So Spabreaks.com has been making videos, and naturally I was obliged to go along for the filming to make sure they did it correctly.  On this occasion we were at Bailiffscourt Hotel and Spa, talking about stress… which I must tell you became a distant memory as soon as we arrived at this rather spectacular destination.

I was accompanied by my colleague Vicky (Spabreaks.com’s Marketing Manager) and our filmmaker Ed… who’s a useful fellow in these sorts of situations. Thankfully the weather heard about our trip and cooperated as well, with glorious sunshine for our day and made for an extensive wander around the gardens which are really quite remarkable.  I got the surprise of my life however when we came across their pet peacock – I mean a spa bear is one thing, but a peacock?  I felt quite upstaged!

The hotel is close to the beach in West Sussex, which always adds another dimension to the relaxation experience – it’s about five minutes away on foot normally, but there’s a cut through from the gardens as well which makes it all a little easier.  They do picnics in the summer which you can take to the beach – I am thinking of going back with Paddington when the summer is a little warmer.

The the main hotel is a historic looking building, although it is actually rather new and has been done extremely well – you see, it was owned by Lord and Lady Guinness and she was obsessed with medieval history so that’s where the design comes from.  It has low ceilings however, in true medieval style, which Ed struggled with at 6’6, having to duck everywhere he went… you will be pleased to know it didn’t hinder me in the slightest.  There are also lots of outbuildings for accommodation however, which have also all been designed to look older.  There’s even a chapel on site, so it’s rather like your own little village!

The spa is also in an outbuilding but this time it’s modern and designed like a converted barn with lots of beams and exposed wood, which makes it suitably relaxed and very peaceful.  I can’t however, emphasise enough how wonderful the outside spaces are – the outdoor pool and hot tub for example are a joy to behold (and to use) even when the weather is gloomy.  There is also a small gym, but I am not a fan; I can’t keep up with the treadmills.

From London it doesn’t take long to get there so it’s an ideal weekend getaway, and it’s also incredibly romantic – lucky me being there with Vicky, she’s wonderful.

Anyway, it’s not all relaxing for me, some of us have to work – here’s what we came up with…

VISIT BAILIFFSCOURT HOTEL AND SPA