The Grove *****

Once upon a time a Londoner in dire need of a change-up ventured to the heart of Hertfordshire for 24 hours of fairytale R and R… Venture through 300 acres of magical forest before stumbling across an enchanting world. Here you and your plus one will wander the walled garden, soak in a glimmering pool and have food from across the globe conjured up before your very eyes. Finally, you’ll clamber into your bed and settle in for a restful sleep without any of that princess and the pea multiple-mattresses malarkey. It’s a happily ever after, without ever having to leave the expansive grounds of your very own castle.

What to expect:

🏛️ Step through the doors of an ultimate five-stars retreat and look up at the abstract artworks that hang from the ceiling as you find your way to your room for the night

🏊 Don the fluffiest robe in Hertfordshire before hunkering down in the spa

💆 Switch between sweating it out in the sauna, taking a dip in the pool and bubbling up in the hot tub

🍽️ Pop on some mansion house-appropriate glad-rags and descend to a dinner where the world is your oyster: think sushi, wood-fired pizza, pasta cooked right in front of you and actual oysters, too (add-on)

🥂 Wash it down with a bottle of Champagne and if that’s still barely touched the sides, head for some chocolate-covered strawberries (add-on)

🍳 Start your day with breakfast at the Glasshouse restaurant: though people in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones, they should chow down on runny eggs, crispy bacon and all your favourite brekky treats