School’s out – cue a lesson in relaxation

You can hear the sigh of relief from Kingsbury to Chigwell and Crumpsall to Childwall. As Jewish schools shut up shop for the summer hols, every teacher sits back for a minute to wait for the sound of silence. It’s not that we don’t love your children, but just as they jump for joy at the thought of a six-week break, inwardly so do we. Of course, a teacher’s work for the next term begins long before pupils try on their new blazers, but hopefully we get to enjoy some empty days of rest before the hard graft begins again.

As a rule, I am not one for relaxing. I’m always on the go, as my students at Yavneh Primary School will tell you, and I feel guilty if I’m not doing something important. My daughter knows this, so when she suggested a spa day, I thought she was referring to Spar supermarket and needed to make a list – but she wasn’t. She was talking about the Cottonmill spa at Sopwell House in St Albans and if there was ever a place that could stop me in my tracks, this is it.

First there was the warm welcome – accompanied by watermelon and raspberry lemonade on the rocks – in a place so tranquil, any thoughts of washing and ironing began to dissipate. Who could think about September lessons amid such calming decor, peaceful lighting and relaxing instrumentals? Certainly not me, as I was being shown the stunning facilities and given a timetable of fitness classes. Hatha yoga? Cycling? Dance, or maybe Pilates? Chana and I pondered the options as we settled into the steaming, undulating waters of a hot tub surrounded by beautiful garden greenery. The stresses of normal life seemed to float away in the scented air.

Out of the hot tub and into soft robes to dry off in the swinging chairs of the Garden Room, where we sipped tea before heading for the Organic Sauna (relaxing, hot and dry) in contrast to the Botanical Steam Room, or the Whisper Room, which enveloped us in nourishing opulent scents for a more cleansing feel. Once horizontal on the vibrating surface of the pod-like lounger in the Deep Relaxation Room the subtle lights, soft music and sensual smells sent me into a light sleep.

Sufficiently rejuvenated, we were ready for lunch, and as it was my vegan daughter’s birthday, it was a relief to see she had a real choice of dishes. There is a varied menu for fish and meat eaters too, but we both had the gorgeous Roasted Squash Salad, followed by piping hot Pesto Fusilli topped with feta and pistachios. As a renowned connoisseur of pesto sauce, it was actually the best I’ve eaten and served by The Pantry staff, who told us the menu is adjusted weekly, but the staff are always polite and attentive. Just like my pupils!

Lunch was followed by a pedicure in a lemongrass-scented salon and I left feeling like I was walking on clouds. With fussed-over feet, I caught up with my daughter swimming in the peaceful indoor pool and then the afternoon just slid away from us before it was time for tea. Light scones, delightful cakes and vegan sandwiches, before some reflection in the Whisper Room, which would be a welcome addition in most schools.

I can’t think of a better place than the Cottonmill spa to mark the end of term and my daughter and I left with slowness in our steps and a peaceful mindset that lingered all the way home. Here’s hoping it lasts until the start of the new term.

The Afternoon Delight at the Cottonmill spa is available Monday – Thursday from £99.

www.sopwellhouse.co.uk