This morning we started with yet another delicious breakfast in the restaurant of the New Inn at Coln, not quite as good as yesterday, convinced they had different chefs today, but still good considering that we didn’t have to pay for it (well I’m sure it was included somewhere – lol).  Today’s agenda was to drive to Wales, but not before making a quick trip up to the local community store of Coln, which was the only store at the end of the street.  It had a “cafe” in the back and was essentially a convenience store.  Last night before making our way to the hotel we had driven through Bibury, another small Cotswold village and I wanted to make sure that we stopped back by before we headed out.  Well, needless to say, we should have stopped last night as this morning it had three tour buses parked within the small car park.  We walked the streets and saw the most photographed cottages within the Cotswolds, Arlington Row, and after a quick visit to the gift shop, we headed towards Wales.  With no real agenda we stopped wherever we wanted along the way, first was Ross on Wye, we made a quick visit to the church, grabbed a coffee for Nick so I could use the facilities, and chatted with a nice man who had a pottery store and taught pottery classes upstairs.  We also had a chance to meet his pups, Dill and Billy, the pickle girls.

While no agenda, we did want to make sure that we drove through Wye Valley, and AOMB – Area of Oustanding Natual Beauty.  Our map kept leading us to random parking lots which there wasn’t much to see, so we just resigned to the fact that we were driving through it and took in the sites along the way.  We did have the opportunity to stop off and enjoy the Tintern Abbey.  Part of the abbey is currently being restored so we weren’t able to view it all, it was a nice break from driving and the sun was shining so we enjoyed leisurely walking with no crowds.  

The next stop was our final stop, our hotel in Bath. We navigated the super narrow streets of Bath to arrive at the Gainsborough Spa.  To our surprise, our room was upgraded, and let’s just say I will take this upgrade over that Hilton “upgrade” any day.  We had already sprung for a room that allowed us to have all-day access to the spa thermal baths which are fed from the natural Roman bath waters, but this upgrade now included a Junior Suite, which might be the same size as our house.  Included in our Junior Suite was also a bottle of champagne and a welcome spa kit upon arrival.  This was all supposed to be already in the room, as the gentleman who delivered profusely apologized that it wasn’t here when we arrived.  

After settling in we decided to make our way out and look around for a bit, especially since the sun was still shining and the bellhop advised that rarely happens.  Knowing the the thermal bath waters were waiting and our time was limited before unlimited access to all guests started at seven we made our way back to enjoy the quiet.  The spa/baths included not only the hot baths, but saunas, a steam room, and an area where you can use the crushed ice flowing out of a lion’s mouth to rub down after the steam room – fancy!  There is also a hot chocolate dispenser which is freshly made daily, as that is apparently what fancy people used to drink back in the day.  After doing the circuit and enjoying a float we made we made our way back to the room to freshen up for dinner.  

We made the short walk up to the theatre and ate at a tapas restaurant recommended by the bellhop at the hotel.  It was a quaint space where the food was delivered via dumbwaiter and the bartender was making our drinks right behind Nick.  The food and drinks were all good, a very good recommendation.  We made the short walk back to the hotel to be surprised by the first turndown service I think that we have ever experienced.  Very embarrassed as we had quickly changed and left the room a complete mess, we were very pleased to find our used towels and such changed out, a pillow spray, and lip rescue on the bed with some fresh water on the bedside table.  A girl could get used to this lifestyle.  

We enjoyed our bottle of champagne from the giant, comfy bed which had just been sprayed with lovely pillow spray, watching TV and blogging.  Don’t tell my mom, but we may never come home!