MANCHESTER is my old home city.

Any opportunity I get to pay it a visit, well let’s just say, if I can be there, I am there!

So imagine my absolute, dance-around-a-room delight, when the good people at Spa Breaks and The Midland Hotel, invited me and a plus one (my big sister) to stay with them for an overnight stay and experience everything they have to offer, including the hotel’s gorgeous (and pretty swanky) new spa.

Just thinking of it now, is making me feel all lovely and relaxed. But enough of that, let’s get down to business and tell you how we got on.

(And why you really, really need to visit.)

The Midland Hotel for those of you who don’t know is one of the oldest and most famous hotels in Manchester.

Think grand Edwardian architecture, 4* luxury mixed with 1920s style and charm and a big ol’ dollop of Northern friendliness thrown in for good measure.

It is spectacular. Stunning. A truly special place to stay.

And has quite possibly the best beds in the world. I so did not want to get out of this comfy bad boy when I stayed. And who could blame me?

The room we stayed in was seriously lovely with super high ceilings, plenty of space and even a comfy sofa to crash out on as my sister and I, put the world to rights.

And as I said before, the bed, oh the bed! Yes, it was divine.

After quickly checking in and appreciating our room, we hotfooted it down to the hotel’s new Spa which is only a couple of months old and no doubt about to become hugely popular if my visit was anything to go by.

As you enter The Spa, The Midland, your senses are hit by the absolute feeling of tranquility. And everything about it feels really rather special.

Sadly, my proper camera decided not to work on the day (a blogger fail moment for sure!) which is a shame as it’s so beautiful and contemporary inside and I desperately wanted to capture it’s glory for you.

I did manage to get some images on my trusty phone however as the Spa was very dark inside, my phone struggled a little. Anyhow, hopefully, slight fuzziness aside, you’ll get the idea!

On arrival, we filled in our lunch choices (more of that in a moment), and were quickly whisked in for our treatments. We were a little late for our appointments due to traffic on the way, so we only had time to try out the facials.

(The perfect excuse to go back and try another treatment right?!)

And my facial was heavenly.

Using luxurious ESPA products, my skin was given some much need pampering. I went in with dull, sleep deprived, tired skin and came out looking blooming and perky. Result!

We chilled out in the ‘chill out room’ (which features comfy chairs, hammocks and even beds if you fancy a snooze!) drinking herbal tea and appreciating the serenity.

And then tucked into lunch, a mixed platter of some of the most delicious and healthy dishes I have ever tasted. See this soup? It was magnificent!

After a satisfying lunch, the rest of the afternoon was spent in steam rooms and the jacuzzi, as we nattered and caught up on each other lives. My sister and I don’t get to have much quality time together, just the two of us, so we had lots to catch up on.

And as you’d expect, time flew.

The new spa is the perfect inner city spa in which to while away a few relaxing hours. If you’re ever in these neck of the woods and long for some pampering, I urge you to give it a try.

Even if you have children with you!

Because low and behold, not only is this a really luxurious and peaceful spa, it’s also child friendly too! As mums to little ones, my sister and I were both really impressed with the fact that children are welcome in the relaxation pool.

Big brownie points from us.

After a serene afternoon, it was soon time to get our glad rags on and enjoy some fine dining, courtesy of the hotel’s acclaimed restaurant Mr Cooper’s House & Garden (by Simon Rogan)

But first a drink!

And with a gin menu like this, we were spoilt for choice. It was a very tough decision but…

Eventually I opted for this – a Martin Miller’s Gin with Elderflower Tonic.

Both the bar area and restaurant are beautiful and elegant. Contemporary yet sophisticated, impressive but charming. No wonder, it’s one of the most popular restaurants in the city on a Friday night.

We dined underneath a tree!

And ate until we could eat no more. Course after course of indulgent plates.

All washed down with plenty of lovely wine.

We started with a trio of nibbles – sourdough bread with whipped butter, the most bizarre yet incredible pork scratchings I have ever tried and three cheese puffs with celery and chilli. So good we didn’t want them to end.

Main was a delectable dish of Cumbrian rib steak, truffle pudding and purple potato bake accompanied by creamed kale spinach and fries. A dish to induce envy in any Husband.

(Mr Pouting In Heels was devastated to miss out on this!)

And pudding was a decadent hot chocolate mousse. Here I am tucking in!

Our overnight spa stay at The Midland Hotel really was just what the doctor ordered for two busy, working mums in need of some sister time.

Extravagant, relaxing and full of charm and luxury, we both went back home with a spring in our step and a promise to return, as soon as possible.

If you’re looking for a place to stay oop’ North that will make you feel pampered and spoilt, you really cannot go wrong with this beauty of a hotel and spa.

In fact, if you’ve got any sense, you’ll go and book yourself a stay, right…about…now.

With love,

Kate

Huge thanks to Spabreaks.com and The Midland Hotel for kindly inviting us to stay.