January detox or January retox
With twinkling decorations, a vibrant social calendar and the endless popping of corks and mince pies during this time of festive indulgence, we look ahead to January where some amongst us will embrace New Year’s resolutions, whilst others may choose to prolong their celebrations into 2019.
Whichever way you plan to spend January, we suggest making a beeline for Northumberland, the Scottish Borders or East Lothian – a region peppered with opportunities to make January a midwinter’s dream whether you plan to detox or retox your way through the month.
Detox
Stay and spa
In – enhance your C&C stay with a visit from our recommended spa and beauty provider. They’ll bring everything required to turn a room of your holiday home into a private sanctuary for the day. Bathed in soft candle light, sink into the heated treatment bed and close your eyes… maximum relaxation without having to leave the comfort of your lovely surroundings. Perfect for dark winter days.
Out – praised by the most discerning of critics, the award-winning Fletcher’s Cottage Spa in East Lothian is a haven of rustic luxury guaranteed to elicit relaxed shoulders and contented sighs as soon as you arrive and have an apple avocado green juice in hand. Picture a Scandi-look spa with bleached wood, sheepskins and marble changing rooms, with large windows overlooking the enchanted walled garden. Follow the winding garden path to your private bath hut where a roll top bath infused with detoxifying seaweed or mind-clearing aromatherapy oils awaits. Your hut comes complete with wood burning stove and marshmallow sofa for a totally toasty and mind-clearing experience. (Pictured above and below left.)
Relax in the saddle
Blow away the cobwebs and see the countryside from a new perspective with an equestrian escape – we guarantee an exhilarating experience and Instagramable views that are bound to inspire. From quiet hacks on spectacular forest trails to open moorland canters and bracing beach rides on pristine white sands you’ll be spoilt for choice with riding opportunities for all ages and skill levels. With centuries of local history and heritage that is intrinsically linked to horse riding this is the perfect place to relax in the saddle, tack up and tally ho!
Really wild stargazing
Looking to soothe your soul and relax a busy mind? Try stargazing. The starriest night skies to be seen anywhere in the country can be viewed from the Northumberland International Dark Sky Park. We have teamed up with local experts AstroVentures to offer Really Wild Stargazing Tours and late-night STAR-B-Qs (starry BBQs). Their bespoke experiences are led by expert astronomers who will guide you off the beaten track to find the darkest skies, regaling you with stories of space and stars as you experience our dazzling celestial show first hand.
Retox
Gin is in
Whatever your tipple of choice, the boom in gin’s popularity looks set to continue for some time yet with 350 UK distilleries at the last count. It’s no surprise to discover that areas of our rugged local landscape have inspired several juniper-infused spirits to both local and national acclaim. Mother’s Ruin is officially fashionable in Northumberland, the Scottish Borders and East Lothian and we can assure you that it’s worth selecting a bottle or two from the below for your next stay with C&C!
Hepple Gin – Their story started in one of England’s last wild sanctuaries in the remote moors of Northumberland. They’re engaged in an ambitious juniper restoration and propagation project and were visited by The Prince of Wales during his tour of Northumberland earlier this year where he discussed their sustainably grown juniper and enjoyed a little morning martini!
Holy Island Gin – The Holy Island of Lindisfarne is accessible from the mainland via a causeway at low tide and marks the end of St Cuthbert’s Way. This small island boasts a picture perfect 16thC castle, beautiful landscapes, famous Lindisfarne mead and oysters and a rich history stretching back to 6thC AD, so a gin produced on the island with eleven carefully selected botanicals is an apt 21stC addition.
Lilliard Gin – Picture a micro-distillery situated in a lush and gentle valley in the Scottish countryside. With ospreys, otters and red squirrels for neighbours, the makers of Lilliard Gin are also kept company by the award-winning Scottish Borders Brewery next door. Local spring water is used in the distilling process and the Lilliard name is inspired by the local heroine of the 1545 Battle of Ancrum Moor. Intrigued? So are we...
Little holiday indulgences
You don’t have to leave your holiday cottage to indulge. Whether you’re a passionate foodie looking to learn some new techniques, clever tips and delicious recipes or a self-confessed chocoholic who would leap at the opportunity to learn the art of chocolate making from a French Master Chocolatier, we’ve handpicked a selection of friendly local experts to offer classes from the comfort of your holiday home.
Raspberry Panna Cotta