HOURS
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aroline, my sister, has been an unending
source of support, particularly in my fi rst year
of motherhood, so I am thrilled when we hatch
a plan to have some much-needed R&R away from kids,
work and household chores, passing the reins to the
capable hands of our husbands.
Setting o on our road trip to the West Sussex coast with
one small bag and not a nappy in sight, I feel light, excited and
a little like I have lost a limb. We head straight for Climping
beach, where we grab a co ee from the cafe and take a
long stroll, stretching our tired limbs along the shingle
coastline, breathing in the salty air and listening to the
ocean roaring at our feet. Too cold to take a dip, we make our
way to our sumptuous country escape just a stone’s throw
along a secret path from the beach to Baili scourt Hotel
& Spa; a medieval-style house and tranquil spa built in 1927.
Donning robes, we make a beeline for the spa, built in the
style of a Sussex barn with exposed beams and fl oor-to-ceiling
windows. After lunch, we natter and catch up on each other’s
lives in the outdoor pool and Jacuzzi before enjoying a ‘drift
away’ top-to-toe massage with a dreamy blend of essential
oils. Our room for the night, Baylies, is fi t for a king. We spark
up the wood-burning stove in our palatial quarters, with its
antiques and Tudor paintings, and pop open a bottle of fi zz.Delightful decadence
Fire crackling, we sink into the sofas and relax. It feels
wonderful to spend time with my best friend and be so well
taken care of after giving every last ounce of myself to my
baby girl. In the morning, I indulge in a deep, bubbly bath
in the roll-top tub before we explore the stunning 30-acre
grounds, 13th-century chapel, main house and cottages.
In the afternoon, despite the drizzle, we wrap up and head to
nearby Littlehampton for more seaside walking and talking.
We stop for lunch at the iconic East Beach Cafe, designed
by Thomas Heatherwick, with spectacular views of the
beach, then, feeling recharged, we bid farewell to this
restorative place, ready to take on the world again.C
Royal
treatment
Laura stayed at
Baili scourt Hotel
& Spa. Rooms cost
from £229 per night,
based on two
sharing a classic
double. To book, see
hshotels.co.uk or
call 01903 723511.the retreat
APRIL 2020PSYCHOLOGIES MAGAZINE 111