The Spa at Breedon Priory is lovely. Nestled in the East Midlands countryside – only an hour from Birmingham (traffic permitting) – and from the moment you arrive day to day life melts away and all you are concerned with is relaxing, moving to another spot to relax, eating great food and then finding another spot to relax.

Our package included day access to the whole spa, a treatment and a two-course lunch. Due to childcare commitments and the need to leave mid-afternoon we opted to have our treatments in the morning, soon after arrival. We both opted for a Tribe517 Peaceful Sanctuary, one of Breedon Priory’s Signature Treatments and it was so good. Therapist Lauren was a marvel and I felt amazing after the hour long back, face and scalp massage. The back massage was just what the doctor had ordered for my increasingly achy body and Lauren clearly went to town on all the knots and honestly I felt completely de-stressed and rejuvenated post massage – a day later I still feel like this.

Post-treatment we of course needed to lay down and so headed to the relaxation room overlooking the outdoor terrace, pools and gardens. We spent a wonderful hour or so gazing out on the horizon, drinking hot drinks and basking in the relaxing smells from the oils used in our treatments. We finally moved but only to make the most of the rest the spa has to offer.

I headed to the heated outdoor pool which I love. Like a cosy bath but with the chill of the day on your face as you gaze out on the horizon. I have to say I’d like to come and hang out in this pool for one of The Spa’s late afternoon/twilight sessions as I suspect the sunset from the pools and the terrace will be pretty special. My friend headed to the steam rooms and saunas to get some heat into her bones and we re-grouped fresh and ready for lunch.

The Terrace Restaurant is the business. None of the light salads you might associate with a spa but fine dining with the best ingredients, much of which is locally sourced. Lunch began with warm Brioche Rolls with Burnt Courgette, Roquefort, Lemon & Chilli Dip which I followed with chicken parfait and spiced fig and my friend crab arancini with samphire. For main course I opted for the most delicious and light salmon and my friend the Mezze Platter featuring Aubergine & Red Pepper Tagine, Spelt Pilaf, Hummus, Crispy Chickpeas, Muhammara, Spring Tabouleh, Flatbread (Vegan). We couldn’t fit in a pudding so headed to the snug – open fire and the best sheepskin blankets ever – for a coffee and the treat of a Ferrero Rocher. Visitors should look out for a beautifully carved wooden box and dare themselves to open it for this treat.

After some post lunch resting, we put in a final effort heading back in to the saunas and steam rooms and then suitably woozy and warm we made our departure. A day well spent. A day of welcoming, warm, luxury, in a lovely location, hosted by the friendliest staff. Make sure The Spa at Breedon Priory is on your list of things to do in 2024, you definitely deserve it.