By Jennifer O'NeillYou haven’t experienced the most restful sleep of your life until you’ve spent an evening between the sheets at Pennyhill Park Hotel. Located a short drive outside of Central London, in Bagshot, Surrey, this five red-star hotel has mastered the ’Art of Sleep’. You know you are in good hands when you spot the pillow “menu” which allows guests to pre-select their pillow type, with options ranging from soft to firm, as well as custom features such as temperature control and synthetic or natural filling. Although this thoughtful touch will most definitely set the tone for a fabulous stay, it is The Spa at Pennyhill Park, which will literally take your breath away. Spread over 45, 000 square feet, this adult only spa has been lauded by the international press as one of the Best Spa Destinations in the UK.

Based on traditional aboriginal techniques, the Kodo massage was just the remedy I needed after one too many cocktails enjoyed in the cozy Ascot Bar the previous evening. The most unique aspect of this experience was the selection method of the oils to be used during the treatment. The masseuse presented me with 3 different oils to smell and asked me to choose the fragrance I was naturally drawn to, the conclusion being that this would be the “type” of massage my body needed. Not surprisingly I chose the ‘detox’ oils (apparently drinking your way through London DOES have a negative impact on the one’s body). Not to worry, I was in good hands with my skilled masseuse who eased all of my knots and tension, and had me feeling as good as new in no time.

After the massage it was off to enjoy the myriad of indoor and outdoor pools, steam rooms and lounge areas in the main spa area. I started off by flipping through a magazine while laying on a heated ceramic couch in the Tepidarium. It all could have ended right there in a deep snooze, but I was eager to complete the detoxification process through a series of steam rooms of varying temperatures, followed by a brave dip into the Ice Cave. This experience is not for the faint of heart nor the thin-blooded, who would certainly shudder at the idea of stepping inside a chilled room, lined with icy walls, where rubbing crushed ice allover your bikini-clad body is encouraged. I however, am a glutton for punishment and thoroughly enjoyed every second of it.

Lastly, not to be missed during at stay at Pennyhill Park Hotel is the exquisite and fanciful menu of the 4 AA Rosettes Latymer Restaurant, presided over by the eponymous head chef Michael Wignall. To describe the culinary creativity of his work in mere words would not do it justice, as it must be experienced to be understood. But rest assured your taste buds will be sent on a sensory journey of their own.

Pennyhill Park Hotel and The Spa, London Road, Bagshot, Surrey, GU19 5EU +44 (0) 1276 471774

www.pennyhillpark.co.uk