Miscellaneous Reviews etc.

February 08

The fun fair at Hayling Island is a blast from the past. It’s old fashioned and comfortingly familiar like a treasured childhood memory. All the smells and sights are there. Continue along the front and you come to the Seaside café, wedged between two roads on which all manner of sea craft are towed back and forth. Not an immediately appealing spot, until that is, you try the food. Then it’s all about you and possibly the best burger you will ever taste, washed down with the most heavenly hot chocolate ever made. The menu is not extensive but everything produced in the minuscule galley is mouth wateringly delicious. Have a meal at the Seaside cafe and one thing I can promise you, you will be back!


March 08


In the rarefied atmosphere of Marlborough, deep in Wiltshire and home to Marlbourgh School, are the Polly Tea Rooms. Internationally famous, it is one of the last bastions of Ye Olde English refinement preserving the great tradition of high tea. Scones, crumpets and teacakes are the order of the day with wonderful jams and carefully brewed tea served in fine bone china. But beware if, in a scone-fuelled euphoria, you decide to treat yourself to one of their prepared family sized cakes to take home with you. They are not cheap. Beautifully made and scrumptious, but of a monetary value that more than reflects the pedigree of this historic establishment. This is definitely a taste of old England. Visit in winter to avoid the rush.


Hotel Review - Poland July 2007
HOTEL MAGELLAN


As we swung off the busy highway from Warsaw to Katowice, we began to follow small roads through sleepy villages and acres of lush farmland. Ahead I could see a forest and as the smell of pine began to reach us I felt myself begin to relax. The end of our journey would be The Magellan Spa Hotel (www.hotelmagellan.pl) in the picturesque Sulejow National Park in central Poland.

The summer of 2007 in Poland was more or less like ours here in the UK, precious little sunshine and copious amounts of rain! Maybe it was a sign then, that as we arrived at the hotel, the sun came out and we were able to relax on a patio outside the bar with cool drinks, taking in the pine scented air.

This place was the last word in relaxation. I had some treatments booked so made my way upstairs to the treatment rooms. Soothing music greeted me but what struck me immediately was the view from the full-length windows. The forest in which the hotel and Spa have been built was there, right outside and in some cases touching the windows! I thought it an inspired idea not to cut down these trees because as I lay on the treatment couch I felt I was lying in the middle of the forest. The slight movement of the branches and the delicate pine scent was hypnotising. The full range of treatments are available at the Spa and the cleanliness and elegance of the surroundings is second to none. There is a swimming pool and plenty of well-trained charming staff.

This may not be the most sophisticated Spa in the world but in all my travels, and there have been many, I have never found a place so relaxing. There are walks along rough tracks through the woods and a lovely lake a stone’s throw away to enjoy.
The dining room was a very grand affair. With high ceilings and furniture that made one think that some ancient Polish King was about to enter the room. The food was elegant and the breakfasts great.

My room had dual aspect windows and I had one of the best nights sleep there that I have ever had. When I woke in the morning I put on the little travel radio I had bought at Heathrow. The sound of Gregorian chants filled my room and as I lay watching the curtains flutter in the morning breeze, my chance tuning in to this particular station seemed ordained. A real feeling of peace and well-being engulfed me and I can still get that feeling back now if I think of that quiet Polish morning disturbed only by the sound of beautiful voices.

I loved it, and the lake that is nearby. I could think of few better places to unwind than this tranquil forest retreat. I was so well looked after and when I complimented them on the room I had been allocated their delight and pride was not disguised. For a real chance to get away from it all and recharge the batteries I cannot think of anywhere I have been that could top this. If you are looking for a lively nightlife or constant entertainment, then look elsewhere. If you need somewhere that is good for your soul as well as your body, then, you’ve found it!



Many and varied property sales and rental reviews both in the UK and overseas.

August 2008

New contract with Atlantic Publishing to review books for Amazon.