My birthday usually lasts a week, because who doesn’t love to milk their birthdays (Leo’s certainly do!). But as this year was the big dirty thirty, I milked it for an entire month. It just didn’t feel right celebrating such a special milestone birthday without my husband here. He was away at work on my actual birthday so we made it count when he came home.

I decided I didn’t want a huge birthday party. To be honest, I didn’t fancy spending a mini fortune on a stressful party for people (who I hardly see) to enjoy. SO, my very clever hubby made the decision for us to spend the money on “US” and stay at the Crown Casino Metropol instead.

(see my Instagram story highlights for lots of live videos of our stay).

The Surprise Gift

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Ben said “I’m treating us to a luxury staycation, just us, child free”! ummmm YESSS PLEASE!!!! This sounded like actual BLISS. Alone time with my husband, not too far from our daughter (if we needed to see her due to missing her too much ahaha)! Such a great idea to spoil ourselves and indulge in peace and quite instead of organising a party (with usually is a time consuming and stressful process which I wanted to avoid).

Ben arranged two nights for us in a Luxury King Room, that had the most breathtaking riverside view. It was so exciting packing for a week end away and knowing we could do what ever we wanted for three days, without having to think about our little one too.

He also surprised me and arranged for our best friends to stay in the room right next to us. Such a fun idea if you’re not wanting a big party. It was really special that he thought about this and planned for it to be a huge secret. This meant we were able to go out to dinner with them and enjoy quality adult company on my little birthday getaway.

Sometimes it’s really refreshing to have nights off, eat amazing food, laugh with your besties, and not worry about getting home in time to pay the baby sitter!

Two Nights 

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We requested early check in at 2pm and extended our checkout to 12pm on the Sunday. This meant we had extra time to relax and take it all in. I would highly suggest two nights as it meant we never felt rushed to experience all the fun things. We could take our time, sleep in, have a night to soak in the luxury of the room and watch a movie. Two nights meant we had an entire day to do what ever we wanted, without the rush around to check out early.

This is where we stayed the nights after our wedding, so it was really romantic and special to go back here for my 30th. The rooms are still in perfect condition and still feel very trendy. We were both very impressed with the service of the whole week end, from front of house, restaurants, to the valet parking. To sum up the whole stay, it’s pure luxury. We were absorbed in comfort, elegance and luxury the entire week end.

Luxury

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Ben surprised me with getting my makeup done at the salon and I surprised him with getting a 90 minute deep tissue massage at the spa. We are clearly both CUTE AF ROMANTICS!!!

Ben arrived at 12pm and didn’t get back until 3. Even though it was only a 90 minute massage, they allow you to indulge in the other spa facilities, which Ben was able to take advantage of. He hasn’t stopped raving about this experience. He said he felt like a king and suggested that others do the same for a one off experience (if cost is usually an issue).

I loved getting my makeup done as it meant I was also being pampered. The spa and salon is extremely upmarket and I felt like I was royalty (see my Instagram story highlights for lots of live videos of our stay).

Food

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We had buffet breakfast at the Atrium included in our package which was amazing! When we finally decided to wake up, we were able to just wanted on downstairs and eat.

Our first night we ate at the Epicurean– This is mind glowingly epic! It’s located in the new Crown Towers and is fancy AF! Not only is the food delicious and fresh, but the service was as if we were eating at Rock Pool! Very impressed with this for dinner. We got there at 5:30pm and didn’t leave until 7:30pm which is a record for us! We are usually in and out within an hour!

Second night we treated ourselves to dinner at Bistro Guillaume. This was delicious French style food and we sat at the window, looking over the gloriously lit pool.

Hot Tips 

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Check in times. Call in advance and request early check-in and late check-out. This will extend your time on the staycation and reduce feeling rushed.

Keep costs down. Bring your own water bottles and snacks. This will help avoid a large mini bar or room service bill at the end. My bestie brought her own delicious cheese platter for their surprise arrival, this was really fun sitting in their room, indulging with nibbles and drinks before our night out.

Call to book at the spa. I organised a last minute massage for Ben the day we checked in. I tried to do this online but it said there were no spots available. I called them and they had plenty of free times. So make sure you call them if you want to book in too.

Get in early. If you’re planning on eating at the Atrium. The line to the Atrium was extremely long both mornings. There was plenty of free tables and you definitely won’t miss out on the gorgeous food. But if you are one to hate waiting in lines then get in early.

Book online. Ben booked months in advance, he was keeping an eye on good packages to suit his budget. Find all the latest packages HERE.

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This post is in no way sponsored. Some parts of our stay were gifted in exchange for a professional collaboration. All words, creativity & thoughts are completely my own.

Don’t forget to stop by my Instagram page for more inspo, shits & giggles.