A full itinery was planned for this special day starting with a frantic drive down to the Devon coast. It was meant to be a leisurely drive but we were told by the Burgh Island Hotel that in order to ensure that the causeway would still be open for us to cross over to the island, we needed to be there by 13.40. Saboohi relished the opportunity to push my little Porsche to it's limit and she certainly did that with constant speeds over 100 mph. We arrived at Bigbury-on-Sea in brilliant sunshine and the island shone like a jewel in the sea as we drove down to the beach - absolutely beautiful. A landrover was sent to pick us up and take us across to the island as the sea was still out and the causeway was full of walkers, kite flyers and dogs. We had lunch in the ancient Pilchards Inn which is the only other building on the island other than the Hotel and Church and then booked into our room. We were staying in The Beach House, the best room in the Hotel that is set into the side of the cliff on the island and looks out across the sea to Bigbury. In the 1920's and 30's it was the favourite haunt of Agatha Christie (she wrote 2 books here)and Edward and Mrs Simpson. It is a proper house and has seperate bedroom, kitchen, living area and shower room and bathroom. A fantastic hideaway. We had a bottle of champagne awaiting our arrival and then I had a massage and manicure booked for Saboohi at 17.00 in the Hotel. Before the massage however Saboohi wanted to try out the Hotel's Mermaid Pool. It is a natural lagoon that forms part of the island and boy was it cold. Saboohi threw herself in but it was just too cold for me. At the Burgh Island Hotel everyone dresses up for Dinner, evening dresses for the ladies and bow ties and evening suits for the gentlemen. It is so rare to dress up these days that it was a real treat and Saboohi looked beautiful in a long dark blue evening dress and plenty of bling! We started with a VERY strong Singapore Sling in the bar which blended very nicely with the bottle of Bollinger! The dinner was, needless to say, delicious. I had ordered a Birthday Cake for Saboohi (see photo) which was brought in by the Chef with a firework on top and accompanied by a number of waiting staff singing Happy Birthday! To finish off this very special day we went out onto the hotel terrace to light 5 Chinese Lanterns, one for each of Saboohi's 10 years and a final lantern for Saboohi to make a wish. A magical end to a memorable day. Happy Birthday Saboohi! Here's to the next 40. xx
