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"We Love Cupcake!!!"
We didn't really know what to expect from a 'Spa' in the middle of South London as I associated 'spa' with lush countryside, rolling hills (maybe a bit of golf over on the horizon), people walking about or lounging on huge expanses of green grass in white robes (and this being London, any expanse of land would already have been turned into a gated community of apartment blocks!) and halfway expected Bubbles De Vere to appear at any time! Okay, enough of the daydreaming
Cupcakemum was so easy to find (and we used public transport!) and, upon arrival, just looking at this complete contrast to our expectations, my husband, my partner-in-crime (Ryan) and I exchanged nervous glances and exhaled...what on earth had we let ourselves in for?
Well, we needn't have worried our tired (and stressed) little heads because it was just P-E-R-F-E-C-T. Please, allow me to elaborate on this awesome experience...
We were immediately met by a smiling mummy-to-be who was chatting with the receptionist (another warm and smiley lady) and as we waiting our turn to be seen, we saw the lounge area, the cafe, the creche, and the baby changing areas - all small, but perfectly formed - and conducive to a very informal, friendly place to chat with parents-to-be and other parents.
A lovely, smiley lady (can you see a pattern emerging?) came over and introduced herself and told me that she was going to take care of us as I was scheduled for an 'Untie The Knots' massage whilst Ryan and 18-month-old Nathan were booked for 'Daddy Disco' so off we toddled in our separate directions.
The treatment area is, indeed, a treat and there's a thorough pre-treatment questionnaire which left me knowing that my needs would certainly be met during this massage and that, in itself, started the 'shake off the anxieties' process (we all get them when we go somewhere new, don't we!) and I really, truly did unwind! By the end of my massage, I was floating! There's a lovely feeling when someone takes charge of your body and tells you what you need and actually really know what they're talking about (and you're not just agreeing to be polite - ha ha!)!
As a 1st-time-mummy, I've known for quite some time that I've neglected myself and blamed lack of time, being too tired or just feeling guilty if I spent money on me for something soooo selfish! But being here at Cupcakemum, the guilt factor is greatly diminished (I'd be fibbing if I'd said it disappeared!) because I was secure in the knowledge that Nathan was in good hands (all the employees are trained to work with children) and the cost is surprisingly palatable.
I met up with my boys afterwards for a spot of lunch downstairs and was very pleased with the menu (all fresh ingredients and freshly prepared) and you can be as indulgent or as conscious as you want to be. The best thing, however, are the cupcakes which are made RIGHT THERE and the perfect mini cupcakes are perfectly bite sized (and no, I will not tell you how many 'bites' I had! ha! And don't go trying to guess, either! ha! ha!)
We met two other families having lunch and I was amazed by the friendly atmosphere at the offset! How refreshing to share experiences and hear about new ones (so many milestones to look forward to!) because we all had babies at different stages.
Ryan took a turn in the Sleep Pod (pure oxygen, relaxing music and ambient lighting) and came out looking like a teenager (okay, a slight exaggeration, but he did admit to feeling much better than before he went in)!
We can't wait to head back (yes, we're looking into a membership that can accommodate us only on a Saturday - (a great pity because the weekly activities are mouth-watering!) and my neck, back and shoulders could do with some more attention - tee hee) so now I'm enlisting all my 'new mummy' and 'mummy-to-be' friends to join us on our next family spa day!
Thank you, TBW and Cupcakemum, for giving my family a lovely treat just when we needed it most...
Member review by Lorraine - mummy to Nathan, 19 months
- review date 20th August 2008
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