After quitting my job to blog full time I was scared but strangely exhilarated. Despite the large dent in my bank account and impending rent and bills looming over my head, I relished the challenges that each day brought. No longer were my days confined by routine and instead I could be free to make each moment different to the next; in short full time blogging meant that no two days were the same. We often question, when it comes to making large decisions whether we made the right choice but the truth is we are scared of the unknown and that’s ok. Leaving the security of a full time job can be frightening but it is something I would recommend to anyone who is in a job that does not appreciate their worth and treats them like crap. Within a week of quitting my job, I won a holiday to Blogger competition to Tuscany, got offered a mini break in Spain, increased my traffic and had the freedom to attend events to network with other bloggers. Best of all, I now had time to talk to you guys, my friends and readers who have been with me every step of the way and for that I am truly grateful.
Our Welcome Drinks At The Mayfair Hotel Terrace
It is because of you that all of this is possible and I can’t thank you, my readers enough. But as usual I am rambling; when Spaseekers got in touch inviting me to their blogger meet up and spa treatment ‘evening’ I was more than happy to take them up on the offer. After all where there is food, rest assured I will be there snacking away in the corner making a right pig of myself. It was an offer I couldn’t refuse and to my delight my gal Shelley was also invited, so we made our way to The Mayfair Hotel together. Having been opened in 1927, The Mayfair Hotel cleverly mixes ‘contemporary design’ with its Edwardian roots. Ironically The Mayfair Hotel’s ostentatious display of grandeur somehow appears to retain ‘refined elegance’ as opposed to the ‘tacky gimmicks’ some historic hotels can often employ to remain ‘current’ and ‘marketable’. There are the sleek stone pillars, with green shrubbery overlooking its entrance, while inside sleek marble tables are highlighted by natural lighting that bursts through the windows.
Self ‘described as the ‘fortress of tales’ The Mayfair Hotel might be famed for its wild ‘parties’ during Fashion week and be revered for its ability to keep ‘high profile guests’ identities hidden, but for one night only us chosen few; Shelly (Popular Blogger), Albertine (Blogsphere Editor), Leigh (Blogger & Social Media Wizard) & Rebecca (Blogger) were given the ‘right royal treatment’. From a pleasurable run through the history, goals and future plans of the hotel to an unmissable ‘feast’ as supplied by Mayfair Kitchen, we were treated like VIP’s from the very start and I couldn’t be happier. Interestingly it wasn’t the delicious food, spa treatment or goodies that was the highlight of the night, although more on that later. I had noticed that Spa Seekers had chosen ‘micro-influencers in the 7-14 K following range, despite influencers in the 70-80 K bracket having applied to attend the event. When I asked the staff what made them choose us, they replied that it was our ‘engagement’ because we had all had exceptionally high engagement rates for our following.
The Mayfair Hotel Terrace
For example I now have 8.2 K followers on Instagram but last Tuesday I had 7.4 K, with an engagement ratio of 17. 8 %, with an average of 1.2 K likes per photo. Knowing that there are brands and corporations out there who want to work with you based on ‘your engagement’ rather than ‘following’ is gratifying. After all, we have all worked hard so regardless of how many followers you have, you should always be rewarded for the time and effort that you put into your business. And that wasn’t the only surprise; in the brief it stated that there would be ‘outstanding nibbles’ alongside our bubbly but I had no idea just how ‘outstanding’ the food selection would be. Supplied by May Fair Kitchen, our food was selected from the A La Carte and set menu, featuring dishes that were inspired by the Mediterranean.
Based on the Mediterranean principle of ‘tapas’ small Italian and Spanish inspired plates of vegetarian and meat based dishes were wafted tantalizingly in front of us. From the delectable Tomato and manchego arancini with spicy mayo (£10) to Rocket and Parmesan pizza with San Marzano tomatoes, I was surprised as to how many vegetarian options there was at our event. At best, I am lucky if I come away having eaten cupcakes at most events, but the staff truly catered to me and Leigh who are both veggies. To compliment our stunning tapas selection we were consistently topped up with a light fruity bubbly, that accentuated the fresh authentic ‘Med’ flavours. While the majority of the dishes were vegetarian, meat options were not lacking and included Chilli panko tiger prawns with jalapeño emulsion (£14) and Serrano jamón and manchego croquettas (£12) among others.
Presentation Is ‘Key’ When It Comes To Mayfair Kitchen
A Selection Of Drinks Available At The Mayfair Hotel
While I ate enough to last me a week, I was ready for my 30 minute back massage treatment in the Mayfair spa, so I was accompanied by Shelley, who had opted for the same treatment. Being a ‘cruelty free’ blogger, I made sure to ask whether the treatments were tested on animals prior to attending the event and to my relief and delight all of the products used were cruelty free. I have to admit I felt a little uncomfortable being ‘massaged’ by a man when I was sitting there in my underwear but nevertheless I did enjoy the treatment and noticed the firm pressure had unlocked some of the tension that was in my shoulders and upper back. As I have scoliosis and hyper-mobile joints, among chronic back issues, back massages are not ‘relaxing’ and can be quite painful but for me that is a good thing because A. I have a high pain threshold and B. pain means that the treatment is working. After all, no pain, no gain!
We were then taken into the relaxation room, where we were given complimentary Sangria’s made with Baigorri Rioja Blanco or Baigorri Rosado, RinQuinQuin, lychee, elderflower and lemon. The cocktail was refreshing and quenched our thirst post-treatment, but it also relaxed us into a state of placid relaxation. Joined by Leigh, we were handed our goodie bags which contained skincare products, handbooks and jellies (which we gave to Shelley who had never been more delighted to have vegetarian friends!) and headed into the herbal sauna to unlock our pores. The sauna was steaming hot and we worked up quite a sweat but ironically it was the aromatic steam room that we stayed the shortest amount of time in, as we were already boiling from the sauna. To close our pores we used the ice fountain, which felt cooling on our warm skin.
The Relaxation Room At The Mayfair Hotel
I was pleasantly surprised by the warm service that we had received throughout the Spa Seekers event; from our outstanding selection of tapas that we ate on the beautiful ‘terrace’ to our mini spa treatments, we were treated with the utmost respect and consideration. Not only did I feel like each staff member was truly invested in their job and possessed a willingness to give us the best ‘experience’ but both Mayfair Hotel and Spa Seekers engaged with and shared our content, which is more than I can say for many brands. No wonder The Mayfair Hotel is 5 stars; in all honesty it was perhaps the best event I have ever attended and I look forward to a warm and bountiful partnership with their brands.
Have You Ever Been To The Mayfair Hotel?
*Disclaimer
Please note we were invited to be guests at The Mayfair Hotel by Spa Seekers but this does not affect my opinions and all thoughts are my own.
Oh this sounds amazing, what a great idea for a meet up there! The food looks delicious and the spa super relaxing, I would love to go there! You’ve done amazingly well with your blog, your Instagram is booming!
It looks like you took part in an amazing evening out at an astonishing hotel! The food looks so delicious and the cocktails sound so yummy! I would love to try out the spa, it is definitely very inviting!
What an amazing sounding hotel and how gorgeous does that relaxation room look, I could totally check in and lay back and relax in there.
I love spa treatments and yours sounds like a wonderful experience.
Oh wow1 This hotel looks amazing. It was so nice and lucky of you to be invited! I bet it was so nice to go with your blogger friend too
Oh this sounds lovely, I have back issues, and I agree massages aren’t relaxing but they feel really good to get rid of those knots
This sounds like an incredible event. And you definitely deserved to be chosen! Your photos are stunning and you work incredibly hard.
I have stayed in it for the night… on a couch. After working there at a fashion party until late. We had hired the conference room to dress the models and that was where I found my bed for the night. Very Very comfortable couches! Haha
The Spa sounds amazing though.
I don’t think I’ve ever been to the Mayfair hotel, sounds like such an awesome experience though. Got to love a back massage x
I’m so happy for you that blogging full time has been so successful so quickly. This event looks amazing – great food and spa treatments…perfect combination 🙂
Sounds really lovely! 😉 That event looks so amazing ….aww…. and The Mayfair Hotel looks like a gorgeous destination for people who want to experience more from life! Love that post! Amazing
Oooh love the look of this sounds like you had an amazing time and very well deserved too!
I’ve been to a blogging event there before, amazing location!
Your blog really inspire me, loved the way you start about telling how you started everything . the hotel review looks amazing and I love the photos
It sounds like you had a wonderful time there. The drinks and food look lovely. Congratulations on winning the blogger competition and on gaining so many followers that’s great!
this sounds fantastic! lovely pics and write up
Oh my goodness, the experience sounds absolutely fantastic! I’m happy that you managed to relax properly and that the service lived up to the challenge of working for a 5 star hotel. The food selection looks rather impressive too…. one day! 😉 Xx
That hotel looks amazing. Everything is so beautiful! Congrats on winning the blogging competition!
OMG! The terrace, relaxing room, spa..everything looks great.
I don’t know if its normal to be invited to such events as I am a new blogger but I can definitely spare some time for such great experience 😉
I do wish I had went now, but was poorly. It looks truly amazing and would of been even better just to see your face! Will message you later got a few things to catch up on this morning. But maybe next week Thursday you can be my plus 1 at an event, but will message you about it a bit later gorgeous. Loving the pics. Xxx
A spa treat is well deserved, Ana! Glad you’re able to go to these events now – all that hard work is paying off!
I never been to Mayfair hotel but heared many good things about them, and my cousin even attests its good services.
Where is your next getaway?
This sounds so relaxing and fun. Congratulations on all your hard work paying off x
Dang girl how did you jump up almost 1000 IG followers in a week!!!!! This event and hotel looks absolutely amazing though. Cheers to you!
It sounds like things are going well since leaving your job, I wish you every success as a freelancer. This sounds like a great event, glad you had a good time x
So lovely to hear that blogging full time is working well for you. This event sounds wonderful and such a beautiful place to visit.
The Mayfair sounds an amazing place. The food all looks incredible! I love that there were so many veggie options. The spa sounds gorgeous too, so relaxing. It would be a great place for a girly afternoon treat.
You sure had fun girl… i’ve also been toying dith te idea of going into full time blogging, buh hmmm i don’t know yet.. would you like to follow each other let me know on my blog
Glowyshoes’s blog
This place looks absolutely incredible I would love to visit for an evening x
Sounds like a very pleasant evening.
Oh my goodness, what a wonderful event. The food and cocktails looks amazing . The relaxation room looks wonderful as well, I always find it so easy to meditate in relaxation rooms. So calming and relaxing.
Ana! It was SO lovely to meet you and hang out with you for an evening! You’re absolutely going to kill it as a full-time blogger, girl! Can’t wait to see what it brings for you xxx
Seems like you had such a wonderful time at the Mayfair hotel. I would love to visit! 🙂
Congrats on going full time. This hotel looks absolutely dreamy! xo
First of all Congratulations for your doing well in Instagram. Mayfair Terrace Lounge looks so dreamy and a romantic sit out. Those cool blue interiors makes tge place exotic. I loved the drinks too from your pictures thought did not tasted it… LOL. Beautiful review of hotel.
What a fabulous event! Food, drinks and a massage is my idea of heaven! Such a stunning hotel!
Looks amazing! What a wonderful event to be invited to. Well done. Xx
I hope you are enjoying blogging full time. No two days are the same for sure. Sounds like you had a great time at the hotel.
I love the Mayfair hotel for great food and drink! I’ve not been to the spa area yet though!
This experience sounds fantastic and that poached egg looks cooked to perfection!
Wow, The Mayfair Hotel sounds fab! The food looks really yummy and the spa amazing! It’s nice to be appreciated. Love veg sweets too. Glad you had a great time and can recommend the hotel. Well done on your endeavours too. Well deserved.
The spa itself, the food and drinks all look incredible!
I’ve only ever been on one spa day, I think I should treat myself to another 🙂
Dani x
Everything in the hotel is stunning, it looks so nice, relaxing, and fun!
http://www.myclusterofthoughts.com/
Wow, the hotel looks amazing and so relaxing too! I’m sure uou had a memorable day with your friends. I read about you winning the trip earlier, congrats again!
It must be so rewarding hearing that brands have chosen you for your engagement <3 Well done lovely, glad you had a fabulous time!
The Mayfair Hotel sounds absolutely fabulous! I love the look of the drinks, so bright and colourful xxx
I have indeed been to the Mayfair Hotel!It’s gorgeous right?I treated my friend to afternoon tea and spa treatments and can say yes, it really is the best place for food and relaxation – in fact we spent about an hour in the actual relaxation room!
I’m so glad to hear that PRs and brands are choosing more micro bloggers, based on engagement, rather than numbers! Go Ana!
Thanks for sharing!
Leigh at Fashion Du Jour LDN x
Wow those drinks look really good. Also your picture quality is definitely great, wonder which camera you use.
Way to go Ana .. I’m so glad you had some spa time. It was cool to read that they chose influencers based on their engagement rather than their total number of followers. I’ve heard that brands are moving more and more toward that approach and it seems like a far better way to reach their target audience x
Your back massage sounds really dreamy. I could do with a spa trip myself, even if just for a day or two.
I have never been to the Mayfair Hotel but it does look stunning. It must have been such a treat
This looks amazing your photo’s are beautiful would love to go to this.
Taslyn|www.hiddenbeau-t.co.uk
Oh my goodness. This is incredible. So happy for you because you deserve all this. You put a lot of thoughts in your posts and really connect with your readers. Well done
Sounds like going self-employed has been good for you, and those drinks look delicious!
Ah, the relaxation room is perfect. I get so impressed with this kind of facility.
That’s amazing to hear of such a prestigious brand taking the time to handpick bloggers with great engagement, not just big numbers that give the illusion of popularity. Glad to hear there’s plenty of choices for vegetarians! The poached egg photo is giving me serious cravings.
Wow! I love spas, so this is right up my street! Is it weird that I enjoy the uncomfort in a massage? I think it’s because I know how good I’ll feel after! xxx
Ah it looks amazing! I love that they catered for vegetarians and that their products were cruelty free.
I like the look of your welcome drinks and I love the relaxation room as it looks very calming and I live Green anyway 😍
Those drinks look absolutely mouthwatering!
It’s so great to hear that people value engagement over empty followers now! Also looks like an awesome event 🙂
I’ve never been to the Mayfair. That relaxation room looks very peaceful. Well done on achieving so much since going full time blogging
What a super event to attend! Do you take your own photographs? These are beautiful!
I am so glad that your blog is going so well for you. This hotel and event looks amazing, how wonderful that it is not all about ‘stats’. Kaz x
Wow that sounds like a fabulous event – and how great they chose those of you with great engagement?
Sounds like an amazing place. And the event looks great. I would love to visit.
So jealous you got this opportunity! Well done!
I loved that evening; have to meet up again soon! oh and loved your post xx
This sounds like a fabulous event. The property looks even great, I love that Relaxation Room. <3
Everything looks and sounds absolutely amazing! I’m normally super uncomfortable in spas but the staff sound amazing so I think it would probably be a whole different experience to what I’ve had before.
What a lovely place. You deserve it! Relaxation, good food, great ambiance.. THE BEST!
Well done on all the opportunities that are coming your way Ana – you deserve everything, so exciting for Tuscany and Spain! This event looks and sounds great too 🙂 love the decor of the hotel x
This spa looks amazing – I’m so jealous! The food and cocktails look great too – would make the perfect end to a relaxing day.
This is event looks great, I’m so relieved for your sake that everything is headed in a positive direction after your decision to go full time
Wow what an amazing event. I was in Mayfair recently too…love the place. Those welcome drinks look lush and the spa looks lovely 🙂 x