Travel test

WHAT Glass House Retreat – a detox and wellness spa where the emphasis is on caring for your mind, body and emotional balance. Think postpandemic realignment of your habits and purpose.

Spa Days from £90 per person including lunch. One night Spa Break from £193pp based on two sharing a room. glasshouseretreat.co.uk WHERE Peaceful Essex countryside in Bulphan, just minutes from the M25 or 15 minutes in a cab from Upminster station.

EXPERIENCE There are plenty of opportunities to work on rejuvenating your body. The core skincare brand is Image Skincare, which fits right in with the pureness vibe as there are no parabens, phthalates, mineral oils, artificial fragrances or synthetic dyes.

Their enzyme facial peel leaves you with that zingy box-fresh feeling.

Exercise? Choose from the gentle morning walk by the river, to a more strenuous Box Fit or Bootcamp class or a session in the gym. Alternatively, exercise your mind with Meridian Mindfulness or the Sound Bath. A heated indoor pool, natural swimming pond, salt block saunas, a Himalayan salt sauna and a sub-zero cryo chamber are available.

To give your insides a workout, no alcohol, caffeine, meat or dairy is served. As part of the detox experience you just get local, fresh, often organic and unprocessed food, rich in all the good stuff your body needs to be healthy.

QUIBBLES Main meals are included and grazers can order snacks, but a complimentary apple or banana would go down nicely.

VERDICT You quickly get used to strolling around in a fluffy white robe, taking a dip or a class when you fancy it, or even pressing reset with a power doze. Go solo, with a pal or in a group. It’s easy to get chatting in the communal areas or at shared dining tables.

If only a regular mini-break were available on prescription, it would be so good for your mental and physical health.

9/10