We have just returned from a short stay in Norfolk with two of our dearest friends.

They had intended taking their whole family but, as happens when children reach the teenage years, the thought of several days away with parents didn’t appeal to them.

As soon as a spare room became available they called to invite us to join them. We had thought that we would be staying in a modest cabin somewhere in the middle of Thetford Forest, but when we arrived we were more than surprised by what we saw.

Each room had an en-suite bathroom and the luxury chalet had its own hot tub, sauna, and steam room.

Needless to say, we made the most of the facilities on offer and started each day with a dip in the hot tub. Then, after lunch, we relaxed in the spa bath. And to round the day off, you guessed it; we had another soak in the hot tub.

There was a list of rules on display next to the hot tub and we took the time to read as we slowly turned into prunes. It informed us that that we should not take sessions for more than 15 minutes at a time. We weren’t sure how you could suffer from having too many bubbles, so we stayed in a little longer.

We were also warned not to have any drinks, alcoholic or otherwise, while in the hot tub. The fact that the unit was made with drinks holders made this one a little difficult to obey.

Lastly, we were told not to stay in the water should there be a thunderstorm. The weather was good, but had there been any lightning I feel sure we would have got out of the hot tub in record time.

This incredible invention seemed to represent to us the height of luxury with the minimal amount of effort. At least if you go to the swimming pool you have to earn your enjoyment with at least the smallest inclusion of exercise. Even in the sauna you are, in theory at least, losing weight while you sweat.

The hot tub, however, is all about sitting. It is the waterlogged equivalent of the reclining chair. Still, we enjoyed our time sitting in the hot, bubbly, water.

When we returned home, after unpacking, we looked at our humble bath tub and sighed as we remembered the holiday spa bath.

“Its just not the same,” said Mrs M, sounding a little disappointed.

“At least you can spend longer than 15 minutes in our bath,” I replied, trying to be positive.

“Can I stay in if there is a thunderstorm?” asked my bride.

And with that thought we concluded that it was good to be home!