Hotel-Review of the month- 5* Hotel Verta.

In on the banks of the Thames, in centrally located Battersea, lies the impressive and grand Hotel Verta by Rhombus. Overlooking the vertical gateway (The capital's heli-port), it exudes style and quality from the valet parking made available as soon as you arrive. Although pricey for their exclusive car-park (£25), it is competitive to the city's parking prices.

Our welcome at reception was wonderful and staff nothing but courteous. Conscious and aware that most guests are here to relax or enjoy some local culture, they upgrade when possible, and consistently check if there is anything that can be done to make your stay more homely- from an iron in your room to a fruit basket and chocolate truffles awaiting those who are here for a special occasion.

Our executive room, when presented to us by the reception supervisor who kindly escorted us all the way to the door (friendly and chatty he was too!), was immaculate and wonderfully presented with many amenities. Robes were in the wardrobe with complimentary slippers, a Nespresso machine ready and waiting with it's much needed caffeine good-ness. The classic and elegant decor with sporadic ornaments emphasized the 5* element of the hotel, alongside the lovely Molton Brown Toiletries available in the bathroom.

Ever in a rush, as myself and Mr Biscuit often are, we asked for hasty directions to the nearest tube-station, only to find that there is a shuttle provided to guests to the centrally located Sloane-Square every hour or so until 8pm. Whilst there is no return-service, this is an excellent offer, although could be slightly more consistent.

Leaving early to catch a show and not being very hungry at that time, we decline dinner in the beautifully decorated Patrisey restaurant, with its open plan kitchen and 'wall of wine-fridge-art', only to be absolutely-starving as we return after 10.30pm. This leaves us with a room service option we hastily take-up.

Now, although I appreciate chef's do themselves not appreciate being up all night ahering to the whimsical requests of eccentric hotel-guests- there really should be an adequate selection to choose from on the room service menu. It seemed here there was quite a nice range....just not after 10.30pm....

So, after choosing between a few sandwiches, a curry, or some tomato pasta, we settled on a chicken and tarragon bloomer, and their version of something like a Tikka masala. At between £10-15 for each dish, we expected the sandwich at least to be freshly made or quite nice, what we didn't expect was a stale dry bread pile with hardly any filling next to a few kettle crisps. The curry was bland, with a ready-meal texture I was told, and very small in it's serving bowl. To top all that, the tray charge to deliver to your room is another tenner added onto your bill.

So yes....it seems that guests are strongly advised to check out the restaurant famous for their Lobster Thermidor, and to avoid room-service.

After a rather excessive lie-in, we skipped breakfast, deciding instead to leisurely sip the complimentary tea and cute biscuit parcels we found in the room when we arrived back the previous evening (bed all turned-down for the night also) along with some fresh pineapple we found hiding in the fruit basket. This way we could slowly pack our suitcase relaxed in our robes, and potter down to the spa for a mid-morning swim.

Now, when time is of the essence, spa treatments are not on the cards as we had to hurry back, but just to note, the variety offered here at Hotel Verta is plentiful and varied. We instead decided to splash about in their hydrotherapy pool (no full sized pool, but good enough to float about in), and recline with steam rooms, saunas, and rainforest like showers.

This very clean, beautifully presented spa level is the perfect accompaniment to the hotel, and everything provided it to an exceptional standard.

All in all, a wonderful calming experience in a very hectic city. Expect service that is second to none, and some truly lovely views from your room across the river if you are lucky enough to get a room facing that way.

Hotel Verta by Rhombus also is fully equipped with conference and business facilities and is open for consultation should you choose to hold your wedding or event there.

www.hotelverta.com/

Musical delights with Nazila love Glamour.

Imagine our delight when we received an e-mail saying that not only had Mr Biscuit and I won tickets as part of a beauty bloggers competition to the highly acclaimed 'Ghost- the musical' in the west end, but also that we would get to have a unique and magical manicure courtesy of Nazila Love Glamour whilst sipping champagne cocktails- we were ecstatic!

Seen on the likes of Judges on 'Britain's got Talent', and the cast of 'Made in Chelsea', Nazila Love Glamour nails are the epitome of glitz and glam, often encrusted with jewels and decorative items, the designers behind the brand made an exclusive set to tie in with 'Ghost- the musical' and the theatrics of it all.

Arriving at the theatre receiving our cocktails in the exclusive bar, we glimpsed the cast and crew warming up for that evenings performance, and noted the stiletto-shaped nail given to the nail design that is so on trend at the moment after being spotted on Rhianna and Jessie J.

The manicure, whilst carried out by leading professional nail-technicians, seemed simple to apply and we were assured that with a coat of good nail-glue, the designs could stay-on for up to two-weeks. Indeed, with people not used to false-nails, they could easily be filed-down and shaped to suit.

Whilst dramatic and clearly suited to a glamourous night out or special occasion, you cannot fault the quality and standard of art on the nails themselves regardless of your taste, and there are many designs and special editions to choose from on www.nazilaloveglamour.com/

The show of course, to follow, did not disappoint....it was a masterpiece of a performance with strong vocals, magnificent leading stars, and the absolute jaw-dropping stage production backdrops that transport you from a quaint tender moment, to a all singing all dancing wonder. With the lighting and magic of the crew backstage, your view was transformed with visual effects that had the audience gasping and muttering with curiosity....it was like the actors were spirits themselves! As an extra treat, we all even got to go on stage ourselves to meet the cast, and experience how intimidating peering out to a huge theatre would be!

In fact, the musical was so spectacular, that we couldn't resist giving you our amazing loyal readers, a chance at glimpsing it for yourselves. Thus, courtesy of 'Ghost- the musical' in conjunction with Nazila Love Glamour, a lucky follower will receive a pair of complimentary tickets to see the show! All you have to do is RT the competition tweet you will find on @whimbiscuit to win from Friday 25th! The winner will be drawn at random and notified on Monday 28th.

Terms & Conditions

• This competition is free to enter and no purchase is necessary. Only one entry per person.
• Entrants to this competition must be aged 18 or over and a resident in the UK.
• The competition prize includes: 2 tickets to Ghost The Musical valid Monday-Thursday until 13^th September.
• The immediate families of the blog offering the competition are not entitled to enter.
• milktwosugars Limited reserves the right to amend and/or withdraw the competition at any time without prior notice.
• The blog editor will randomly select a winner from all valid entries.
• No cash option or alternative to prizes offered.
• The winners will be notified by the blog editor following the closing date of the competition.
• Entrants will be deemed to have accepted these rules and to agree to be bound by them.
• The judge's decision is final. No correspondence will be entered into.
• The promoter of the competition is milktwosugars Limited.

Good luck to our lovely biscuit-eers!

Repair your hair day!

So apparently its February....and apart from the sunlight making everything lovely and sparkly like a enchanting Paris afternoon (Thank you to my friend for cheering up my morning with this comparison), it should really be re-named Frost-uary this year.

So it comes at no surprise that the 2nd of Frost-uary is the day that Brits are most at need of a hair-fix.

Charles Worthington of great salon fame, did extensive research into this, showing that there was a massive increase of 35% in hair treatments sold on this very date. This might be a combined result of the weather and the first pay-packet that hasn't had a dent due Xmas and New Years. That and of course with the prospect of Valentines around the corner, millions of people are styling themselves fabulous in the hope to attract a date on the evening you really don't wanna be sat at home with a copy of 'The Notebook' and our favourite twins (Ben and Jerry's).

What with the weather outside, and the central heating inside, it's no wonder our hair needs a bit of TLC. Moisturising treatments and a much sought after hair-dressers appointment are on the cards, so take some advise from man-in-the-know Marc Trinder, Creative Manager, for Charles Worthington Salons who says-

‘The early part of the year is a great time to focus on improving the texture and health of your hair as it’s likely to be damaged from the winter weather and over-styling during the party season. Damaged hair is more prone to splitting, tangling and breakage so it’s important to seal as much moisture into the hair as possible to keep it healthy and looking glossy. I recommend using a good at-home treatment like the new Charles Worthington Salon at Home Strength & Repair which offers intense nourishment and is proven to reduce hair breakage by 93%. And don’t sacrifice your regular trips to the salon for a trim, as getting rid of dry ends really helps to maintain the condition of your hair.’

....and how has the legend-Mr.Worthington himself responded?

Why with a Salon at Home Strength & Repair kit (RRP £19.99) – 'a treatment kit that restores dry, damaged and fragile hair to leave it looking healthy and intensely nourished – is exclusively available nationwide, at Boots www.boots.com.'

Review to follow!

REVIEW- Hotel of the Month- Chewton Glen.

So just by living in the South East, Mr Biscuit and I happen to have a whole range of scenery on our doorsteps. The beach is a few minutes away, the countryside just over the way, and as it happens there is also a rather glorious forest just around the corner.

The New Forest is in itself a rather spiffing day out with a variety of offerings from quaint tea-shops to beholding sights of galavanting horses running over the plains. There is even a go-ape course for the more adventurous adrenaline-junkies. Amongst that lies Chewton Glen- 5* country house hotel and spa, voted 'Best Hotel for Service in the UK' and listed as one of the 'World's Best Hotels' by Conde Nast Traveller readers in 2011.

It's impressive drive approaching the hotel itself reminded me of an Austin novel, imagining my coach steadily galloping towards an impending ball or gala, for the house itself is vast and impressive in magnitude. Simply elegant, and quite frankly, just luxurious.

Something that you might take note of if you yourself wish for a spot of Chewton Glen decadence, is the valet parking. This is something we completely missed and were quite dis-heartened we did not utilize as it all adds to the exclusive nature if the retreat. The sweet gentleman who came up to our car mentioned that we didn't have to drive ourselves into the car-park and then offered to take our bags, and actually looked quite sad that we politely said there was no need- Mr Biscuit already sighs heavily when carrying my gloriously flowery overnight luggage set- no need to inflict that on another man.

Upon arrival we were greeted courteously and with great attention. The real VIP treatment that every guest can expect at this hotel. Awaiting our suite to become ready, the splendid reception and various lounges and bars more than rested our weary feet (driving does become a strain on the ankles don't you know?), and an open log fire with a cuppa is splendid on a cold January afternoon.

The Master-man Ready Suite is a master suite within the variety of rooms on offer at the hotel. At 70m2 it has sweeping views across the grounds and golf course from it's own private sun terrace, and a lounge separate from your beautifully decorated bedroom and classically tasteful bathroom.

It is here that we found our luggage already conveniently stored and Champagne in an ice bucket eagerly awaiting our arrival.

Now this suite certainly is something to toast about. It's antique finishing-touches compliment a modern yet traditional look that certainly makes it quite fabulous. It's comfortable though with the decor giving it a homely feel that made us relax instantly.

There was a stonking great fly in the room however....but turns out I actually let it in myself. Definitely says something that the only thing I can post as a downside is that there was a fly in our room, and I guarantee that if I had asked for help from reception- they would have obliged with removing said fly. Instead I watched Mr Biscuit dance around with a magazine (complimentary magazine none the less!), flapping at it like a loon. This provided additional entertainment alongside the gourmet chocolates, juice bar, expresso coffee machine, and televisions in the lounge AND bathroom.

Now readers will know that this blog continues to review beautiful luxury beauty and skin-care products, and this wouldn't be a luxury hotel if it didn't provide luxury toiletries. But it is....and it did. REN products in fact- and they are just marvelous. I might well rant about them in a separate post. It is these products that continue to be complimentary across to the Hotel's spa.

The Spa is beautiful. Utterly gorgeous in all it's splendor. It is possibly the best equipped spa I have encountered at a hotel, with not only the usual pool and sauna/steam rooms and gym, but also a considerably vast hydrotherapy pool and outside hot-tub. It is an ideal spot to relax on your afternoon settling in to your well deserved break. Indeed we were so relaxed that we almost forgot that we should really get out and get ready before dinner. I know they are accommodating but I am sure that even they would frown upon some drenched swim-suit clad guests sitting down for dinner in their newly designed restaurant area.

This area of the hotel where you dine is the famous Vetiver. Vetiver is spread across 5-separate rooms that blend into a single uniform contemporary design with great attention to detail. Not only can you dine privately in their wine room, but the menu is so varied that it caters for a wide variety of tastes and pocket-sizes.

The A La Carte dining menu is what we sampled from across 3-courses. The Wine list is impressive, and some walls are adorned surrounding you showcasing the wonders of their collection. We noted the tasting menu also, a gorgeous 5-course delight that would send any foodies into seventh heaven, with complimenting wines recommended by the sommelier.

Our starters of dressed crab salad and scallops with a curried celeriac side were immaculately presented and arrived with such diverse yet interestingly accenting flavours, it is difficult to comprehend how this restaurant is not Michelin starred. My main of lamb tagine, a personal favourite, was melt in the mouth and succulent, whilst my partner serenaded his excellent cut of steak with a selection of ooh's and ahh's.

Dessert again did not disappoint, as the Chewton Glen Bumblebee consisting of honey sponge and orange sorbet was worthy of a painting, let alone Mr Biscuit's cheesecake to which was exclaimed to be the 'best cheesecake he had ever tasted'. We never had to wait for our glass to be empty for the attention to detail and excellent service is impossible to fault. Indeed, where service charges are included, there is no need to worry about tips- in fact they are simply not allowed. This is followed suit across the whole hotel. Tipping here is just not acceptable as you are reassured that the price you pay before always has it included.

Arriving back at our room we found our suite prepared for a comfortable night's sleep. Sheets turned down, water set at the bedsides, and lights dimmed. Perfect worry free ending to a beautiful evening leading to a stress-less night of sleep.

Breakfast is also served in the restaurant, and after our wake-up-call of a glorious cup of tea brought to our room with our choice of Newspaper (request this the day before on arrival- also includes delicious mini-muffins!). Opting for the continental buffet we were really pleasantly surprised by the variety of options available. It's a far cry from the slightly hard croissants and cold toast you normally expect. Enter delightfully fluffy Danish's and home-made pain-au-chocolat alongside a selection of breads nestling amongst the cheeseboard and fruit selection, and freshly prepared granola yogurts accompany a plate of different hams. Sat in the sunshine of the restaurants conservatory area, we enjoyed views whilst nibbling the fresh toast and tea being served to us. Sheer bliss! I only wonder if there is an option to have this as room service, as often breakfast on a relaxing weekend is best served in bed!

A busy day to come we opted to relax after breakfast back in the room as we had a late-check out of 12pm, allowing us to leisurely get ready for our spa afternoon we booked in to enjoy before our journey home. Packing done the reception kindly stored our bags and we headed to the pool area to await our call for the beauty-treatments. Mr Biscuit wondered over what I had in store for him, a massage incidentally, as in all his bearded wonder I did ponder as to how much point a facial would be.

His full body 60-minute massage was just what the doctor ordered (quite literally perhaps as back issues do pester him) and with an hour of deep tissue kneading and relaxation, he emerged blissfully and full of amazement at his masseuse Jill. She considered his problem areas and concentrated her efforts at pushing out the knots and pointing out key tension spots. Where the stress of his aches often leaves him tired, he was simply jubilant and re-energised.

My Ananda facial utilizing the natural products from Ila was amazing. I could just leave my comments at that but I feel obliged to elaborate.

Heres the official description-

Our Ananda facial, created by ila-spa, has been voted the 'number one' treatment in Organic Spa Magazines 'Top Ten Natural and Organic Facial'. This healing and reviving treatment brings deep feelings of bliss and peace, as well as beautiful skin! The facial techniques used open up the energy centres on the face working with the blissful higher energy in the body.

Now it just so happens that that day I had the cold-from-hell. Fully congested and prone to awake-snoring, yet I was told that this facial would relax and perhaps rid me from my snot-filled yucky-ness. The facial concentrates on massage and the chakras, utilizing gorgeous floral oils and luxurious cleansers. I never seem to fully relax during facials as I am too keen on knowing what is going on and what products are being used, but this time I clearly needed the rest and it was just so peaceful. The combination of moisturizing and hair and scalp-massage was enough to send me to sleep........until I woke myself up snoring. Luckily my embarrassed apologies were laughed off and I was gently guided to the relaxation room to meet my Mister, and we reclined in their chairs happily reading magazines until we were ready to face the blustery wind outside once more.

As you probably have noted, the facilities at Chewton Glen are excellent. Alongside the spa and restaurant, there is a lovely golf-course which I am assured is quite superb (not being a golfer myself!), AND........

• Outstanding Croquet Lawn
• 4 Tennis course (2 indoor) with on-site residential tennis professional
• 130 acres of jogging trails and walks
• Mountain Bikes
• Beach Walks (15 minutes through the hotel grounds to the sea)
• Outdoor heated Swimming Pool
• Clay Pigeon Shooting
• Archery
• Falconry
• Duck Herding
• Apache Buggy Racing

Good grief! Certainly enough to keep you busy, and if your hotel visit buddy fancies buying you a present, there is even a boutique shop on site for that perfect gift!

Chewton Glen is a venue that can provide an extensive range of options for your event or occasion. From a simple retreat, to a spa-hen-weekend, to your wedding day, it can be hired for all or part of your day- even with the option to hire the whole hotel for exclusive use!

More details about the hotel and spa as a venue, or to have a look at the range of room options, are on their beautifully designed site www.chewtonglen.com .

Thus all I can say is- enjoy, relax, and be happy, on your special visit to Chewton Glen........

Technical-error, apologies!

Hello fellow Biscuit-eers,

Just a brief note to apologise for the technical-difficulties we are experiencing with our pre-Xmas reviews around perfect gift ideas.

The posts for- Elemis, Southsea beauty clinic, Champneys day spa, Weleda, Bliss, babyliss, Bobbi Brown make-up, Liz Earle, Jo Malone candles, Lolita-Lempicka fragrance, and Boots 3-for-2 - will be retrieved a.s.a.p!

Many Apologies again, but we assure you we have some fab New Years-New You reviews and features coming up soon too!

From the Whim Biscuit Team.

Pressie Tip #1- For those who take ages to get ready.

Right, so we have all been a tad late now and then. We have all faffed and changed clothes, and used all the hot-water up taking too long in the shower, re-done our make-up just because the eyeliner was just not quite right etc etc etc.

However....

There is always a person you know who takes an exceedingly long time to get ready. A person who not only washes their hair and has a style conflict every now and then- but who insists in doing their nails, curling their hair, fake-tanning, and waxing for nearly every night out.

This could be you, I don't know (in which case buy yourself something splendid this Xmas), and there is nothing wrong with looking your best- so our suggestion for the super stylish is........

The Whimsical Xmas pressie countdown.

So theres about a week until Xmas, and all though the house, not a present has appeared, not even a....oh I dunno....I ruined the rhyme.

Either way it's the time of year where we all go a bit do-lally with the ol'spending, and what with sorting dinner and decorating, and still working every over-time hour available just so you can afford said dinner and decor- presents are the priority.

Not only do you have to find time to shop, buy and wrap beautifully, but most of us at least like to try and buy things that the present-receiver would love. Or at least like.

So over the next week we will be giving you our recommendations for what we think are interesting, varied, and different beauty and style gifts.

So enjoy and good luck in your shopping adventures.

p.s- Just take a look at this gloriously cute tea-cup pig to relax!

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