timeforanatterIn late 2019, I was lucky enough to win an overnight stay at Inhabit – a new boutique hotel. We were having a particularly stressful and upsetting time when I got the news – an extension of a pretty grim few years – and so this was a much needed break from it all. My mam and I booked for January 2020 and during that time we lost my Grandma which meant that our stay took place when we needed it most. And so, a year ago, we took a breather from life and headed down from the North-East for our break.
ABOUT INHABIT
Inhabit is a short walking distance from the nearby tube stations, so it’s really convenient to get to. The outside of the Georgian building is just as beautiful as the inside, with its quirky but clean decor. The colour palette lends itself to a state of calm and there are plenty of textures and interesting touches so that it’s a feast for both the eyes and senses. Keeping the original layout of the combined buildings has helped to maintained its charm and sets it apart from the homogenised look of many hotels.
On arrival, there was a little mix up with our room but the Inhabit staff were fantastic and very friendly (as they were throughout our stay) and quickly sorted out the issue. Before heading to our room, we sat in the hotel’s library, filled with enriching texts and comfy seats.
As part of the prize, I received a Lavender and Bergamot candle created by the Self Care Company. It smells heavenly and burns so evenly. If you haven’t heard of this company I’d thoroughly recommend that you give their candles a try. They burn for hours and if the other fragrances smell as good as this I’m a complete convert. It’s one of my favourite ways to try and wind down and practice a bit of self care.
Our Room
Our room echoed the rest of the hotel ethos and aesthetic with its calm surroundings and emphasis on digital detox. Dressing gowns and Casper mattresses come as standard, as does an exclusive meditation TV channel – the perfect wind down.
The bathroom is appointed with a gorgeous rainfall shower (does anyone else judge hotels by how good the shower is?) and beautiful REN toiletries.
What is there to do at Inhabit?
On arrival, we were presented with an activity schedule with information about when daily activities like Yoga classes are on. There’s also a gym (complete with Peloton bike) and an infra-red sauna on site.
I didn’t see any young children during my stay and even as a parent, that doesn’t offend me. It’s more of a ‘retreat’ and to get the benefits, I think that the calm needs to be maintained. There are family rooms but the hotel strikes me as better suited to older children staying there. If you’re required to be glued to your devices it’s probably not right for you either. Digital detox is encouraged, with gentle hints to switch off in every sense. However, regardless of your purpose, it’s a really great place to visit and lay your head.
In an atrium area, there’s an egg-shaped seat where you can sit and just be for while. It’s accompanied by a set of headphones with meditation audio to enjoy while you sit, cocooned in absolute, unadulterated calm.
EATING AT INHABIT
In terms of food, there’s a great on-site restaurant, Yeotown Kitchen serving all sorts of plant-based delights. We enjoyed the delicious breakfast buffet and also paid to have something off a separate menu. This was unlike anything I’ve ever had for breakfast and was incredibly delicious. It was so colourful and I felt full and really great afterwards.
Near reception, there’s a pantry with a variety of healthy snacks – all sourced from organic suppliers and small businesses.
WHat we thought
I didn’t pay on this occasion, but for such quality, central accommodation, I think it’s a very reasonable price point.
Every detail is there to make your stay a complete and enriching experience for your mind, body and soul. We had such a lovely time I actually felt sad to leave. One night just wasn’t enough and I’d love to return and try out some of the classes on offer. Inhabit’s ethos is to leave people feeling nourished and restored by every aspect of their stay. We arrived at Inhabit, tired, stressed and beaten and left feeling infinitely more happy and relaxed. I’ll definitely be back. Big thanks to Balance for this amazing prize.