KATHERINE MACalister dips into a huge glass of Pimms and rediscovers the lost art of relaxation...

Maybe I was taking this relaxing business a bit too seriously I mused as I nursed the most enormous Pimms I’d ever encountered, while slumped in the comfiest chair on Earth in the drawing room/bar at Lords Of The Manor Hotel in The Cotswolds.

The four-star hotel in Upper Slaughter, near Stow-On-The-Wold, brags that it’s “a haven for those afflicted with the deeply unfashionable desire to do nothing but sink into a large sofa with a drink and a book”. Tick.

“You won't find a gym, a jogging track or a jacuzzi here,” the advice continues. “Some guests have been known, occasionally, to break into a brisk walk within the gardens. At certain times of day, the noise levels in the restaurant and bar will reflect the convivial effect of fine food and wine.” Tick “Our service takes its cue from the idyllic surrounds. Without intruding on the peace and relaxation of your stay, you will find that a drink, a newspaper and a menu are always close to hand. Whatever you are escaping from, you will breathe a sigh of contentment on arrival here. On warmer days, you might be drawn to the shade of a pear tree in the walled gardens, or a restful bench by the lake.” Tick.

What a well-behaved guest I was.

But I was only doing what I was told. Any more relaxed and I might need hospitalising. In fact, after eating my own body weight in Michelin-starred food in the wonderful in-house restaurant and then managing the cheese board as well, it was a wonder I made it up the stairs. Yup, exercise is for wimps. Bring on the liqueurs.

But then, this is what so many people want when they get away for the weekend. No appointments in the spa to keep, no golf days, yoga lessons, murder mystery weekends or city break packages to contend with. No flights, airports or motorways to battle. Just a drive north of Oxfordshire and Bob’s your uncle – unadulterated decadence right on your doorstep. And with this 17th-century former Rectory, country-house hotel, complete with muti-million-pound refit, why not?

But what really won us over at The Lords Of The Manor, was the ability to just be, albeit in the most luxurious surroundings. From the four-poster bed, to drinks on the terrace, we relaxed hard.

And no, it’s not cheap, but it’s that indulgence, that once-a-year treat if you can, coupled with its on-the-doorstep closeness to Oxford that makes it so deliciously... sexy.

Factfile: The Lords of the Manor Upper Slaughter Gloucestershire GL54 2JD Tel: 01451 820 243 l reservations@lordsof- themanor.com l lordsofthemanor.com Current Special Offers include: Seductive Sunday which includes Champagne, afternoon tea on arrival, one night’s luxury accommodation, room service, dinner from the a la carte menu, bottle of Champagne and home-made chocolates in the room costs £175 per person based on two people sharing a Cotswold room Cotswold Hideaway Package * Overnight Accommodation in a Cotswold Room * A traditional afternoon tea on arrival * Dinner from our a la carte menu * Full Cotswold breakfast the following morning * Two tickets to Blenheim Palace * £149 per person (offer is inclusive of VAT, subject to availability and is based on two guests sharing a Cotswold Room. Upgrades are available at a supplement).