Ria Elaina – R & R

RIA ELAINA ATKINS

A MUM’S LIFE

LET ME INTRODUCE MYSELF – I’M RIA, MUM OF TWO, MARRIED TO MY HANDSOME HUBBY. I’M BORN AND BRED IN MY BELOVED SURREY AND SPEND MOST OF MY TIME BETWEEN HERE AND LONDON. I’M A HANDBAG AND SHOE ADDICT AND LOVER OF ALL THINGS LUXE.

TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT RIA’S LUXE LIFESTYLE FOLLOW HER ON INSTAGRAM @RIA.ELAINA

REST & RECOUPERATE

Hello and Happy New Year to you all! I hope you had a wonderful December.

As much as we have all probably overindulged in recent months, I have kind of enjoyed every second of it, and have come to terms with having more squishy bits than usual! There’s nothing that makes me feel more wholesome than enjoying delicious food with friends and family. I was very kindly invited to dine at The White Horse in Shere. Of course I jumped at the chance as it was one of the locations for ‘The Holiday’, one of Hollywood’s most festive and romantic movies.

REST & RECOUPERATE

The White Horse is located in the idyllic village of Shere. The pub itself is a Grade II listed building which dates back to the 15th Century where it was first a farmhouse and then an Inn. Steeped in history, authentic timbers from Nelsons ship ‘Victory’ are thought to be part of the pub. There is a small bar area with some seating and the exact spot where Cameron Diaz and Jude Law enjoyed their date night. The restaurant area has lots of nooks and crannies and a gorgeous roaring fire which sets the scene for romantic dining. It is also very family friendly. The kids menu was the most extensive I have ever seen. They had a great variety from your usual roast dinner, to mini steak and chips, pasta with Beyond Meat balls and Moules Mariniere which my son was very excited about. I opted for a steak and ale pie which was made with the most deliciously flaky pastry, ample veggies and smooth creamy mash. Our waiter was so attentive he even asked me if I would like an extra pot of gravy. I love that attention to detail! Of course I said yes…is there anything more comforting than pie and mash?! I am not usually a desert person but I fancied a sweet treat so I went for the caramel banana waffle with butterscotch ice cream, which I ended up sharing with my daughter. (Are you even a Mum without a little person stealing some of your food?!) It was utterly scrumptious! I will definitely be coming back to this pub and I will definitely be bringing friends and family. It’s perfect for Winter and beyond.

Another place that I will be returning to this year is the Spa at Beaverbrook. You all know how much I love Beaverbrook and visit regularly to dine but have never managed to spa there. I recently visited the spa there and loved every second. It’s not cheap, but totally worth it. I took my Mum for a Women’s Wellness spa day which included full use of the facilities, lunch at the Pizzeria and a 1.5 hour massage and facial. I was not brave enough to use the outdoor pool even though it was heated, as it was a cold morning. However, I thoroughly enjoyed the use of the indoor pool and thermal areas. I also got to have a snooze on the most comfy bed in the relaxation area which engulfed me

like a cloud. After a chat with my therapist, the treatment was completely tailored to my needs which consisted mainly of melting away all the tension in my neck and shoulders. All the little details were thought of such as a relaxing foot scrub prior to the treatment, and a hand massage whilst the face mask was on, sublime! The facial products used were from a brand called Therapi which contains honey and propolis. Propolis is a resin like material made by bees which they extract from the buds of cone bearing trees and use to build hives. It is used for its regenerative and healing properties and suggested to be among nature’s most powerful anti-oxidants. I could do with some of that right now!

I would say this spa is on par with another favourite of mine, Pennyhill Park. If you are looking for a spa day then look no further. Take some time out for you, especially after this busy festive period. It’s the perfect excuse for some R and R.