Finding bliss in the twilight zone
THE PROBLEM
MOST nights I manage only three or four hours sleep – five if I am lucky. I have tried everything from acupuncture to mindfulness to herbal sleeping pills but nothing seems to stop me waking in the early hours to my noisy, rushed thoughts.
THE SOLUTION
FORTY-EIGHT hours of pin-drop quiet at a ‘twilight spa’, hidden in the rolling hills of the Staffordshire countryside. Moddershall Oaks specialises in treatments that promote winding down, preparing the body and mind for a good sleep.
As well as the serenity of the surroundings – picturesque lake, cycle trails and woodland for ‘forest bathing’ – the awardwinning on-site restaurant and luxurious boutique hotel rooms offer the perfect set-up for a weekend intended for nothing but relaxation.
After checking in at 3pm, I am directed to the spa, hydrotherapy pool, reflexology baths and outdoor hot tubs that sit opposite a lounge, complete with roaring fire and sofa.
THE TREATMENT
The ‘twilight’ experience begins at 7pm (after a very delicious, early fish supper) with a paddle in the mega-sized hot tub. It is blissfully peaceful and as I stare at the twinkling stars my mind is noticeably calmer. Then comes my first ‘tranquillity’ treatment – a massage using NEOM products that boast 19 sleep-inducing oils.
I instruct my therapist as to my preferred level of interaction via a questionnaire (no small talk for me, please) and soon sink into the spongy bed while every muscle is nursed to sleep. The massage style is a combination of reflexology and shiatsu, focusing on the pressure points.
Next is a reflexology massage specifically for my feet. Putting my feet to sleep, it would seem, flicks a switch in my head and I am out like a light. The therapist kindly leaves me in my zen-like state for 20 minutes before gently waking me.
Having indulged in a 8pm snooze, I expected to struggle with nodding off at bedtime. But after ten minutes in the steam room – where the air is infused with decongesting eucalyptus milk – my eyelids remain heavy and I retire to my suite where I drift off at 10.30pm to a night of peaceful slumber.
Serenity Spa Evenings at Moddershall Oaks start at £95, including NEOM calming sleep massage. Overnight Serenity Spa breaks start at £345, based on two people sharing a studio suite. All spa breaks include one 25-minute evening treatment, evening meal and breakfast.