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I went to Moddershall Oaks and had the best snooze since Christmas Day

Moddershall Oaks has the perfect package to celebrate World Sleep Day

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Moddershall Oaks

There's a quiet room away from the pools, sauna and steam room at North Staffordshire's award-wining spa where I thought I could spend a few minutes to put together this review. A luxuriously comfortable pod, low lights, calming music, atmospheric fire and... zonk. Moddershall Oaks became the land of nod.

It's not really a concept I'd heard of before - a dedicated sleep lounge - where you're literally encouraged to get 40 winks. In fact, mobile phones are banned - at least according to a polite sign on a door rather than any patrolling officer stopping anyone doing the day's Wordle - but any fleeting thoughts of work were soon forgotten as I curled into my own egg-shaped pod as a fellow guest's gentle purrs could be heard from the far corner.

With World Sleep Day approaching on March 14, we all know that we should be getting the holy grail of eight hours a night. But knowing that and getting it are different stories and judging by those who had headed to the sleep lounge, like me, it was surprisingly easy to get a catnap on a Tuesday afternoon surrounded by half a dozen dozing strangers than it sometimes feels in my own bed. It was like a post-Christmas dinner time out without any of the washing up

In fact, Moddershall Oaks has the perfect package to celebrate World Sleep Day, as I doubt there are many of us who don't dream of just getting a few more minutes of quality shut-eye. Unsurprisingly, it's all about relaxation, designed to help guests unwind and reset when life gets too much.

Had my partner not come to find me, I'd have no doubt slept straight through my 1pm treatment appointment. I had chosen a 25-minute Neom wellbeing massage but there's a 50-minute option too.

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The sleep lounge at Moddershall Oak(Image: Jon Thorne Photography Limited)

It started with a reflex foot massage which seems to have helped my niggling plantar fasciitis as I continue to struggle through the Couch to 5k running programme.

Then there's a warm candle oil which, when first applied, almost creates a momentary burning sensation but quickly leaves your skin feeling soft and nourished. The massage then switched to easing the tension in the neck, back and shoulders. Expert fingers seemed to hone in on the knots, an aching testament to 15 years of working at a desk. It hurt but in a really good way.

Moddershall Oaks offers a variety of treatments ranging from 25 minutes (costing around 50 if not included in a package) to hour-long sessions to really ease away any stresses. There's a good mix of beauty treatments for face and body as well as massages, reflexology and even options tailored for pregnancy and menopause.

My unscheduled nap came after a morning spent lazing in the outdoor heated pool on a sunshine-filled but bitingly cold February morning with views of the rolling Staffordshire countryside. Added to Moddersall Oaks in 2014, this state-of-the-art spa extension, which also includes a courtyard terrace and sauna cabin is the heart of the retreat. There's a waiter service delivering drinks to the poolside, so there's no need to make a mad dash to the on-site cafe for a cocktail, mocktail or smoothie (or two).

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The duck liver parfait

Our package also included a two-course meal at the Oak Restaurant where the incredibly friendly staff were only too happy to help as we mulled over healthy and hearty options on the menu, with tantalising dishes ranging from slow braised Staffordshire beef to roasted cauliflower and potato balti.

We both plumped for the duck liver parfait for starters which I followed up with a buttery rich seabass. The partner chose a pulled beef brisket pie. Both felt decadent and delicious. The top-notch customer service with a view over the pretty little lake made our experience even better.

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The pulled beef brisket pie

Satiated, we decided to spend the remainder of our day at the hotel's indoor spa which boasts a swimming pool, hydrotherapy pool, tropical experience shower and reflexology footbaths. My top pick was the eucalyptus-infused steam room. The scent helped clear the last vestiges of a cold, a little like 'relaxing in a eucalyptus forest' rather than 'falling face first in a tub of Vicks Vaporub.'

Even though there were quite a few people at the spa, it never felt crowded due to its sprawling layout and many hidden corners. For those wanting to be more active, there's also an onsite wellness centre with a well-equipped gym as well as a spin room and space for yoga, kettlebell and HIIT classes upstairs. There are also bikes to borrow for free if you want to explore on two wheels.

Moddershall Oaks provided the perfect blend of wholesome wellness and well-deserved indulgence. It embodied the idea that self-care isn't just about giving things up, but also about comfort and relaxation.

The owners clearly pride themselves on creating a welcoming atmosphere for guests and this really shines through throughout our stay.

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Moddershall Oaks, near Stone(Image: Moddershall Oaks Country Spa Retreat)

After eight hours spent flitting between the different areas, having my shoulder knots kneaded and a delicious meal, it was time to head home for the day - or in the case of my football journalist partner, the 20-minute drive to the bet365 Stadium.

And after two halves of utter dross and Stoke City slumping to a 3-1 defeat, the man who was a spa-sceptic some 12 hours earlier sent a WhatsApp on the final whistle: 'When are we going back to Moddershall Oaks?'

How to book

• Based near Stone, Moddershall Oaks Country Spa Retreat is a very short drive from Stoke-on-Trent.
• Spa day packages start from 120 per person.
• For further information and to book visit moddershalloaks.com.

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