Kate Anderson Copywriting

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Reviews

Afternoon Tea at Bath’s Royal Crescent Hotel

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When visiting Bath, you don’t have to go far to find a restaurant or cafe that serves afternoon tea. As someone who loves indulging in this quintessential British pastime, I’ve wanted to visit The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa in Bath for ages – specifically to try out their afternoon tea.

Instead of drooling over their pictures on Instagram, thanks to a rather lovely birthday gift, I finally managed to experience afternoon tea at The Royal Crescent for myself last month. Although afternoon tea lovers have plenty of options in the city, The Royal Crescent Hotel’s afternoon tea offerings frequently tops the list of best places in Bath to enjoy this teatime treat.

Part of the appeal of afternoon tea at the hotel is its location on Royal Crescent. The street comprises of a row of elegant Georgian townhouses, and is quite possibly the best location in Bath. The Royal Crescent Hotel itself is a five-star luxury hotel, encompassing two townhouses, a pretty garden and further buildings to the rear, including the Dower House Restaurant, where we were to have our afternoon tea. Weather permitting, you can also have afternoon tea in the hotel’s pretty garden. Unfortunately, April showers and what not, meant we had to dine inside. But it wasn’t exactly a hardship as the restaurant is lovely.

The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa
Royal Crescent, Bath

Afternoon tea at The Royal Crescent Hotel is the ultimate indulgence. We couldn’t wait to feast on delicate finger sandwiches, pretty little cakes and delicious scones. We opted for the Authentic Royal Crescent Afternoon Tea, which is the hotel’s take on a classic traditional afternoon tea. If you have more of a savoury palate, The Royal Crescent Afternoon Tea is an available alternative. There’s also a vegetarian option too.

All of the three different afternoon teas are complimented by a fantastic selection of world teas. Freshly ground coffee and even hot chocolate is available, if you prefer. Or if you fancy pushing the boat out, a flute of champagne is definitely a good way to make the occasion really sparkle.

The first thing that struck me about The Royal Crescent Hotel’s afternoon tea was the presentation. Aesthetically, it is one of the prettiest afternoon teas I’ve had the delight to tuck in to. And fortunately, the food tasted as good as it looked. The pastries and cakes were exquisite – it was hard to choose a favourite. The freshly baked scones (with clotted cream and strawberry preserve) were moist, crumbly and delicious. It was also the first time I had ever tasted a Bath bun – but hopefully not the last.

I have a sweet tooth, so I’m usually drawn to the cakes and pastries. However, the cute little finger sandwiches were just as yummy. The bread was perfect and the fillings tasty and generous. My favourite was probably the corn-fed chicken, basil and lemon hummus, closely followed by the roast beef with horseradish mayonnaise and watercress.

It’s fair to say that I’ve had a lot of afternoon teas, and up until my visit to The Royal Crescent Hotel, nothing compared to the afternoon tea I enjoyed at The Shard in London. However, I’m pleased to say that this one was just as good. So if you’re in Bath and you feel like indulge in this quintessential British pastime, I highly recommend The Royal Crescent Hotel. Admittedly, at £37.50 a head it’s not the cheapest. But it’s beyond scrumptious and in my opinion worth every penny, particularly if you’re celebrating a special occasion.

Head to their website to find out more about afternoon tea at The Royal Crescent Hotel.

Travel Stories: Escape From Reality at Hidden Valley

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A world of peace and tranquility awaits you the moment you check into Hidden Valley Forest Retreat. Located just 20 minutes drive from Margaret River town centre, this secluded luxury retreat, set deep within an untouched pocket of pristine southwest bushland, is the perfect base for exploring the stunning Margaret River region.

The southwest region is one of my favourite places in Australia. So naturally, I was really excited about a little road trip to Margaret River from the moment we set off on the three hour drive from Perth.

Technically Hidden Valley Forest Retreat is in Carbunup River, a small town between Margaret River and Dunsborough. The retreat itself is set in approximately 110 acres of beautiful natural bushland and forest, accessed via a 1.6km unsealed road. There are five cabins on the estate, but they are at enough distance from one another, that you barely notice you’re sharing the space with anyone else, apart from the wildlife.

Hidden Valley Forest Retreat
Eco Lodge, Hidden Valley Forest Retreat

Guests can choose between two Eco Lodges, Stone Stable Cottage, Wilderness Cabin or Deepwater Retreat. The accommodation offers varying degrees of luxury to suit different budgets. Converted from an old stable, Stone Stable is a mix of old and new, with a recently renovated modern kitchen and bathroom, and its own outdoor spa and courtyard.

The Wilderness Cabin boasts a contemporary design and a private outdoor spa, while Deepwater Retreat enjoys views of the lake and its own private jetty. According to their website, the accommodation reflects a contemporary statement about innovation and design, which combines to capture the spirit of the surrounding environment to create tranquility and inner calm for guests.

Hidden Valley Forest Retreat
Peace and tranquility awaits at Hidden Valley

After checking in at the farm house/reception, we were directed to our accommodation. The beautiful Eco Lodge we stayed in was just perfect for our needs. We entered via a long timber boardwalk and walked into a tastefully furnished and spacious lodge. The cabins are superbly designed and feature bamboo floors and large windows with stunning views of the surrounding bushland. Our lodge was well equipped with a kitchen, spa bath, air conditioning, gas barbecue, TV, DVD/CD player and a log burning stove to keep us warm on a chilly autumn night. We especially enjoyed relaxing on the private decking, cup of tea in hand, listening to the sound of silence, which was only broken by bird song. If you’re really lucky, you might even enjoy a visit from one of the locals – possums and roos have been known to pop by and say hello.

Hidden Valley Forest Retreat Eco Lodge
Eco Lodge, Hidden Valley Forest Retreat

Margaret River is a popular destination for locals and tourists, and the region has plenty of luxury accommodation providers to choose from. But there’s something special about Hidden Valley Forest Retreat. With luxurious little touches – like the in-lodge spa treatments and the personal chef on hand to cook up a gourmet meal – to the high standard of accommodation and warm welcome from the owners (although we only met Lily, who was lovely), a getaway to Hidden Valley is a delightful experience. Despite our short stay (one night is definitely not enough!) we left relaxed and rejuvenated, and with a far greater appreciation for the natural environment. And yes, disappointed that we had to leave. But eager and excited to come back again to experience more of this hidden gem.

You can find out more about Hidden Valley Forest Retreat by visiting their website or Facebook page.

Things to see and do in the Margaret River Region

Explore the caves – There are approximately three hundred and fifty caves in the Margaret River region, but not all of them are open to the public. Lake Cave, Jewel Cave, Mammoth Cave, Ngilgis Cave or the lesser known Calgardup Cave, are all must-see natural attractions. Whether you opt for a guided or self-guided tour, you’ll be amazed at the spectacular limestone and crystal formations, which date back over 350,000 years. You’ll find the caves located off Caves Road, which just so happens to be one of the most scenic drives in Western Australia. If you have a 4WD, take a drive through Boranup Forest and marvel at the towering Karri trees.

Calgardup Cave, Margaret River

Scenic Caves Road Margaret River
Scenic Caves Road, Margaret River

Wine tasting – Margaret River is home to over one hundred and fifty wineries producing world-class wines, making the region a holiday haven for wine lovers. Here you can explore the vineyards, tour the facilities and sample some of finest wines produced in the whole of Australia. Voyager Estate, Vasse Felix, Cullen Wines, Xanadu and Leeuwin Estate are amongst the best in the region, which has built up a fine reputation for its cabernet sauvignon and chardonnay.

Vineyards at Cullen Wines, Margaret River

Whale watching – Head to Dunsborough and experience a whale watching tour with Naturalist Charters. During late September to early December, migrating Humpbacks and Blue Whales can be spotted in the area. Seeing these incredible ocean giants up close and in the wild is a once in a lifetime kind of experience.

A maze’n – Located in Margaret River, A maze’n is a popular attraction, providing hours of fun for the whole family. Explore the giant maze (plus 5 others), play a round of mini golf and take a leisurely stroll around five hectares of beautiful botanical gardens.

See the friendly stingrays at Hamelin Bay – Less than a 30 minute drive from Margaret River, a visit to Hamelin Bay is highly recommended. One of the area’s most pristine beaches, stingrays come within touching distance of the shore. It’s an incredible experience.

Cape Naturalist Lighthouse – You’ll find this working lighthouse approximately 13km from Dunsborough. The lighthouse is open to the public and offers spectacular views of Cape Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park, the Indian Ocean and Geographe Bay coastline. If you’re visiting between September and December, you might even catch a glimpse of migrating whales.

With its spectacular scenery, pristine beaches, world-class wineries, excellent dining options and unique attractions, there’s so much to see and do in the Margaret River region. If you need more inspiration, check out the official Margaret River website.

Canal Rocks, between Yallingup and Margaret River

Book Review: Reasons to Stay Alive

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I wish I’d had a book like Reasons to Stay Alive when I was first diagnosed with clinical depression. In the very early stages of my illness, like most people bitten by the Black Dog, I struggled to understand what was happening to me. I felt so alone and detached from everyone and everything. Perhaps if Reasons to Stay Alive had been around then, I might not have felt quite so scared for so long.

Even though I didn’t have this incredibly insightful book to turn to, I did however have the support of family and friends. And NHS treatment that was a lot more accessible than it is today. I also had an incredibly understanding GP who didn’t just believe in throwing pills at me to get me to go away. I didn’t have to make a fuss or plead and beg to get a referral to see a psychiatrist either – although at that stage of my illness I don’t think I had any energy left to do such a thing anyway.

Since my diagnosis, I’ve read quite a few books about depression, mostly so-called self-help guides, which I’ve generally found to be of little or no help. Depression has this annoying ability  of making any attempt to read a book akin to climbing Everest. But even when I did have the motivation and concentration to read, most of the time I struggled to connect with what I was reading. No one seemed to know what it was like being me. So for years I avoided self-help books like the plague.

But it couldn’t be more different with Reasons to Stay Alive. Mental illness is a difficult subject, but author Matt Haig writes so eloquently about his battle with depression, and with such warmth and honesty I’ve rarely encountered in a book of this kind. One of Matt’s greatest accomplishments with this book – part self-help, part autobiography – is his ability to share his experiences of debilitating depression without coming across preachy or self-indulgent. And surprisingly, it’s not in any way depressing. Not one bit.

Matt’s story is so relatable too. Like Matt, I was in my early twenties when I was first treated for depression following a breakdown. I spent a decade of my life on different types of medication. I’ve seen psychiatrists, counsellors, cognitive behaviour specialists. I’ve had psycho-dynamic therapy, alternative types of therapy and even, during my very worst times, electric shock therapy. And during my darkest days I’ve contemplated taking my own life because the pain I was in was too overwhelming.

For me though it was never about not wanting to live. I just wanted the pain to stop. And if that meant dying, so be it. I’ve swallowed pills and ended up in hospital, which was a truly humiliating experience and one I swore I’d never repeat. But truth be told, I never really had it in me, to do the deed. I also knew I would be transferring the pain I was in to the people who cared about me. Ultimately that realisation alone always stopped me. So instead I chose to keep going, to try and find a way to live with this horrible illness.

When I say live, for most part I guess I’d describe my life as falling somewhere between existing and surviving. But somehow I’m still here, living with depression, chugging along, hanging on. And that’s exactly what Matt advises us to do. To hang on in there if we can. Life is always worth it. Even though depression likes to trick us into believing otherwise. And he’s right.

I will always be grateful to Matt for having the courage to write this beautiful book. Books as wonderful and as accessible as Reasons to Stay Alive help to fight the ongoing stigma attached to depression and mental illness. As far as we’ve come, ignorance sadly still remains. And because of it people battling with their mental health are embarrassed and ashamed to seek help because they believe it’s a sign of weakness. Depression isn’t something anyone should be ashamed of. Quite the contrary.

So whether you’re someone living with depression, care for someone who does or work in the mental health services, please make it your mission to pick up a copy of this easy to read, moving, honest and funny book. It’s not often I come across a book I’d classify as a “must read” or “life-changing” but this one is. As books go it’s a powerful advocate for understanding and compassion – something the world is severely lacking.