If the curse of modern working life is inactivity, leading to stress and poor health, then the opportunities to combat “glued-to-the-desk” syndrome via some top-quality downtime, are now legion.

Targeted primarily at the lucrative corporate and leisure breaks market, the Michelin-starred Lucknam Park, 15 minutes from the M4 and close to the centre of Bath, is a country house hotel with a difference. For while its 41 elegant bedrooms and suites are, on weekdays, regularly occupied by smartly clad conference delegates and support staff from the worlds of finance and broadcasting (it’s second home to Noel Edmonds), the hordes of executives who arrive by private helicopter are vastly outnumbered by more ordinary folk — mainly time-starved professionals, both singles and couples, looking to forget work and domesticity for a couple of days.

A Georgian mansion built in 1720, the property’s 500 acres of listed parkland are an ideal backdrop to activities including archery, clay pigeon and laser clay shooting, pistol shooting, horseriding, sheepdog handling and falconry. Tank-driving and golf facilities are close by.

Lucknam Park is also hot on the latest spa treatments for those who prefer a bit of personal pampering. A Zen spa pedicure or Jessana manicure will set you back £45, while a Top to Toe Day — including full body massage, Clarins make-up session, full facial and two-course lunch — costs £185. A Clarins hydrating facial for men is a snip at £60.

Lucknam Park is no slouch in the gastronomic field either. A three-course dinner currently costs around £50, and later in the year, a three-course lunch with wine and coffee will be available every day at £25 per person.

From a modest £30 upwards, gift vouchers are designed for treating friends and family, as well as for corporate incentives packages.

A two-night Weekend Romance package, including cream tea, gourmet dinner and full English breakfast starts at £360 per night for two sharing a double room.

www.lucknampark.co.uk

01225 742777

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