Who says you need to jet off to the continent to zone out in style? Just 45 minutes from central London, which is more than doable for a day of self-care and serenity, Hertfordshire’s Cottonmill Spa, set within the boutique Sopwell House hotel, is brimming with character, charm – and a collection of relaxing new pamper breaks tailored to restore and recharge. Situated in the leafy, heritage-rich town of St Albans, a short escape to this luxury country house is all you need for a well-deserved day out (or in).

My sister and I are here to test out the Summer Pamper Break. Arriving at 11am, we are greeted with a fruity mocktail before being shown around the luxurious labyrinthine spa. Gleaming water walls, sparkling marble, and soft wood furnishings give the glorious space a tranquil and inviting feel, and we head straight outdoors to lap up the sun in the immaculately landscaped garden. The package includes spa access to The Club at Cottonmill, where we base ourselves on a double-sized cabana within the photogenic spa garden, surrounded by an atmospheric fire pit and inviting hot tubs. From here we explore the deep relaxation room, whisper room, panoramic sauna, and botanical and salt steam rooms, taking our time between each stop to take stock and breathe.

I am treated to an hour of utter indulgence with the Upper Body Bliss treatment. Exactly what it says on the tin, my expert therapist massages my face, head, back, neck and shoulders with a delightful frangipani oil, in one of the most relaxing and restorative massages I’ve had in a while. As soft spa music chimes harmoniously in the background, I slip off into a slumber, totally switched off from mentally manning school runs and ticking off what I need to add to the Ocado shop.

After a bit more dipping and lounging, it’s time for afternoon tea, and we head over to The Brasserie for our much-anticipated selection of sweet treats and sandwiches. We polish off every morsel of the moreish sarnies, from the smoked salmon with horseradish cream cheese, to the roast chicken with chipotle mayonnaise, as well as Burford Brown egg with devilled mayo, plus a cucumber and minted goat’s curd number.

Fresh warm scones strike the perfect balance between chewy, crusty and pillowy, and of course, spark the obligatory cream or jam first debate. Coconut and passionfruit lamingtons, banana caramel chocolate choux, Berryolette yoghurt slices, and rhubarb and white chocolate mousses are just the icing on the cake – all washed down with both prosecco and tea. The literal best of both worlds.

The package also includes an overnight stay in a Plush or Chic bedroom, both of which boast old-school charm with contemporary interior flourishes (and some of the comfiest beds in Hertfordshire). It also includes complimentary access to the indoor pool, two vitality pools, state-of-the-art gym, steam room and sauna, so you can work off your desserts with a little cardio.

For the ultimate in self-care, you could do a lot worse than a break, or day-cation, at the Cottonmill Spa at Sopwell House. Promising blissful respite from the everyday, you’ll book in for the weekend – and want to stay forever.

Spa days at Cottonmill Spa are priced from £105 per person, overnight spa breaks from £630, visit sopwellhouse.co.uk

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