My 40th Birthday in the clouds

My snowy sky-high 40th birthday :)

In December 2022, I had my 40th birthday :). A 40th birthday is always a landmark day, and after such an intense year, it felt even more special and celebratory. I was really proud of achieving my qualification before my 40th, and I was super thankful. It was a day to mark and celebrate, and I did just that.  

I started to plan my 40th in the spring (around 8 months in advance) and reserved a room at Shangri-La The Shard, London. I'd always wanted to go to Shangri-La The Shard, and I couldn't wait to experience the sky pool and gym, along with the sheer lux of it all. I knew that it would be the perfect destination for such a special birthday, and it surpassed all my expectations. My sister did a super job decorating our room, and it was a wonderful surprise.

The Shangri-La staff knew that I was celebrating a special occasion, and they had a few little treats in store for me. I loved the happy birthday message that was written on the window, and they also left me a scrumptious cake and a handwritten card.

                                             Yummy cake & card courtesy of Shangri-La The Shard

The hotel has 16 floors and starts on the 35th floor. It was amazing to see the views across London in the daytime and in the evening. It was even more sensational at night when everything was lit up. The room had a pair of high-quality binoculars that allowed us to see everything.

                                          A room with a view

The Shangri-La spa didn't disappoint, and I loved every second of it. It's on the 52nd floor, and the infinity pool is the highest in Europe. The water could have been a little warmer, but it was just awesome being up there. The coffee was sensational, and the views were amazing. I was super relaxed and savoured every moment. As someone who loves to run, the sky gym was a must, and I had it all to myself :). 

                                               Spa Time :)

We dined in the hotel's TING Restaurant, which was another sky-high experience. It was comfortable, luxurious and relaxing, and the food was delicious. I had an unforgettable birthday at Shangri-La The Shard, London, and I can't wait to make another visit.

To top off my big birthday, my sister and I went to see Frozen the musical. My sister was working abroad when Frozen was released in the cinema, and I saw it for the first time with her on DVD. We saw Frozen 2 together at the cinema, and seeing the musical was another part of our Frozen journey. I just love that it's a story about sisters :).

                                        Frozen in the West End: Theatre Royal ready

As soon as we left the theatre, it began to snow, and it was completely magical. We joked that Elsa made it snow, and I had another snowy birthday to remember. This time it was my 40th :).

                                           A snowy aftershow on Dury Lane