At the beginning of the year I was searching for a salon that could do a nice foot treatment near Poole and came across Told Beauty.  Their reviews were very positive and the fact that they had a January offer on meant that I could book the treatment I wanted plus a massage with my birthday pennies.

For some reason I have always been a bit nervous about visiting a beauty salon.  I’m very self-conscious and nervous sometimes but from the moment I stepped in the door (slightly late and furious with my rubbish satnav) I was warmly welcomed.

During my foot treatment (which was fab by the way, no more hard skin and pretty sparkly nails) I was asked why I only had a back, neck and shoulder massage booked and I admitted that I worried about my embarrassing wobbly bits being jiggled around.  I was reminded that the team of beauticians were in fact all just normal Mums like me and so I promised to go back for a full body hot stone massage so I could tell Dorsetmums what it was like.



Daisy is the owner and quite possibly one of the nicest and down to earth people I’ve ever met.  Her business is her baby and she takes a huge amount of pride in what she does.  I asked why the name and she told me it was an anagram of her children’s names as she wanted something a little different.  Daisy has many years of experience and training in the industry and finally set up her own salon last year which has been doing incredibly 

The décor in the salon is very chic and girly with plenty of colour and upcycled furniture.  There’s numerous rooms for treatments, one of which has 2 beds for you to come and be pampered with a friend, Mum or partner.  For the milder months you can book the bubbling hot tub which is in the secret garden and perfect for a relax before your treatment. 



I didn’t really know anything about how a hot stone massage worked other than hot stones would be used!  I find it very hard to relax (without wine) and rarely stop running around so to have an hour lying on a warm bed with nothing but gentle soothing music was a real treat for me.  After I was massaged with the oils I felt the first hot stone and loved every second.  My back, neck and shoulders were massaged before my legs and feet and by the time Daisy finished I was practically asleep.  I’m told the hot stones relax the muscles with the heat which encourages blood flow through the body.  Hot stones also have a sedative effect that can relieve chronic pain, reduce stress and promote deep relaxation.

Other treatments available at the Salon include facials, massages, body scrubs, manicures, pedicures, tanning, waxing and inch loss body wraps.  They also have various spa and children’s princess party packages available.

**Dorsetmums offer** 

Told Beauty are kindly offering Dorsetmums 20% off their first treatment* which must be booked in before the end of May 2018.  To book your treatment please call the Salon on 01202 879695 and quote 'Dorsetmums'.


 

Good to know…………

Told Beauty tries to keep their products for retail and Salon use as natural as they can.  All of their body scrubs and massage oils are handmade with aromatherapy oils and the Neals Yard facial skincare range is one of the best on the market.



The children’s princess party packages are for a minimum of 6 children and include 3 of the following treatments – mini manicure, pedicure, hair curling, face mask and hot tub time.  Not only that, the children will enjoy party games, nibbles and a party bag to take home.

Gift Vouchers for any treatments or spa packages are available to purchase and can be sent in the post if required.

If you are unable to get to the Salon during normal working hours then you’ll be pleased to know that they offer late night opening on Thursdays.

Told Beauty can be found just off Ringwood Road near Turbury Retail Park.  To keep up to date with their news including a current Mother’s Day offer please visit the Told Beauty facebook page.

*Dorsetmums offer – 20% off applies to a full priced treatment and cannot be used against any special offers which may be running.  Must be booked direct with the salon with the treatment taken before May 2018.

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Please note – Dorsetmums were invited to review the hot stone massage however all words are my own.

If you are looking to stay in a great family friendly hotel by the sea or you would like to dine somewhere that serves amazing food then you need to know about the Knoll House Hotel in Studland.

During half term we visited this little gem to find out what makes them so family friendly and we were all pleasantly surprised with what we found.

We started our day in the Spa and were shown around by a lovely gentlemen before heading for the changing rooms.  They have an indoor pool, hot jacuzzi, sauna, steam room and mini gym.  I really tried getting out of the jacuzzi a few times but it was just too nice so I stayed there while my husband dipped in and out of the pool with the kids.  Just outside, there a huge hot tub which was bubbling away but we spent so long indoors that we didn’t have time to try it.  Other guests we spoke to had though and thoroughly recommended it.  For the better weather they even have an outdoor pool with plenty of space for sun loungers and the most wonderful views.  



Once we were dressed we headed into the hotel and found the Bistro which has been recently refurbished to a high standard.  There’s big solid wooden tables and chairs, cool vintage lamp shades and faux driftwood flooring.  If like us you can grab a table by the window then you’ll have views of Old Harry Rocks.



The menu is extensive with something to please everyone.  I’m always keen to look at the children’s menu and was delighted to see there was much more than the bog standard 3 choices of beige food with chips.  Myself and my husband fancied a burger so I had the New Yorker with bacon and cheese and Mr had the Smoked burger which was served with onion rings and Applewood cheese.  Both of us were very impressed with the quality and there wasn’t a morsel left at the end.  Our son chose sausage and mash which he devoured and our daughter who won’t do a whole meal justice had a little bit of everything.



For pudding the kids had a fresh fruit salad which was very poshly served in a martini glass plus a warm chocolate brownie with vanilla ice cream.  Both were scoffed in seconds!



Other dishes on the menu included sandwiches, salads, light bites, curry, pizza, seasonal dishes and homemade cakes.   The afternoon tea which was served to another table while we were getting ready to leave looked divine and that’s definitely going to be on my list of to do's.  (Please note a Dorsetmums offer which is detailed further down).



Not only was the food great but the Bistro also has a side play room for the kiddies which I love.  Once we discovered it was there the kids were off and they had a whale of a time playing with the toys and books.  Daddy even had his first tea party much to his daughters delight.  For the older ones there a huge sofa and tv for them to kick back and relax while the grown ups enjoy themselves in the restaurant.



After our meal we had a good wander around the hotel and found a games room, several lounge areas, a bar and large restaurant.  Luckily for us the rain had stopped so we got the kids thick snow suits on and went out to the pirate themed play park where they used up their last little bit of energy before getting in the car to go home.

Good to know………… 

The Bistro and play area are open to non residents making it a perfect place to go for a child friendly meal. 

The Knoll House Hotel offer day passes for the Spa however they are currently running a ‘Dip and Dine’ deal which is valid from Monday to Friday up until the 30th March 2018.  The offer includes up to 2 hours swim time followed by afternoon tea in the Bistro.  The cost is £15.50 and bookings must be made directly with the hotel on 01929 450450 quoting 'Dorsetmums'.

The hotel has a good number of family rooms with a very reasonable room rate.  During holiday periods staying guests can enjoy a number of activities which are laid on.  The area is stunning and guests have a private access path down to the beach, the ferry over to Poole and Bournemouth close by and the seaside town of Swanage not far in the other direction.  

If you would like more information on the Knoll House Hotel please visit the Website or call 01929 450450.  

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Please note - Dorsetmums was invited to the Knoll House Hotel for the purpose of a review however all thoughts are my own.