Your Ultimate Guide to August Bank Holiday Weekend
With memories of the last long weekend officially deteriorated, there’s nothing more important than ensuring the highly anticipated August Bank Holiday is spent wisely... After all, the next one after this isn’t until Christmas (yikes). There's a whole load of activities to get involved with to make the most of the August Bank Holiday Weekend, which is why we’ve put together the ultimate guide to getting through it and still feeling fresh-ish on Tuesday morning.
Friday Night Preps
Whack on the out of office, strut out of work and let the pamper parade begin. The gift of one extra day added onto the weekend comes very rarely, therefore demanding an extra amount of effort to be put into looking and feeling your absolute best. Once you’ve rounded up your weekend crew and a variety of beauty inspiration from Instagram and Pinterest, it’s time to invest Friday night into you.
With Pride Cymru as the epicentre of the weekend, this is the perfect opportunity to splash your nails with as much colour as possible and go all out. Head on over to Laguna Health & Spa, whose creative team can give you a stunning gel manicure or pedicure for £25. Plus, you’re merely a lift journey away from a Friday night tipple in Laguna Bar – G&T anyone?
Get your locks blow-dried and volumized to the max at Mwah on Churchill Way. Their super stylists will give your hair a touch of glamour in no time, and no doubt give you a giggle as well. They’re also renowned for their spray tans and hair extensions if you fancy going all out! ...Psst, Members of our Laguna Gym get 15% off!
Loud and Proud Saturday
The Bank Holiday Weekend is a marathon – not a sprint. Kickstart your Saturday by lining your stomach. Nothing tips the scales of sophistication like a spot of brunch. Head over to Milk and Sugar for something stylish; after all, the entire weekend needs to be insta-worthy. Whether you just want something to nibble on, or a full Welsh breakfast to set you up for the day, the seasonal produce and quirky atmosphere make it perfect for a pre-party pick-me-up.
Once fuelled, brace yourself for Pride Cymru. First and foremost, find an optimal vantage point to watch the infamous parade (unless of course, you’re in it. In which case, go you!). With over 15,000 participants in 2018, it’s very unlikely you’ll miss any of the eccentrics.
With the parade over, it’s time to part-ay! The Pride Festival is full of exciting activities from a Community Market and even a Gin Bar. The festival even has its own comedy stage and several other stages for music – depending on your taste. Be wise and enjoy the funfair rides while the day is young, and you are... alert.
Relax in the Sun-Day
Sometimes the best things in life can be enjoyed from afar... so enjoy the final day of Pride Cymru from Laguna Bar’s secluded sun terrace, which is just across the road. You won’t miss a beat as the music echoes through the tree-lined backdrop of the terrace, watching the shenanigans unfold as you sip guilt-free on your ice-cold Mojito.
You’ll need to keep up your strength to complete the long weekend in one piece, so accompany that (third) Mojito with a delicious Summer inspired dish off Laguna Bar’s Sunday menu. Whether you’re keeping it light with a Toasted Cornish Cod Fish Finger Sandwich or looking to fill up on some real nosh with a Welsh Aged Beef Burger, the selection is extensive, fresh and just plain delicious – perfect to prepare for night #3 of the Bank Holiday Weekend.
Mood Reviving Monday
This is it. The cherry on top. The final flourish. Alarm? Not today, thank you. This is your very own Monday to do whatever you want. Our advice? Spend the day working on your wellness. Avoid any rushing around or stressing. Use this reward of time to feel more in the present so when you do return to work, it’s with a fresh mindset and a healthy attitude (regardless of what else you’ve done this weekend...)
The Laguna Health & Spa specialise in whole well being, focusing their treatments on being mindful to ensure total tranquillity that stays with you even once you’ve headed home.
Opt for something completely bliss-inducing like the ESPA Luxury Retreat package. The tranquil experience focuses your awareness on the present moment. With guided breathing techniques and an ESPA Inner Calm Massage, your mind, body, and soul will be taken on a therapeutic journey. Enjoy a body wrap of Algae or Marine Mud with essential oils as you drift into a state of relaxation with a tension-relieving head massage.
To top it all off, enjoy your me-time with a complimentary chilled glass of bubbly and raise a toast to a mightily successful Bank Holiday Weekend.
Here’s to the next one! *Sleigh bells ring.*
Heading to Cardiff for a non-Bank Holiday weekend? Lucky you! check out our 12 Things to do by Yourself in Cardiff to Relax & Recharge blog.
