Lakeside Hotel & Spa – My Early 40th Birthday Treat

For my early 40th birthday, a very good friend surprised me with a stay at Lakeside Hotel & Spa in Wootton. It was such a thoughtful gift, and honestly, it felt amazing to step away from the usual routine for a night.

It was just me and Mike who went, a rare little escape for the two of us. Ethan had his own sleepover with his paternal grandparents, complete with treats and all the fun that comes with being spoiled for a night. Knowing he was happy made it much easier to relax.

When we arrived at the hotel, there was a birthday slate waiting in the room with “Happy 40th Birthday” written on it. Such a simple thing, but it made me smile straight away and set the tone for the whole stay.

The surroundings were beautiful calm water, soft light, and that peaceful feeling you only get when you’re somewhere quiet and scenic. I couldn’t help taking photos because everywhere you looked felt serene.

Dinner was lovely, proper comfort food but beautifully done, and the desserts were just as good as they looked. Breakfast the next morning was table service with all the classics: cereal, toast, croissants, yoghurt, fruit… simple but really nice.

And then came something completely new for me: my first ever full‑body massage. I wasn’t sure what to expect. When the therapist started, it felt a bit rough at first, like my body didn’t quite know what was happening. But then she found all the tension and knots I’ve clearly been carrying around, and when she hit the right spots… oh my gosh. That mix of “ouch” and “yes, that’s exactly it.” The next morning I felt a little achy but also so much lighter. They did tell me to drink plenty of water afterwards to help flush everything out which I probably should’ve done more of.

While I was being kneaded like bread dough, Mike happily wandered off to the bar for a pint of IPA, so we both got our own version of relaxation. It reminded me how rare it is for us to have time away together, and how much we appreciate it when it happens.

When we got home, my friend turned up with the most beautiful crocheted flower bouquet a smiling little sunflower surrounded by handmade blooms. It was such a thoughtful surprise, and it honestly meant the world. She’s so generous, and I hope one day I can pay her kindness forward or do something just as special for her.

Overall, it was such a lovely experience peaceful, grounding, and a reminder that it’s okay to let myself be looked after sometimes. A perfect early birthday treat, and a really gentle way to step into my 40s. I’m so grateful for the people in my life who make moments like this possible.

If you want, I can now turn this into a page‑ready layout, a short social caption, or a Squeak‑Life‑style playful version.