For frazzled parents

The Retreat at Elcot Park Berkshire

In a sentence A handsome, red-brick country house with friendly vibes, delicious food and a large spa that’s both near to London and relatively affordable.

Room The classic-meets-playful interiors – think plush velvets, flock wallpaper and mahogany furniture – extend to the bedrooms. Ours was housed in the 1990s wing where camp beds can be slotted in for young kids, while family rooms with bunks are available for older children.

Bathroom treats Plush and full of the hotel’s own-brand aromatherapy products.

Book in for the Gaia Bespoke Massage (£110 for 60 minutes) – especially if you’ve spent the past few years playing ‘mummy horsey’. This incorporates Swedish, deep tissue and aromatherapy techniques. Afterwards, float about in Elcot Park’s watery paradise, the Signet Spa. Natural light floods into the space where loungers surround a central hydrotherapy pool, drummed with gushing jets of water. Nearby rooms include a Himalayan salt sauna and aroma steam room.

Extracurricular activities Raiding the hotel’s (free) snack-filled pantry might give you energy for a fitness class or a visit to the swanky gym. Outside, there’s an 18-metre pool, with jolly striped huts at one end and tall trees trailing shadows across the heated surface.

Breakfast Takes place in the 1772 Brasserie where much-needed caffeine comes in green striped china. Options are plentiful, running from fresh fruits and seeds to a build-your-own bacon sandwich station via warming porridge with honey and fresh berries.

Take-home Interiors inspiration, great family memories and significantly lower cortisol levels.

Good at catering for different clientele – this hotel is great for family breaks, girls’ trips and romantic stays.

Bad at polished service. Elcot Park is more friendly than super-slick.

Cost Rooms from £180; spa days from £150, half spa days from £50, retreatelcotpark.com Sophie Hines