Hallo everyone. One of the few things I heard first time (!) he said it was my surgeons suggestion that we book a holiday for when my treatment is over. So I’ve been busying myself planning something for three weeks after the end of Rads. I’ve been looking for a week somewhere warm with nice food and maybe a holistic program, yoga, treatments etc that also has something to satisfy DH. Oh and doesn’t cost the earth.
I don’t just want a beach holiday nor a City holiday at this time of year. So what I was looking for is something recuperative and healing. That’s when I seem to have spotted a gap in the market. There doesn’t seem to be any company targeting this type of holiday. Have any of you experienced the same? Or have you discovered a hidden gem that you want to reveal ? Or any entrepreneurs out there may wish to open your own travel company to organise ‘post BC wellness hols’. If so, I’ll be your first customer:0) xxx
Hi PCB
We love the Honeymoon Suite at Centreparc in Elveden Forest Norfolk. It’s very reasonably priced at certain times of the year. We went last month and it was only £226 from Monday to Friday, that is per room. It has a giant round spa bath the biggest I’ve ever seen in a hotel room! It has a small living room with larder fridge and huge king sized bed with patio doors. Views overlooking the lake and forest. Squirrels and deers and rabbits and lots of birds a regular visitors to entertain you lol.
There are many activities, lovely swimming leisure area with lazy river and outdoor hot pools etc. Lovely restaurants and although look expensive, many have 2-4-1 offers each evening.
For therapies, there is the gorgeous Aqua Sana health spa, adjacent to the Country Club, there do every therapy imaginable, that’s the best bit!
Well worth checking out, it’s a fab place at any time of year, if there’s just the 2 of you then there are 3 Honeymoon Suites available, in the Lakeview Hotel, the Standard rooms are £50 per visit cheaper, but not as good at the Honeymoon ones, the also give you complementary Champagne, Box of Chocs and Flowers!
They have a man made beach, but not such a good idea in the snow! lol. They also have an island that has a great pitch and putt course!
Have a good time, whatever you do.
Daysie x
I’m off to Yarmouth for a few days soon. Meeting with the Beastie and his family with OH. Can’t think of anything nicer :o)
In Germany where I come from you are entitled to a post treatment Recuperation Break (called KUR) its paid for by the insurance schemes everyone is enrolled in.
Its usually three week and includes wellness treatments, exercise, nutrition etc., all medically supervised, I think a wellness break is probably closest to it here in the UK.
bestwellness.travel/en/hotel-countries-regions/
We had a trip to the seaside with the kids as it was August last year when I finished treatment and it was lovely to have a few week away from the normal routine. Good Luck.
Thank you Tina, Elttiks and Daisy. I’m liking the sound of a honeymoon suite for (long past it) honeymooners:). May give Yarmouth a miss although the thought of meeting Beasty is tempting!! I lived in Germany for a couple of years in a beautiful place called Kronberg am Taunus - I still miss it and their wonderful holistic approach to health. I’m heading off for a nostalgic moment now…
Vielen Dank fuer Eure vorschlaege
Ich wunsche euch allen alles bestes
Xxx
Hello this is June the moderator, just wanted to translate the above in case anyone doesn’t understand:-
‘Thank you for your suggestions’
‘I wish you all the best all’
PCB - hope I’ve got it right!!!
Best wishes
June
Absolutely perfect June. Apologies - shoulda done same. Thank you:0)
After I finished chemo, I wanted to go somewhere away from it all, as I was very conscious about my bald head/wig, and I also wanted to take our dog with us, so we spent three days at a gorgeous cottage with it’s own private indoor pool at Hartland Quay in Devon. It was out of season, so not many tourists around, and we got a fantastic bargain rate. I was able to have leisurely swims in the morning (without the need for a swimming costume), while my hubby cooked full English breakasts. Afternoons were spent walking the beautiful coastline, and stopping off at pubs and tearooms. The cottage also had a log-burner, and evenings were spent playing cards/watching DVD’s, with champagne and chocolates… bliss!
Since then we have been on a narrow boat holiday on the Trent Canal, which was also lovely. Again we started the day with a full English breakfast, and then chugged along for what seemed like miles, but was in fact only a couple of miles (as narrow boats are very slow). Lunchtimes were spent chatting to very friendly people in various canalside pubs (canal folk have a strong code about helping/befriending fellow boat people). Evenings were spent moored in total isolation, with a glass of wine and barbecue …bliss!
If you want sun at this time of the year, you will obviously have to go abroad. I love Greece, as it has beauty, history/culture and warm people, but as the Islands tend to close down in winter, I would go to the mainland. The Pelopponese region tends to be a bit warmer this time of the year, and has fabulous beaches/villages/ mountains,history. Kalamata is very traditional, and has interesting markets. You could also do the rail journey from Kalamata to Athens (which Michael Palin rightly say’s is one of the best railway journeys in the world). It’s an all day journey, so you will need to stay in Athens overnight, but of course you could visit the Acropolis while there.
Personally, I don’t like the Spanish Costa’s, or the Canaries (too much like Blackpool with sun in my view),although Fuertuventura has nice beaches, and is less touristical. Egypt is incredibly interesting, has lovely beaches, and the Nile is beautiful. But for me the grinding poverty, begging children and starving dogs is not my idea of a holiday. The Dominican Republic is absolutely beautiful if you venture away from the tourist areas and all inclusive set up (but the tour operators discourage it, with warnings about personal security). America is another option, as it has such variety. I have been to New York/Los Angeles/ California/Florida, and they are all completely different to each other. Also, if you go to somewhere like Florida, I wouldn’t bother with the theme parks (although Disney do a spectacular fireworks display which is definitely worth seeing), as once you get away from the tourist areas, you can discover the deep south, with it’s colonial architecture, and natural beauty. They have huge nature reserves where you can walk/camp/watch the huge variety of animals (including crocodiles),or just enjoy the dramatic weather. The Kennedy Space Centre is also a must, as is a steam boat trip, and hovercraft trips out into the mangroves (if you like Blues music a trip to BB Kings restaurant is also worthwhile, because they have live blues music every night).
Hope these suggestions give you food for thought.
Forgot to add the following:
Riu Bachata Hotel, Bahia Maimon, Dominican Republic
The all inclusive facilities of the Riu Mambo and Riu Merenge situated either side are also available, lovely holiday, great weather, and fantastic excursions, especially the monster truck safari, through jurassic country and a visit to the Brugal Rum factory!
I’ve been to Dom Rep 3 times and highly recommend!
Daysie
I’m afraid this place doesnt have the sun, but its a very nice getaway. Its the Manor House Hotel in Okehampton, Devon. You can do as much or as little as you like. They have an extensive sports programme with something for everyone. They have a large arts and crafts centre, where you can go and try something new. There is a swimming pool,jacuzzi and steam room. But best of all they do lots and lots of pampering sessions, which are very very reasonably priced, there’s everything from sports massage to hopi candles.
The decor is very dated, but its the facilities you go here for, not the decor. Meal times are great, there is so much food, and some nights they give away free wine.
Jane xxxx
I think there is one in Scotland as well - try googling it - I cant recall exactly where it is now…