The Tales and Travels of Taylor Made PA – Staycation in Sandbanks
Published 31.05.2021
Hello!
Have you been “out out” yet?
On the first day we were allowed, I headed to The Haven Hotel in beautiful Sandbanks. Not only was it for a couple of days rest and recuperation, from what has been a crazy 18 months, where it has been all too easy to sit and work almost 24/7.
But the most important reason for the break was to finally see my Dad.
Self Isolation
My Dad spends 6 months of the year in Spain and when the UK first went into lockdown, you guessed it, he had just arrived in Spain and then flights stopped so it was August before he made it home. Then with one thing or another, I hadn’t seen him before London went into a mini lockdown in late September and then another one after the other. So, 15 months went by before we both knew it.
Roadmap to Freedom
So as soon as the Roadmap was released I blocked the first 3 days out of my diary and started to make a plan!
Even in the UK my Dad lives near the Coast. So, I decided to treat myself to a staycation whilst seeing him too!
I looked at a few options and decided to stay in one of my favourite places – Beautiful Sandbanks. And just a 20-minute drive to my Dads.
The Road to The Haven
So on Monday 17th May I headed down the M3 driving through Sunshine and Showers. Slight complication meant I couldn’t actually see my Dad until the Tuesday, so I had the day to myself.
My first stop was a local pub near Bournemouth Airport. I met my VA Business Coach for lunch. First time in a pub in almost 18-months. First time having lunch with someone other than my Nan in almost a year!
Relax in The Haven
After lunch I headed the 20-minutes from the pub to The Haven Hotel, nestled on the peninsula in Sandbanks. Overlooking the beach and Chain Ferry. With views over to Studland Beach and Old Harry Rocks.
Hotels require masks to be worn in public areas unless you are eating, drinking or in the Spa Facilities.
Check in was easy – we were requested to do the NHS Check In too. There were one way signs guiding you around and requests were made to only use the lifts when necessary.
I was lucky to receive an upgrade from a Standard to a Sea View Room. And a view over to Old Harry Rocks.
Having dropped by bags. I have never been known to travel light! I headed down to the Spa. Numbers were limited to allow for Social Distancing. But with the sun currently shining, I headed outside to the outdoor pool and hot tub. And as the bubbles rose to the surface the tension in my shoulders eased.
After a dip in the outdoor pool. I love an outdoor pool. So much more than an indoor one. I headed indoors to the Sauna. As I sat in the Sauna I realised I had timed my visit to perfection as the heavens had just opened!
A Walk in the Sand
I slept with the curtains open to have the view of the sea as I woke up. It was a beautiful morning. After a cooked breakfast – it was so nice to have something cooked for me! I headed across the hotel to the beach and went for a walk in the sunshine. Not quite as brave as the souls heading out for a swim!
With the sun on my face and the sand in my toes I realised just how much I’d missed it. It is 30-years this summer since I first worked as a Travel Agent. And in those 30-years I have rarely not had a holiday booked to look forward to.
After a dip of my toes in the sea and sitting down in the sun whilst they dried. I made my way back to the hotel.
After a quick change I headed out for a quick drive.
A Pony in a Park
Just a short drive from Sandbanks is the stunning New Forest. Many of you that have followed The Tales and Travels of Taylor Made PA will know I have a passion for ponies. And where better to see them but in their natural habitat. So, with the weather closing in, I headed for a drive in the Forest.
Today we had an abundance not only of ponies, but Donkeys – mostly taking over the pub car park – and cattle too.
Reunited!
After my drive I headed to my dad’s finally. After 15-months I cannot tell you how good it was to finally see him and even have a big hug. And I am not a hugger!
Having spent the day with Dad I headed back to the hotel to have coffee on my Balcony before bed.
Early the next morning I headed down for an early breakfast and another walk along the beach in the Sun.
With Dad due to meet me for lunch. After check out, I headed to the Terrace. With the sun shining, the sound of the sea, my book and a skinny mocha, it was just what I needed.
Self Care
As much as I needed to see my Dad. I hadn’t realised how much I also needed some time out from work. For the first time, for this break I set my out of office, switched off Email on my phone and left my Associate Claire to deal with any (none) emergencies that may arise.
As they say “you cannot pour from an empty cup”. And I realise how much I rely on my time out each year. Normally to lie in the sun with a book somewhere hot and sunny.
So, with a Cruise already booked for May 2022. South of France, Sardinia and Ibiza! Yes! I now need to think about booking something else in to ensure I continue to look after myself and my own wellbeing.
So are you looking after your health and wellbeing?
Are you looking for a Staycation?
Taylor Made Travel Booking Services can help with both UK and overseas bookings. And Premier Holidays are the specialist for holidays to the Channel Islands, Isles of Scilly and the Isle of Man.
Email me your plans and let me help make them a reality.
jules.taylor@premier-travel.co.uk
Until next time!
Jules x
