If you’re looking for somewhere to be treated like royalty over the Christmas break and wish to stay somewhere in total exclusion from external worries and woes, I have the perfect little getaway for you. Scarlett and I were recently invited to The Grand Eastbourne Hotel, which was the perfect excuse for the ultimate in relaxation and for a pampering weekend away. Easily accessible by train, it’s very simple to get to from any coastal town (including Bournemouth) – and the time zooms by in record speed if you have an easy to chat to travel partner. If you’re arriving by car or taxi, the hotel has ample parking and a very ‘royalty’ esque reservation system which leaves you with a name tag by your dedicated space.

Upon arrival, we were greeted by the friendly staff and taken aback by the 'palace' like surroundings we had just stepped into. It was as if we had stepped into royalty – with high ceilings, decadent marble interior and sparkling chandeliers. Once handed our keys at reception we were ushered to our room (although we later discovered a more apt name was ‘apartment’) by a friendly concierge, who gave us a brief tour of the hotel and all it’s magnificent offerings.

When we finally arrived at our room, we were left to our accord. The size of the suite we were staying in was astonishing - it really was if we had our own apartment for the next 24 hours with a ginormous yet homely bedroom, a luxurious bathroom and our own lounge all maintaining a beautiful seafront view. As inviting and welcoming as it was, we just about had time to unpack before heading down for our pre-booked spa treatments.

With their very own spa in the building itself, The Grand is perfect for a mother and daughter trip, girlie pampering weekend away or somewhere that you can indulge in for your break at Christmas. I was treated to a Vitamin C facial (£85 for 80 minutes), whilst Scarlett had a Sensitive Skin Facial (£65 for 50 minutes). Luxurious in name and in nature, I was transported away from all the worries and woes of the world and felt completely and utterly content. The therapists were warm, welcoming and lovely and the centre itself also offers the use of a gym, pool and Jacuzzi. Feeling completely relaxed we headed back up to our suite to get ready for the three course meal we had booked ready for the evening ahead – the perfect excuse to dress up! A couple of hot chocolates, films and sweets later, we headed down to the hotel's bar to sample some strawberry bellini's before ordering our choices for dinner.

Although the hotel has two restaurants – ours was at the more formal Mirabelle restaurant, which specialises in fine dining and certainly doesn’t disappoint. I opted for the Curried Parsnip Soup with Potato Chips for my starter which in addition to the high quality – was of substantial size and value for money. This was then accompanied by Smoked Salmon with a Gewurtztraminer sauce for my main, and an Apple tartain with cinnamon ice cream for dessert. The food was absolutely impeccable and incredible, there was absolutely nothing we could fault. The restaurant offers a wide range of compelling dishes - including some lovely vegetarian options. In the morning, after a peaceful nights sleep we both found it hard actually vacating away from the four post bed, however we had a beautiful breakfast spread to look forward to. It wasn't too long after however that we checked out of what seemed like a palace of royalty and back to reality!

Over all, our stay at The Grand Hotel was certainly a girly weekend to remember. If you are looking for a getaway in the upcoming months (particularly around Christmas) I would highly recommend this as your first option!