It felt like a celebration – exactly what I had waited for after so long

MY first night away after lockdown began with a man peering through the car window, holding a gun to my forehead. Butterflies somersaulted in my stomach. This was the furthest away from home I had been in months and I felt, let’s be honest, a little bit anxious.

What I should add though is that this man was a porter at luxury hotel Chewton Glen and the gun was a medical instrument being used to take my temperature.

The anxiety I felt was not one of fear, but of the sliver of chance that I might be turned away at the last hurdle. This was irrational thinking knowing I had felt perfectly fine moments earlier. With the nod of his head, my first summer holiday had begun.

Chewton Glen has been closed since March 24. The excitement in reception when I arrived at noon was palpable: lots of people were checking in early and the hotel was close to 95 per cent full.

Many (including all staff) were wearing face coverings; automatic hand sanitizing stations stood at the ready; and each guest was given a pack with gloves, mask and sanitiser – though you’re not required to wear them.

For the most part, there was ample space to stay two metres away with a series of lounges, dining spaces and 130 acres of land; it was just the

‘Excitement in reception when I arrived at noon was palpable: lots of people were checking in early’

narrow corridors between rooms in the main house where you might need to exercise extra caution.

The best part though, is that once I got used to the face masks, it all felt rather normal.

Sure there were QR codes to scan for menus in the bar and the restaurant, and I knew people were washing their hands more than usual – but it still felt like exactly what I had been waiting for after months cooped up. A celebration.

Now the adrenaline has worn off, I can’t wait to dress up for dinner (and not be left with the washing up) and then dive into a beautifully made bed with crisp sheets. I’m told breakfast buffets are a thing of the past, but I never liked them much anyways. Cheers to the new normal.