ANOTHER LITTLE SPA AT THE MERE.

Like most women, nothing chills me out more than a gorgeous, relaxing spa weekend away. After taking a dip in the pool and letting my skin clear itself out in the sauna and the steam room, I honestly feel like a new woman - it's the most refreshing feeling.

So, last weekend, after waiting for what felt like a lifetime, the spa weekend my mum booked for us finally arrived and we headed off to our favourite ever spa retreat, The Mere.

Located in the most beautiful of settings, The Mere is nestled a cool 5 minute drive from the centre of Knutsford, making it the perfect place to enjoy a good old chill, before heading out for a few nice drinks in the evening.

We've been going to The Mere for just over a year now, and we all absolutely love it. Previously, we've been lucky in that the weather has been on our side. This time, we weren't so lucky, but we didn't let the rain dampen our spirit (excuse the pun - totally intentional).

Upon arrival at The Mere, we first met with one of the wedding co-ordinators to discuss our future big day. Since going to The Mere, Marc and I have always said how perfect the venue would be for our wedding, but, although we love it, we've decided we'd actually prefer something a little more private - so, watch this space for more bride and groom-related gossip coming this way soon...

Anyway, although the viewing didn't go entirely as we had hoped, we still had a great time and all of the staff who helped us were absolutely fantastic. For us though, the best part of the weekend was letting all of our stresses and work-related tension go as we steamed, sauna'd and swam - bliss.

The spa facilities at The Mere are just fantastic, but my ultimate favourite out of the whole lot has to be the 'Hamam' room. The Hamam room is a kind of freshly scented steam room that really relieves your skin and leaves you feeling completely brand new. It's incredibly hot in there, but literally nothing feels more incredible on your skin!

I'd say that we spent around two and half hours in the spa before heading back to the room and getting ready for the evening ahead. I felt totally glam and really good about how I looked as I'd just had a spray tan done, so I kept my makeup minimal and we headed out for cocktails overlooking the lake at about 6pm.

First beverage of the evening - an Amaretto Sour - completely and absolutely divine. I've got a few favourite cocktails, but when this one is done right, it's up there with the best of the best - and the cocktail conosseurs at The Mere got it so, so right. Double thumbs up over here.

What a great start to the evening - a fabulous cocktail, stunning views and amazing company.

I actually don't think I've ever drank a cocktail quite so quick in my entire life, but it tasted so good that I simply couldn't make it last any longer than it did! And besides, with food reservations at The Lost & Found at 7:15, we had to be pretty on the ball anyway (I'm not an alcoholic, I swear).

The Lost & Found is Knutsford's newest local, and despite and mixture of online reviews, my first impressions of this place were good - friendly staff, gorgeous renovation work and a generally nice atmosphere inside the place. However, with all of this said, there were a couple of cock-ups and the meals that Marc and I chose weren't quite as yummy as I'd hoped. Nevertheless, after a few glasses of prosecco and lots of laughs, none of this really mattered.

Food and drinks done at The Lost & Found done, and time to head onto our final stop of the evening - our favourite pub in Knutsford, The Old Sessions.

The Old Sessions a is really lovely, homely pub based in the centre of Knutsford. It's got an upmarket feel in that you can buy lots of lovely champagnes and they have a great selection of cocktails to choose from. Another thing that I love is the live music that they often have on at The Old Sessions. We've been a few times and there's been different people playing the piano and singing, which is a really nice touch,

My drink of choice at The Old Sessions was Prosecco & Chambord - an all-time favourite of mine. This, together with the perfect ambience and great company made for a perfect end to a fantastic day, and another wonderful weekend at The Mere,

We're already planning our next stay as I can never stay away from the Hamam room for too long!

I hope you enjoyed this post. Stay tuned for more exciting beauty and lifestyle posts on the way very soon.

Lots of love,
Grace x