USP “Le credit crunch” has its perks. Who needs a week on the Riviera? Forget about the jet lag, angry queues, lost luggage and smugly book a deeply luxurious break at a five-star hotel in Terminal 5.

Ambience Our wish list was simple; stylish atmosphere, at least one massage, and light, tasty food. We got it all. Understated splendour, with flashes of bold and beautiful interior design. Giant leather chairs, a pebbled Zen garden and a huge water fountain within spacious chic serenity.

The Espa spa was woody, exotic and candle-lit. A cosy labyrinth of treatment rooms led to a stunning hydro-pool. There are five treatment rooms, a hydro suite, including vitality pool, aromatherapy steam room, sauna and relaxation area. And if one is low on Botox, there's the West London Skin Clinic down the corridor (Botox, moi?).

Quality of experience Having chosen my own perfume to scent the oils, the therapist asked me how I was feeling on a scale of one to ten. Four. No surprises that I ended up a glorious ten after feet exfoliation, body brush, a hot stones massage, marine mud wrap and Indian head massage. Those chakra stones really did a good job on our balance as both daughter and I met in a haze of mellow in the pool.

Our highly-trained therapists were passionate about giving the best possible experience. With so much focus on relaxation, we bonded easily. The anxieties (mine) and excitement (hers, mostly) of the separation ahead magically disappeared as we just became “us” again.

Products We were given going-home cards listing all the Espa products that had been used. I bought a much-needed Replenishing Face Treatment Oil (£46), and Hannah had the 24-hour Balancing Complex (£31).

Food and drink The spa serves only healthy herbal tea concoctions and, as detoxing wasn't a priority, we ordered cocktails from the Library bar: a Hurricane (rum and fruit) for her; a comforting Periodista (apricot, brandy, cointreau and lime) for the more stately mother. The Michelin star chef Albert Roux is at the helm of all five restaurants, so you can't go wrong.

In-crowd The Ryder cup team. Apparently David Beckham likes to drive himself into the huge car park and walk up, unnoticed, into the lobby. (Unnoticed? yeah.) Albert Roux stays once a month. Sir Cliff Richard opened the hotel. Top billing for me would have to be the sighting of Will Smith, the actor.

Wallet watch Anyone can go to the spa. A day costs £25 for use of all the facilities, although this is free if you book a treatment. A one-night weekend stay in a double room (room-only basis) starts from £129. A 55-minute facial costs £80; a 55-minute manicure £70. I had the Sofitel Spa Signature treatment, which lasted two hours and 50 minutes and cost £240.

Need to know Sofitel, Terminal 5, Heathrow Airport, www.sofitel.com , 020-8757 7777; enquiries@sofitelheathrow.com. For details of the spa: 020-8757 7741. West London Skin Clinic, www.westlondonskinclinic.com

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