It is on the doorstep but feels a world away from the stresses of everyday life. Lauren Everitt took time out to enjoy the ultimate luxury on a relaxing spa weekend at Center Parcs in Elveden.

Nestled away in a thick forest is a hidden retreat where people can balance the stresses and strains of day-to-day life that can leave you feeling like you’re about to burn out.

Aqua Sana, the state-of-the-art spa at Center Parcs, Elveden, just off the A11, is in a prime location to recharge the batteries.

It is a haven of serenity where people walk around in quilted robes and slippers with an inner calmness.

Myself and my guest, a busy mum-of-three, in need of some time out, were fortunate enough to enjoy a luxury overnight stay in one of the spa suites with direct access to the spa itself.

On arrival, we were welcomed with a glass of Prosecco and shown to our spa suite, which was out of this world. The online photographs did not do the suite justice – a large living room with flat-screen TV, Blu-ray player and feature fireplace, kitchen with coffee machine, fridge filled with chocolate-dipped strawberries, vegetable crisps and sweet chilli rice cakes, a spacious shower with jets from all sides, double sinks with mirrors, a twin bedroom, and outside decking with a cosy swinging basket seat.

But the piece de resistance was undoubtedly an enormous bath tub (with a flat-screen TV) to chill in with a filling of bubblebath. Having unpacked our weekend bags, we wandered through to Aqua Sana in our fluffy robes and slippers to discover the experiences on offer – and there were plenty to choose from.

We were spoilt for choice, from the Indian Blossom Steam Room inspired by the ambience of a maharaja’s palace, the Japanese Salt Steam Bath to boost the respiratory system and the warm, dry Tyrolean Sauna, to the Greek Herbal Bath, Balinese Multi-Steam Bath and Turkish Hammam.

To boost the experience further there are four reflexology foot-baths, multi-sensory showers with different-temperature water, light and scents, and if you are feeling particularly brave, ice fountains to stimulate the circulation, lymphatic and immune systems.

All of the experience rooms, set over two floors, are spread around a large outdoor heated spa pool where you can float around, swim a length or two or lie back and relax under the sky. There are massage jets to stimulate your neck and shoulders, as well as three Jacuzzi booths where you can stand and let the bubbles relax your muscles and forget your worries.

While we were already incredibly relaxed, we were treated to a 55-minute treatment each. I opted for an Elemis Face and Body Sensation (£79) with a wonderful warm stone massage, combined with a prescribed revive-and-refresh booster facial to restore radiance.

The massage started from the tips of my toes, went up the length of my legs and across my neck, back and shoulders, and was applied with the perfect pressure. It was followed by a consultation on my facial cleansing habits and skin type to determine the best products to use. My skin was beautifully soft and glowing.

My friend chose to have a Decléor Aromatherapy Mind and Body Re-energiser (£75) with a heavenly aromatherapy massage and a facial to melt away stress and ease tense, tired muscles to unwind the body and leave her with renewed energy.

Our relaxing weekend at Aqua Sana definitely gave us the chance to kick back, rewind and forget about the daily stresses of life.