did, as brother Mart and I decided to swiftly shun Meze and embark on a fabulously frivolous last minute trip to Cannes, after being invited to stay with our talented composer friend Tandis Jenhudson - who was there to network at the film festival. Ok, we may have invited ourselves with excessive hinting, but it all worked out in the end and we made a happy team, aptly attending glamorous parties suitably filled with gloriously egotistical actors and film directors in search of that make or break contact.

Tandis has composed the music for numerous acclaimed features including the thought provoking 'Statue of Liberty' and 'The March' - a BAFTA nominated documentary narrated by sexpot (do people still use that word?) Denzel Washington, chronicling the events leading up to Martin Luther King's iconic 'I have a dream' speech.

You can check out his impressive showreel here

Talented Tandis and I

During the film festival, Cannes transforms into a truly mesmerizing place. Gorgeous girls mince about in stunning floor length dresses, the flash of numerous cameras cause temporary blindness, drinks are poured in a generous manner, blagging skills are enhanced - and you learn the very fine art of head tilting combined with copious amounts of nodding and smiling.

Me? Posing? Nooooo

Being a self-confessed beauty addict, I still maintained an impeccable skincare routine during my sun-drenched time away. Admittedly, there were a few days of dark clouds, rain and an actual rampant storm in Meze (you're killing me Meze!), but Cannes was gleaming from head to toe in sunny goodness - so the right skin-protecting products were merrily unpacked from my massive fluorescent pink suitcase (travelling light is not how I roll).

Before I left London, I applied a hearty dose of Jane Iredale's Self Tanner and Bronzer, Tantasia all over to avoid pasty beach frolics. This zesty-fragranced lotion is tinted with a deep bronze hue for an instant effect and can be applied daily until you reach your desired intensity of colour. I smoothed this on after a hefty bout of exfoliation and topped up the colour everyday for a week, so by the time I got off the Eurostar, I was a luscious shade of brown.

I am also addicted to the brand's Lash Extender and Conditioner, which doubles the length and thickness of your lashes when used under mascara. Perfect for that fluttery bambi-eyed look (without the aid of scary TOWIE-style falsies). I get mine from my favourite online beauty store, Feel Unique.

During my holiday, I cleansed with the deliriously rich, Tatler award-winning Purifying Cleansing Oil by renowned skincare range Su-Man (recently launched in Selfridges), which contains wintergreen, antioxidant-rich rosehip oil and dragon's blood extract - a revitalizing ingredient derived from plants (not from a scary ass dragon as the name misleadingly suggests) and said to regenerate skin cells, reinforcing the skin's natural barrier against the elements.

I cannot stress enough how important antioxidant-rich products are during the summer months. As well as a good (mineral) SPF, it is essential to protect against free radical damage, which is what antioxidants do if used correctly.

This is why my next summer skincare step was to apply the truly amazing Super C15 serum by my favourite cosmeceutical brand - SkinPep. This non-oily, antioxidant-abundant liquid is a powerhouse of UV-protecting, anti-ageing, hydrating ingredients, including vitamin C to inhibit UVA/UVB damage and promote collagen synthesis, hyaluronic acid to lock in moisture and vitamin E to protect from naughty free radical damage. It provides 8 times the skin's natural photoageing protection and a 96% reduction of sunburn cells in UV irradiated skin. It's the perfect pre-SPF holiday serum in my opinion.

Next I would slather on an ample amount of SkinPep's Hydra-Sun Defence SPF 30 - a moisture-boosting sunscreen made with protective zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, vitamin E and extracts of green tea and grape seed - for an extra boost of antioxidants. This is by far my most beloved SPF product as it's easily absorbed and doesn't leave a ridiculously chalky-white mask.

After lengthy sunbathing sessions at the sultry La Gold Plage on the Croisette, I would retreat to the cool marble floors of the apartment and soothe my sun-parched skin with organic beauty brand Primavera's Rose Sallow Thorn Body Oil whilst my skin was still damp after showering. I would then layer this product with the restoring Rose Sallow Thorn Body Lotion to lock in the moisture. These divinely-scented products are 100% natural and have been formulated with nourishing organic rose oil and equally organic sallow thorn oil, which has restorative qualities to help prevent wrinkles and sun damage.

My hair usually turns into a mournful heap of hay after sun-drenched beach wallowing, so I made sure I adequately moisturized my mane with the gloriously rich, tress-transforming Masque Quintessence by Parisian natural hair brand Leonor Grey - who were responsible for styling many a finely-coiffed actress and model at numerous Cannes film premieres.

Hair nourishing creamy goodness? DO I?!

Our final evening in this fantastical adult playground was a lavish combination of laughter, blagging, helping Tandis network, beachside afterparties, sushi and celebrities. Our night of (respectable) debauchery ended at the infamous Carlton Hotel at 5am, where sozzled film folk lounged about on the open air terrace, pleading with exhausted waiters to re-open the pitifully closed bar.

I noticed a ludicrously dashing Ryan Gosling at the table next to ours, sitting with Doctor Who actor Matt Smith and felt a (slightly brazen) urge to approach him in hope of a cheeky photo. Like many smug Londoners, I usually make the effort to appear unfazed by famous people, even going as far as to pretend I don't know who they are. But this was Ryan Gosling people. I felt obliged to make the walk of potential embarrassment for the whole of womankind. I felt it was my duty.

I ignored the desperate pleas of exasperated Brother Mart to not 'embarrass myself for goodness sake' and started to hover off my seat, turning towards the direction of this ridiculously suave man, before noticing that an iPhone-clutching blond had beaten me to it.

Quite unfortunately, suave Ryan awkwardly shook his head at the heavily bejeweled girl's simple request, bearing a cringeworthy look of mock sadness on his face before the girl skulked away, sporting a slightly pained expression.

I was suddenly relieved that I had not made my move, yet felt a secret admiration for the sparkly-clothed girl who took a chance.

Well, 'If you don't ask, you don't get', that's my motto.

Guest Post - The Cookery School by Shannel Watson

I quite vividly remember home economics classes with the aptly named (and aptly rounded) Mrs Cook.  I remember pineapple upside down cake with tinned pineapple rings and stale glacé cherries from the school larder, baking in rusty tins in old temperamental ovens. Fruit flans made from packaged supermarket bases topped with tinned fruit and 'quick gel', and a meat cobbler consisting of a Pyrex dish brimming with grey mince and peas, randomly topped with scones. 

Whilst I overcame my early introduction to home cooking, becoming quite obsessed with baking home made goodies, I  never really lost my disdain for group cooking, so when I was invited to The Cookery School, my curiosity was piqued but my expectations were not extremely high.

The Cooking School has taught thousands of students over the last decade in its modern kitchen, located a stones throw away from London's bustling Oxford Circus. The institution prides itself on using simple, mostly organic, locally sourced ingredients of premium quality, commonly found in most home kitchens. This is the only cookery school in London to have been awarded the maximum 3 stars for sustainability from the SRA.  No BOGOF bulk purchases for this school, oh no. We were presented with West Country fresh cream, organic asparagus, locally sourced eggs and fair trade chocolate - all measured out and ready to roll.

Oooh. Rum!

To start we were welcomed in with organic wine and canapés, whilst our welcoming teacher Rosalind talked us through what the evening had to offer.  We were shown how to make fresh pastry dough before being divided into teams of six and thrust in front of a Kitchen Aid (a very posh kitchen appliance - for those of you not in the know). We were then told to flatten the pasta to prepare it for shredding.  After dusting down the dough with plenty of semolina to keep it from sticking, we started to feed the dough through the pasta press (note to self - Google proper name) until it came out so thin that it was virtually see through.  The main risk here was that it would tear or fall apart, so before it got too long, we were advised to cut it in half and 'press' separately.  My overly ambitious group decided we would not be beaten by a strip of paper thin pasta and refused to cut it, mucking in with all hands available. 

We will never stop. Never!

Next it was time to prep dessert.  We were informed that normally, pudding is prepared first, whilst the kitchen is cool, however an unfortunate incident involving some blackened sponge fingers slightly changed the order of the day. We were making Tiramissu. Perhaps my most loathed dessert after lemon syllabub (or any dessert with a big acidic lemon as the main flavour profile)

Damn I'm good at whipping...

This was fairly easy to put together, once we knew what we were doing.  Fellow cook Marcela's overzealous whipping technique proved so effective that we actually whipped our double cream all the way to butter leaving us to start again with a fresh bowl of double cream. We began alternately layering cream with rum and coffee soaked biscuits before topping them with cocoa powder.  Our sweet creation was then ready to take away  in little labelled containers.  I already had a few friends in mind who would be grateful for such a dish. 

Marcela described my Tiramisu as 'perfect', the cooking school welcomes beginners and amateurs as well as experienced cooks.  This is not a competitive cooking class, but it was...

Next on the Menu was tagliatelle with asparagus and wild garlic leaves...

We were taught a quick way to remove the stem of the asparagus for minimal waste (these can be put aside for a stock). We then beheaded and sliced them into thin slivers.  At this point I noted how blunt my knives at home were and how much easier it was to prep food with adequate utensils.  We added sliced garlic and fragrant garlic flowers into the mix, before being suitably plied with chilled organic wine.  I had already decided to avoid alcohol this evening, so I did miss out on this tempting offering, standing narrow eyed with a glass of ice water whilst listening to murmured exclamations of how delicious the wine was. Regardless, I was having a great time without the need for booze.

Whilst we were standing around drinking (and not) drinking delicious wine, the team whisked away our cooking stations and replaced them with a long table adorned with fresh white linen table cloths and silver cutlery. The lights suddenly dimmed and we all oohed - as if a light dimmer was a rare and special thing.  The scene set, we scrambled to get a seat with our new found team mates and settled in to taste the fruits of our labour, laughing at how we thought we would be scrubbing out mixing bowls and wiping down work surfaces. Oh how wrong we were.  

The tagliatelle was served to us with a dusting of Parmesan, a seasonal salad and yet more wine.  It was divine.  My first taste of fresh pasta, and although I have recently taken up a zero carb lifestyle, I was prepared to demolish this gluten-rich offering in the name of education. Afterwards, I noticed that rather than the usual bloated, heavy feeling I experience after a big bowl of pasta, I felt comfortably sated.    

As well as tiramisu to take home, we were served generous portions with a choice of tea or coffee.  Just to be polite I took a bite. The coffee and rum mixture swilled out of the sponge as my spoon delved in and by the third bite I was starting to feel quite intoxicated.  'I'm meant to be avoiding alcohol tonight' I complained to my new cooking buddy, 'I don't even like tiramisu!' 'You don't have to eat it you know,' she responded matter of factly with a wry smile. Of course she had missed the point here. Of course I had to eat it. 

The combination of West Country cream, mascarpone, rich espresso and rum soaked sponge layers was far too tempting for even the strongest will to resist. By the time I rested my spoon in the thoroughly excavated bowl, I was awash with that familiar warmth you get when you have dined well in good company. On second thoughts, this could have been due to the copious amount of boozy pudding I had just devoured. 

t

Go on. Delve into my bountiful foodie wares

Worries of tiramisu  wedges being squelched in handbags soon evaporated when we were given generously laden bags of exciting produce to nestle within our kitchen cupboards, including enough space to ferry our perfect puddings to husbands, kids, friends or whomever else was lucky enough to be at home when this heady dessert arrived.  

When I finally made it home, happy and cheered by a good evening, hoping that the dessert would remain in its perfect form to be shared with others at a later date, something inexplicable occurred.  I ate the whole sweet, stodgy delight all over again.  It just happened!

Hair-extending guru Shannel Watson is the owner of Secret Extensions and a recent convert to the religion of fine cheeses. Follow her on Twitter @SecretExtension and Instagram - shannelwatson for more of her foodie and hair-related shenanigans

My Top Five Skin-Friendly Fake Tans

With the enticing promise of summer and the unyielding fear of pasty thighs tormenting us, many of us are reaching for the (fake tan) bottle as a ‘safer’ way to achieve that glamorous, sun-kissed look.

But just how safe is this seemingly innocent alternative to a detrimental dose of sizzling sun worship?

The sorry truth can be found upon looking at the ingredients lists of these synthetically fragranced creams, gels and lotions, which can contain harmful chemicals that can affect the health of our skin.

Parabens, artificial fragrances and even formaldehyde can be found lurking within the gloopy formulations of our favourite bronzing products, and have been proven to cause numerous health problems including hormone imbalances, rashes and even cancer.

In search of the perfect sun-kissed look without the barrage of unnecessary chemicals, I opted to take an even safer route to a glorious golden hue by testing tanning products that contain much kinder ingredients.

Here are my top 5...

Karora Express Bronzing Mousse 150ml, £25.43 8/10
This botanical badboy of the natural tanning world contains hydrating aloe vera, acai extract and grapefruit peel oil  for streak-free bronzing and silky smooth skin in a flash. I prefer to apply this before bed as it is tinted and feels sticky on my skin - but after showering, I am left with a stunning natural shade of brown which fades evenly after one week. Colour can be washed off after one hour for a lighter shade.

The result – An even, golden tan after one hour, which darkens after three hours (and more so overnight).

Tan Organic Self Tanning Oil 100ml, £24.99 8/10
I discovered this EcoCert approved organic dry tanning oil at The Urban Retreat beautique's fantastic natural beauty event and have been hooked ever since. A decadent blend of antioxidant-rich argan and borage oils, this toxin-free self tan is the perfect choice for those who crave a subtle wash of colour rather than a full-on ibiza-esque leathery tan. When I apply this natural zesty concoction after a hearty dose of exfoliation in the shower, it sinks into my skin effortlessly and develops into a natural hint of colour overnight. Note - I awarded this product 8/10 as the result was not dark enough for my exotic tanning tastes. If you are happy with a lighter shade, this amazing oil is a perfect 10.

The result – Non-greasy oil leaves a subtle bronze glow after five hours. 

Green People Self Tan Lotion 200ml, £18.95 9/10

The first self tan to be certified organic in the UK, this nourishing lightweight lotion contains the self tanning ingredient DHA, which has been derived from sugar rather than harsh chemicals. I like how the non-sticky lotion quickly blends into my skin and leaves it deliriously soft to the touch due to its skin-conditioning organic ingredients, which include rose geranium and sandalwood oils.

The result - easy to apply organic formula creates a light brown hue after 3 hours and fades perfectly.

For All My Eternity Spray Tan - Medium to Dark, 250ml, £24.99 9/10
Perfect for those who prefer a deep, chocolate brown tan, this lightweight dark liquid spray applies and blends with ease - just like a professional spray tan. I love how this product smells of almond macaroons and that you can see exactly where you have sprayed due to its rich guide colour. Although it contains an array of skin-nourishing antioxidants and organic essential oils and is paraben-free, I have awarded this product a 9/10 only because it is the least natural of the bunch. Otherwise it would have gained a 10 as the result was truly outstanding.

The result - wake up to an strikingly intense, natural looking tan after a professional style application before bed

Vita Liberata Deeper Deep Untinted Self Tan Gel - Dark 200ml, £22   10/10               
Glossy-locked Made in Chelsea star Ollie Locke’s deep mahogany hue is the sultry result of this paraben-free product, which contains skin-plumping hyaluronic acid and plentiful organic ingredients such as skin-beautifying grape seed extract and soothing shea butter. I love applying this non-greasy, untinted gel after my morning shower with their easy-to-use tanning mitt and watching as the colour develops towards the end of the day - perfect for those glitzy after-work soirees.

The result – Untinted so will not stain clothes and develops into a beautiful golden brown shade after 6 hours 

Before and after using Vita Liberata's Untinted Self Tan Gel

Disclaimer: If you are seeking a good fake tanning product that does not leave the dreaded 'biscuit' scent, you will be searching a long time. All of the products reviewed by me did indeed leave me smelling like a naughty digestive, yet after showering and applying my favourite body cream the smell was no more, so worry not.