NESTLED among 72 acres of picture-book farmland is the 5H Moddershall Oaks Country Spa Retreat.
A lakeside farmhouse, the hotel and spa boasts 360-degree views of rolling Staffordshire countryside.
Keen to soak up those views, I dumped my bags, marched straight through my Deluxe Suite and out the double doors at the back.
I barely noticed the four-poster bed, huge telly, bathroom filled with Elemis smellies, waterfall shower or stand-alone bath – because there was a private hot tub on my patio.
If there is a better way to enjoy nature than under a crisp winter sky while enjoying a warm soak, I would very much like to see it.
A glass of prosecco is optional . . . but highly recommended.
Slipping into the hotel’s fluffy robe and slippers, I then tried out the spa.
This boasts a panoramic Jacuzzi area with loungers, an open fire and a wood-fired sauna with more views over the rolling Teletubby hills.
Could I get any more relaxed? An Elemis hot-stone massage, followed by facial at the spa, said yes.
With my muscles suitably soothed and my skin squeaky clean, it was surely time for drinks and dinner.
Before food, I unwound in the reading room in front of the open fire, leaving my phone in my room to truly switch off.
Then dinner – mouth-watering baked camembert with dipping bread, delicious burrata salad (yes, more cheese) and sticky toffee pudding.
Next morning, breakfast was a huge full-English with delicious sausages and bacon.
I freely admit I can be a bit of a croissant snob but these were perfectly light and buttery, just as they should be.
Before I left, there was just time to work off breakfast.
I dodged the outdoor boot camp class in the rain in favour of a treadmill indoors.
I mean, those views outside really are fantastic, but I have my limits.
Go: Staffordshire
ONE night’s B&B with dinner at Moddershall Oaks is from £147.50pp based on two sharing.
Find out more or book at moddershalloaks.com.
