Reviewed by us: The Club at Cottonmill Spa, Sopwell HouseRead More Post author By The Mum Club Post date 12 February 2024 Reviewed by us: The Club at Cottonmill Spa, Sopwell House Reviewed by: TMC Editor, Lydia House Pros It’s one of the UK’s best spas It’s so quiet and there’s tons of space You can still enjoy lots of the areas if you’re pregnant The facilities are beautiful Cons The booking can be confusing The Club area is accessible only to a select group of members and a limited number of guests or residents on Club packages. So make sure you check before booking. If you stay and have to upgrade it’s expensive. What is it? The Club at Cottonmill, in St Albans, is a members only spa that is available to book as a spa day or if you are are staying in the Mews rooms of Sopwell House and features world class spaces and facilities including new spa gardens, Garden Room, Whisper Room and Deep Relaxation Room. Overall Thoughts “I’ve never been to a spa that’s so quiet. The facilities are beautiful inside and out and have some fantastic treatments on offer. My husband had ‘The Sound and Sand’ treatment, which is a massage that’s done on a vibrating quartz bed and he said it was the most amazing treatment he’s ever had. Sadly, I was pregnant, so I couldn’t have this one or utilise all the areas, like the jacuzzis and saunas but I still had a great time. The Club also has the most amazing relaxation room. There were tons of places to sit or relax, both inside and out. And it’s on two levels, so even at its busiest times it felt peaceful. I’d definitely go back but I think I’ll book in for a Spa Day instead of staying over.” Any Downsides? “The Cottonmill Spa and The Club at Cottonmill Spa are two completely different areas and not all hotel guests have access to The Club, even if you book certain spa packages. The Cottomill Spa, which is open to all hotel guests is just a pool and a jacuzzi and doesn’t come close to the facilities in The Club area. My husband and I went here on a mini break before we had our first baby and we booked a costly hotel package with dinner and spa treatments, but when we checked into the Cottonmill Spa, they said we had to pay another £100 per person per day (we were staying for 2 days, so it would have meant another £400) to use the new facilities, which made no sense. We complained, and they wavered it. But double-check before you book as I’m not sure they’d do that for everyone.” Is it Worth the Money? “Staying in the hotel and paying another £100 a day is not worth it as the rooms are expensive and not that great. You can book in to a Mews room but they’re extremely expensive. So I think I’d either stay nearby and get an Airbnb or another hotel or just drive up for Spa Day. I looked and The Spa Day packages are much better value and I’d say even though it’s still expensive, it’s one of the best spas I’ve ever been to and well worth the splurge.” The Club at Cottonmill Find out more Tags coffee machine
Reviewed by us: Breville (Sage) Barista Coffee MachineRead More Post author By The Mum Club Post date 5 February 2024 Reviewed by us: Breville (Sage) Barista Coffee Machine Reviewed by: TMC Co-Founder Lauren Webber Pros It saves you money You have coffee shop quality as you wake up Easy to use It’s life-changing There’s tons of You Tube tutorials to help you use it Cons Initial cost is high It’s noisy, so not great if you’re trying to be quiet It’s big and requires counter space You’ll miss it when you travel. What is it? A coffee machine with an integrated grinder, which enables you to produce barista-style espressos, lattes and cappuccinos at home. Unlike other high-tech coffee machines, this is extremely easy to use. *Please note this machine is made by Breville if you’re in the U.S. and Sage if you’re in the U.K. Overall Thoughts This coffee machine has secured a special place in my heart, ranking just below my children and husband. The thought of parenting without it is unthinkable. I love it so much it was one of the first things we bought when we moved to America. (*In the UK i had a Sage machine and over here it’s made by Breville – they’re sister brands, so it’s the same product). This machine has transformed my mornings. The convenience and quality of the coffee is unmatched. The smell that fills my kitchen each morning is another joy this machine brings to my daily routine. Any Downsides? As with any product, it comes with its share of drawbacks. The noise level can be pretty loud when grinding the beans. While it doesn’t bother me much, it’s worth noting you might have to wait for the baby to wake! Is it Worth the Money? The initial cost might seem quite a lot. But when I add up what I used to spend on daily coffee runs, the Breville coffee machine is a great investment. If you’re a coffee enthusiast, or just really tired all the time and NEED coffee, I’d say this is a a game-changer and worth every penny. Latest Deals From Retailers £649.99 View Now Tags coffee machine
