The Travelista

  • Home
  • About
    • Collaborations
    • Press
    • FAQ
    • Contact
  • Travel
    • Destinations by World Map
    • Hotels
    • Airlines
    • Restaurants
    • Itineraries
  • Life
    • Yorkshire
    • Style
  • Motherhood
  • Inspire Me
    • Adventure
    • Beach
    • City
    • Culture
    • Mountain
    • Tropical
  • Shop
    • E-mail
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube

Theos First Time Swimming at Raithwaite Estate

14/10/19 ᛫ 1 Comment

Our recent family mini break to Whitby was full of many firsts for Theo; his first holiday, his time on the beach, his first time in a swing and his first time swimming. It felt so nice to take a mini break as a family for the first time and to see Theo experience new things. If you've followed my journey this year, you'll know that my anxiety following Theo's premature birth has stopped me from wanting to travel abroad with him yet. But our trip to Whitby opened up the opportunity for a little bit of escapism and adventure, without having to travel too far from home. Our base for the break was a gorgeous little cottage in the heart of Whitby town, but we spent a leisurely day at Raithwaite Estate; Whitby's most luxurious coastal retreat.

I was pleasantly surprised to find that Raithwaite Estate is an easy 5 minute drive from the centre of Whitby. Although it's called a coastal retreat, Raithwaite isn't directly on the beach. It's tucked away around 1km inland from Sandsend beach, so you're not far from the sandy beach and crashing waves. As we entered down the long private road, the estate felt very well kept and exclusive.

Raithwaite Estate Whitby, entrance

After a warm welcome from the front of house staff, our first activity of the day was to go swimming in the pool which is located within the spa. It was nice to learn that Raithwaite Estate is a family friendly hotel and the spa pool welcomes babies and children between the hours of 10am-12pm and 4pm-6pm. As it was Theo's first time swimming, it was also my first time working out how to get us both ready and changed in the changing room (help!) I thought ahead and arrived with my swimming costume on which made things easier, but I couldn't find a baby change so I ended up getting him ready on the bench of a cubicle. I later found out there was a changing mat in the disabled toilet but think it should be more clearly signed. After a bit of a wrestling match, Theo and I were ready to meet Daddy and enjoy the water.

The spa area itself was lovely. The temperature in the pool area was very warm, so I wasn't worried about Theo getting too cold when we got out of the water. We'd brought a little baby float along with us which was absolutely ideal for Theo to have some free movement and kick his legs under the water. I found the float on Amazon and would definitely recommend it. We only spent about 20 minutes in the pool before Theo started to get tired but it was such a positive experience for all of us and something Scott and I will remember for years to come. We didn't get to make use of the sauna and steam room but it you're visiting Raithwaite Spa without kids you'd definitely want to make the most of them.

After our swim we went to have lunch at The Brasserie at Raithwaite Estate. It was a sunny autumn day so we sat in the conservatory area which was flooded with natural light and colour. Theo fell asleep in his pram which was perfect timing and meant we could enjoy a glass of prosecco in peace before the food arrived. I wanted to try something local so I opted for dressed Whitby crab ciabatta and Scott went for a hearty burger. The crab was gorgeous, I only wished there was more of it in the ciabatta. When Theo woke up it was time for his lunch, and the waitress was very helpful in bringing over a high chair for us. Another baby-friendly tick for Raithwaite!

Glass of Prosecco at Raithwaite Estate Whitby, Brasserie

Raithwaite Estate Whitby Crab Ciabatta Sandwich

When we'd finished in the restaurant Theo for a walk in the pram around the extensive grounds, whilst I got to enjoy a 30 minute back, neck and shoulder massage in the spa. 'Mum life' has given me such an achey back so I was so looking forward to switching off and releasing some tension in my back. My therapist was fantastic and really personalised the massage to me. She focused on getting the knots out of my shoulders so by the end of I really felt as if she'd helped my back. I didn't get to spend much time in the treatment area but the relaxation room was very tranquil and a lovely place to relax pre and post treatment.

Raithwaite Estate Whitby, Spa treatment room

Our day trip to Raithwaite Estate was definitely a highlight of our mini break to Whitby and it's somewhere I would love to return to for perhaps an adult-only escape when Theo is a little older.

Have you ever visited Whitby? Are you thinking of taking your baby swimming for the first time? If you enjoyed this post please leave me a comment in the box below x


Non-residents are welcome to use the spa and pool facilities at Raithwaite Estate if a treatment is booked for the minimum value of £70, or if you book a spa day package (from £70). Spa days include a 30 minute massage or facial, afternoon tea or a light lunch and use of the spa facilities. Non-residents are also welcome to dine at The Brasserie and have a drink at the bar.


Raithwaite Estate
Sandsend Road
Whitby
North Yorkshire
YO21 3ST
+44 (0)1947 661 661


I was invited to experience this day at Raithwaite Estate on a complimentary basis, in exchange for coverage. All photos and words are my own.

1 Comment

Related Posts

  • A Luxury Afternoon Tea in Leeds at Crafthouse
  • premature birth storyMy Premature Birth Story
  • Our Mini Adventures: 5 Family Friendly Days Out in Yorkshire
« Planning The Ultimate Deep South Road Trip Itinerary
Rose and Crown Yard; Our Whitby Holiday Cottage »

Comments

  1. Angie Silver (@SilverSpoonLDN) says

    15th October 2019 at 9:33 am

    I’m both excited and nervous to take Oscar swimming for the first time. What a special experience!

    Reply

Spark a conversation! Cancel reply

Jess is an an award-winning travel blogger based in Yorkshire, navigating the world as a new Mum to baby Theo. Blogging about adventures both local and global.

Read More

Booking.com

Subscribe

Never Miss a Post!

Latest Posts

The Best Places to Stay in Florence

Woolacombe Beach

A Toddler-Friendly Holiday in North Devon

Our Mini Adventures: 5 Family Friendly Days Out in Yorkshire

Follow on Instagram

Ad We’re moving! 🏡 Our little house is now a Ad We’re moving! 🏡 Our little house is now a place of so many special memories and ‘firsts’, but we have definitely outgrown it and feel it’s the right time to move on to an exciting new chapter. We are relocating from Leeds to York, which is my home town. After all the isolation of the pandemic, we can’t wait to be closer to family and friends. We’ve listed our house with @purplebricksuk and are managing all our own viewings through the Purple Bricks app. Check out my house move story highlight to keep up to date with how we get on. Wish us luck for a smooth-ish process. This is uncharted territory🤞🏼😆
Happy Valentine’s and 6 year anniversary to my d Happy Valentine’s and 6 year anniversary to my dream man @scottwh9. I love you more every year 💫
I’ve welcomed some new followers this week after I’ve welcomed some new followers this week after @mother.ly reposted one of my prematurity posts. So, I thought I’d say Hi and introduce myself if you’re new here. Here are 6 things to know about me ☺️👋🏼

1️⃣ My name is Jess. I’m 30 and I live in Leeds which is in Yorkshire, UK. I live with my partner Scott and son Theo who is 2.

2️⃣ The Travelista is a travel blog I created in 2013 which grew to become my full time job and business. I plan to travel regularly again and show my son the world, when it’s safe to.

3️⃣ My son Theo was born prematurely at 25+6 weeks gestation due to #PPROM. He spent 109 days / 4 months in NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) before coming home. He’s now healthy and thriving. I now also use my IG to advocate for #prematurityawareness 

4️⃣ I speak openly and honestly about mental health and the healing process I am going through after experiencing PTSD and post natal anxiety after Theo’s birth

5️⃣ I am a proud working Mum. I run The Travelista as a small business and work part time for a UK charity, making use of my digital skills for a great cause 

6️⃣ I love to write and a personal goal of mine is to get a book deal and publish a successful novel

Whether you’re a new follower or an original, leave me a comment and tell me where in the world you’re following from. Thank you for being here 💓🌏
Yesterday I had knee surgery to repair my torn car Yesterday I had knee surgery to repair my torn cartilage and finally unlock my knee. After a long wait and 3 cancelled surgery dates, I managed to get transferred to the trauma list at Leeds General Infirmary, which was a very, brilliant, last minute plot twist. 

I will need a second surgery to repair my torn ACL ligament in a few months, but yesterday’s surgery will allow me to get back on my feet and walking again which is the most important thing. Yesterday brought many PTSD triggers surrounding Theo’s birth, but I kept reading over the affirmations I wrote with @naomipsychotherapy as well as calming breath work. I am proud of myself for getting through the day.

I’m now back home recovering, very sore and drowsy from meds but feeling relieved and grateful that everything went well. The staff were wonderful and all truly deserve medals for what they do. Now time to rest, start gentle movements and ultimately get back on my feet ☺️💪🏼💫
Do you ever find yourself day dreaming about that Do you ever find yourself day dreaming about that first holiday post-Covid? Do you ever think about how profound it will feel? I wrote a poem about it to escape these long, dark days.

Warm skin, 
Frizzy hair. 
Soul alight, 
Without a care. 

Tanned legs, 
After sun. 
Mind is calm, 
Just having fun.

A day of new experience, 
Has just taken place. 
You embrace the unfamiliar, 
And every new and friendly face. 

The sun begins to set, 
And tomorrow is unplanned. 
You sip on something cold,
Toes buried in the sand. 

Midas touch is on the horizon, 
Peace is in your heart. 
Surrounded by those you love,
This moment is a work of art. 

Something feels different, 
You've seen sunsets before. 
But all your sense are heightened, 
You feel it at your core. 

Over a year of loss and struggle, 
The entire world is healing. 
Simple, little, wild things, 
Now have so much meaning.

As the sun sets, 
You realise the magnitude.
All you’re feeling in this moment, 
Is a new found sense of gratitude. 💫
Hey guys 👋🏼 This is my little self-developme Hey guys 👋🏼 This is my little self-development project. On 1st January I set some new intentions (not resolutions). The main one was to try and start waking up 1 hour earlier (I am not a morning person). But I wanted to make a change to start each day slowly and mindfully; to wake up and put my own needs first. Usually I would roll out of bed and be straight into Mum mode. Now I sit in silence with a hot cup of tea. Honestly, it has transformed my mornings and I can’t believe I’ve not done it sooner. Here are a few things I’ve been doing in my new daily hour of mental self care; 

⭐️1. The 5 Minute Journal - This book has been the greatest gift I have received in a long time. It has helped me to find gratitude in the smallest things, even when the world feels like its falling apart. I start my hour by filling out this journal. @fiveminutejournal 

⭐️2. Affirmations - I bought these beautiful affirmation cards from @lovaine_store on Etsy. Each morning I pick out a new affirmation and write it in my journal. Then I pluck another from my head. They're definitely teaching me to be kinder to myself and make me feel mentally stronger.

⭐️3. Mindfulness - After my journal I practice a guided meditation using the @calm app. 13 days in, I feel a lot more clarity. Tomorrow I’m also starting an 8 week mindfulness cognitive behavioural therapy course with @natalieenglander. I am a novice and I am excited to learn more.

Whilst we all feel like we have very little control over our lives right now, the one thing we CAN still control is our mindset. If you’re feeling frazzled and overwhelmed by the world right now, I really can’t recommend trying things enough ✨ 

What are you doing to look after your mental well-being right now? It’s brutal at the moment. Take care guys 💓

Subscribe

Never miss a post! Subscribe for Travelista updates and newsletters

Latest Video

  • 3847likes
  • 19680followers
  • 10374followers
  • 1880subscribers

Copyright © 2021 · Design by Gatto

Copyright © 2021 · The Travelista on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in

  • Privacy Policy
  • FAQ
  • Contact