Well after 153 days since our last holiday, we finally went away for another adventure.
I usually go to Spain on holiday every 6-8 weeks. This year has put a stop to that and at the moment we feel it’s important to put money into the UK economy if we’re going to spend any.
The last holiday we had was on a rather old, damp smelling, creaky boat on the Norfolk Broads with Ben and 6 of his friends.
It was somewhat different to this one. This time we booked a trip to Burgh Island Hotel. Now I can’t say that this hotel is to everyone’s taste.
To me Burgh Island Hotel is a delight. I happen to love all things Art Deco.
And they don’t come much more Art Deco than this place. It was built in the 30’s and as it stands today it is exactly as it was back then.
It has been lovingly restored to its heyday, where all the top players came to relax on this little tidal island off the coast of Devon.
Edward and Mrs Simpson, Noel Coward, Josephine Baker, Amy Johnson…Agatha Christie herself stayed here to write two books. Later in time The Beetles came to stay. It’s had a rich history over the years…and then came us in 2017 and 2020! Hahahahaha
*Agatha Christie wrote and set Evil Under The Sun and Then There Were None at Burgh Island Hotel.
It is such a fantasy, it’s like stepping back in time. The whole building is Deco, all the furniture is deco. The telephone in your suite is a 1930’s Bakelite original.
The hotel themselves make it as near to stepping back into its glory days as possible, with staff in outfits of yesteryear and the option of black tie evening meals every night.
The staff are genuinely attentive. They really do make the stay feel very special.
I am a huge fan of both the hotel and the management’s dedication to giving you an authentic experience.
The two suites that we have stayed in have had a slight musty smell to them, I think this is due to the use of original deco furniture, I feel it’s a forgivable issue here, but weirdly not one that I would accept anywhere else in the world.
It does attract a mixed bag when it comes to clientele. There are very posh old people, and a smattering of young, there’re a few middle aged people like Chris and I and then there’re the people that dress up in original 1930’s clothing the entire stay.
Now, I detest fancy dress, my heart sinks if someone invites me to a fancy dress party. I like ‘a’ fancy dress but I do not like to partake ‘in’ fancy dress.
So I find the re-enactors fascinating. I don’t want to do it personally, but it is a curiosity.
I suppose I don’t have the body shape for the 30’s, so I’m out on that score alone (I think my body shape is only suitable for the pre Raphaelite period to be honest and no ones ever invited me to a Pre Raphaelite fancy dress party). ;)
I have wondered many times, and I did many times this weekend, when I saw them around and about the place what they talk about. Do they go deep into character and discuss the possibility of war with that ghastly Mr. Hitler, or do they discuss the latest iPhone update or do they just ask each other if everyone is looking at them?
A peculiar past time but we’ve all got to have a hobby, I guess, I’m still sticking with cake eating as mine but each to their own.
The reason we don’t go to Burgh Island Hotel very often is a, it’s farrrrr and b, it’s a bit spenny.
A weekend there has just cost us the same as two weeks at our villa in Spain. But as we’re not air travelling at the moment it seemed like a very good alternative.
We set off on Thursday morning, it should take about 5 and a half hours to get there but the last time we went it took 7 and a half. Our journey this time, was as smooth as you could ever hope for, we arrived dead on the 5 and a half hours mark, including the emergency stop we had to make.
We packed snacks, sandwiches and drinks to prevent needing to stop for food, we did have one wee stop along the way but they were clean loos and we anti-baced ourselves thoroughly.
We haven’t forgotten we’re still in the middle of a pandemic.
We were about 2 hours out from the hotel when my bag decided to leak. How very romantic, travelling down to an incredible hotel, in Chris’s new car stinking of poo. My husband is very kind (I literally don’t know where or how I managed to find someone as giving and as generous of spirit as him), he said he couldn’t smell it, but unless he’s lost his sense of smell he very much could.
I was a little panicked and distressed, throw in a bit of disappointment too.
I’ve been home alone for 6 months with no leaks, no bag failures at all, and it had to happen on my way to a fancy hotel.
Anyway we managed to find a lay-by I felt comfortable enough to change it in. That had a bin to dispose of it in. It’s tricky finding the perfect lay-by as it happens. Some were secluded with no bin, some had bins but too exposed…then we found one that was juuuuust right. ;)
Thankfully my jeans were not harmed during this leak, so a simple bag change was all that was required.
People often say to me “oh you’re so brave and so strong”. I’m neither of those things, I am fearful a lot of the time, but thankfully I am resilient, and I very much suggest you start building on yours if you have a stoma of any kind.
Resilience is vital for getting through the day with a smile on your face. Yes, shit happens…some times literally, rather than figuratively, resilience will see you through.
*There are a few ways the bag can fail.
There is pancaking. Which means poo gets underneath the sticky pad that sticks to your abdomen. It then pushes the poo out that way, lifts up the sticky pad and leaks poo and smell.
There is filter failure where for reasons unknown the filter doesn’t work and therefore you stink of poo.
And occasionally I have accidentally cut a hole in the bag whilst preparing it to stick on.
On Thursday I had a filter failure.
No matter which failure it is, the end result is you stink of poo, which is highly undesirable.*
Top from Phase Eight, Jeans from Topshop, Shoes from Hermes
We had such a great journey, no hold ups, no traffic jams, and just one small stop, bearing in mind the news has been full of traffic nightmare stories about people heading to the south west.
We did get slow traffic on the A303 going past Stonehenge, but what do you expect when you don’t put boards along the road to prevent rubber-necking! Hahahahaha. Of course people are going to gawp at neolithic standing stones. I had a little look see myself. ;)
We arrived in time to be collected by the hotel car from the carpark on the mainland (one of only two cars that can go onto the island, there wouldn’t be any point in cars going over as there aren’t any roads on it).
Low tide means you can cross the sand causeway by car. High tide means you can only cross by Sea Tractor. What’s that I hear you ask?…
Well it’s this glorious contraption. It was designed in the 193O’s as an alternative to crossing by boat. (If you look on YouTube you can find lots of videos of the crossings, some more hair raising than others).
We came over to the island in the more sedate way by Toyota Land Cruiser hahah. We crossed the sand and ended up on the only road on the island (it’s not really a road as such, it’s just the drive way to the hotel).
You arrive at the most beautiful Art Deco gates, and that’s where your Art Deco fantasy begins…as dramatic as arriving at Jurassic Park, just without the dinosaurs and indiscriminate killings.
Where do I begin? Decor maybe?
Everything is in keeping with the Deco time frame. From the furniture to light fittings. It’s absolutely incredible.
Our suite was stunning.
Notice the bath, there are no showers in any of the rooms as far as I know. Literally no mod cons.
I believe the light fittings are Lalique.
…and the wall paper in the loos was gorgeous.
It is visually stimulating. But only delightful if you have a penchant for Deco.
Now we come to our stay. It was without a doubt fantastic! It couldn’t have been more perfect. The rest of the country suffered a horrible heatwave (we still are), but the weather in Devon was perfect. The temperature was enough to enjoy yourself without sweat forming where every crease and crevice occurs (as is the case now I’m back home).
We were really happy to see that the Mermaid pool was usable.
The Mermaid Pool is the natural sea water bathing pool, secured in WWII by a sluice gate and surrounded by rocks for utter privacy. A very refreshing and invigorating experience is guaranteed!
Last time we came some naughty urchins had opened the sluice gates and let all the water out, which was a bit disappointing.
It is to say the least cold to the point of dizziness.
The afternoon we arrived we just got ourselves acquainted with the area again. Chilling out, whilst enjoying the sunshine and a Devon cream tea.
We chose to have a more relaxed dining experience and booked a table in the non black tie restaurant.
Dress from Phase Eight, Shoes from Jimmy Choo
We decided to have a walk in the grounds after dinner. Which I thought was very bold of us, what with Chris’s back pain and my predisposition to be eaten alive by bugs.
I wore the shawl my dear friend, Seema, in Mumbai bought for me. It’s absolutely beautiful. All hand sewn embroidery. It was the perfect evening stroll addition. :)
The food in the restaurant was fantastic. The view out to sea was heavenly. Oh what I’d give for a little cottage by the sea.
The next day was absolutely amazing weather, perfect in fact, we couldn’t believe our luck. This is England after all.
Top from Tory Burch, Shorts from Primark, Shoes from Hermes
We took our time, enjoying the views. We both ate an enormous amount. Breakfast was delicious.
We then decided to head down to the Mermaid pool for our first ever dip.
We had been warned by the staff that it is cold, bracing, enlivening etc etc, but nothing can prepare you for the shock of it.
I’m not great at pools, I have an irrational fear of crocs and sharks…even in indoor swimming pools.
So for me to swim in the wild or sort of wild is a big step.
There could be all sorts of sea wild life in there. From fish to Kraken!!
Beach cover up from DKNY, Bikini from Sainsbury’s.
I made it out to the platform right in the middle of the pool. So so chuffed with myself. I had set myself the goal of swimming there the day before, but didn’t think I’d managed it.
Yep, I’m in a bikini, totally rocking it too I think you’ll find.
I’m a 47 year old, overweight, colostomy bagged grandma…so I do believe, if I’m bikini body ready everyone that wants to wear one is too!
I am not deluded to think my body is noteworthy. I do not think I have an aesthetically pleasing body at all actually.
I personally believe that perfect bodies are something of a myth. Something unattainable. A perception put out on social media and magazines to make us feel inadequate.
But ~ all bodies are fantastic! They do the job they were designed to do, which is to hold all our organs and bones in place.
I celebrate the fact that I’m still here, still loving life. And accepting what has happened to me over the years.
If you want to wear a full swimsuit, a bikini, a burkini or a wet suit do as you please. Do what makes you happy. This is it, one life, one chance, this isn’t a dress rehearsal.
The 1930’s dressed up couple even took their devotion to the era to swimsuits, so If they can trot round in vintage knitted swimwear I think it’s fair to say anything goes.
We had a fantastic time, I was amazed that I actually went in the water at all let alone swam.
We were sitting there enjoying the ambiance of the pool area when the temperature dropped and the cloud cover picked up. Bear in mind that London was sweltering in the unseasonably scorching sun.
So we decided to head back to the hotel bar for a hot chocolate. Hahahahaha.
We had ordered a picnic lunch from reception earlier that day. I had seen a couple with one the day before and whilst walking round the hotel grounds we found the most perfect place for a picnic.
This is a close as Chris ever likes to get to sand. ;)
The picnic was adorable and yummy too. I would totally recommend ordering one.
There’re plenty of gorgeous places to eat it too.
We had a really lovely afternoon. Reading, scrolling through socials and fascinatedly staring at the 1930’s dressed up couple wondering what on earth they were talking about. Hahahahaha.
And then came our black tie evening. I haven’t dressed up (in finery, rather than costumery) for absolutely ages. Lockdown did a bit of damage to my waistline so a new dress was needed (I say it like I had no part to play in it). I have this same dress in green, but it was rather on the snug side. The key to dressing well is ~ dress for the body you have not the body you want. ;)
Anyone can look smashing if they choose the right style and more importantly the right size. :)
Dress from Phase Eight, Bag & Shoes from Jimmy Choo
The shoes were an absolute horror. Not sure if it’s because I only wear them in winter (Christmas is our main ball time) and my feet were swollen this time but I was in tears at the end of the night.
This dress is an absolute classic. I think it has elements of the 30’s, without looking like I’m going to a fancy dress party. After all I’m visiting this hotel in 2020, simple as that. I’m not here in 1930, because let’s face it, had I been born back then I’d have been a scullery maid or something as menial. I wouldn’t be floating around parties being wonderful with Noel Coward et al!
The dress was perfectly designed to disguise my bag and really very comfortable. The shoes not so much. I was glad to get out of them and into my new PJs.
I felt these had an essence of the 30s too.
Pyjamas from Primark.
Breakfast was again enjoyed with a view to die for…
I wish I could come here more often. But the price and distance does put a stop to that.
It is so restful, it’s the perfect holiday.
The weather was just perfect on the Saturday so it was back to the Mermaid pool, and yes I did actually return to the water. I’m quite surprised at myself of late, cycling and now wild swimming. There are no limits apparently, even though I’ve spent 47 years putting them in place. ;)
Impressed and surprised in equal measure I loved swimming round in the pool…And I saw fish and didn’t freak out. :)
We had to leave the pool earlier than I would have liked, but we had to get washed and dressed and ready for the picnic we ordered and then make our way home.
Dress by Lorna Luxe from In the style, Shoes from Valentino, Bag from Goyard
We bade farewell to this wonderful time capsule. Refreshed from weeks of the monotony in lockdown.
Did I have concerns about staying in a hotel during a pandemic? Yes, a few, but I took anti bac wipes and gave everything a good wipe over.
Social distancing was in place at all times, the staff were in face masks (actually guests have to wear them in public places now (excluding the bars or restaurants)), there was hand sanitiser stations dotted around. And we’re really unsociable so we don’t really mix with anyone to catch anything from.
Once I had given my room a clean (totally not needed but I wanted to) I felt safe and relaxed.
You couldn’t fail to feel relaxed here, unless of course you hate Art Deco. ;)
We headed home with heavy hearts but happy to have been away.
It took us just 5 hours to get home. We couldn’t have had a better run. If driving was always like that in England we’d go away more often. :)
Sunday we just pottered around the house. I gave Pepper lots of love as she pines for me when I go away. She’s coming on our next adventure so she’ll be happy with that.
While we were away Chris’s new sewing machine arrived, yes, Chris’s. He’s so (sew) talented at everything; plumbing, electrics, carpentry and sewing! We really do make the perfect team as he can do projects and I can think them up!
I bought some linen fabric for a table cloth, and Chris hemmed it for me, he’s saved me a fortune already, and let’s face it, we’re only going to spill food on it, so I didn’t want to pay top dollar. :)
We went out for a drive to the fabric shop to get some bits and bobbins…literally.
We decided to have a sandwich in the cafe next door.
I ordered a tuna and sweetcorn on granary bread. Once I’d eaten the very last bite I remembered that sweetcorn and my stoma don’t mix well, add in wholemeal granary bread and I was possibly in real trouble.
I can’t believe I actually did it, neither of us gave it a thought. Proof if it was ever needed that having a colostomy just becomes second nature, with no thought given to it. Not actually very handy in this instance, but it’s worth noting.
I have a few friends of late that have been very poorly with blockages, god bless them blockages are horrendous, and I wish them well.
I’m scared of it happening, although apparently not scared enough to avoid triggers.
I decided the best course of action would be plenty of fluids and a mild laxative.
I have averted or avoided disaster. Would it have just worked through without a hitch on its own? Probably yes, but the stress of wait and seeing was too much for me.
Proactive measures in place meant I felt confident and comfortable. I do not feel comfortable in this heat though. We might have avoided the heat wave for a few days but we’re back home now and it is HOT!
If you’re suffering with the heat you have my upmost sympathy. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate.
Beach dress from TK Maxx
I’ve taken to wearing beach dresses as day dresses as I’m so darn hot. I can’t face actual clothes.
Breeze soon please. x