After more than a year with a few days out the extent of our leisure activities we finally packed our bags for a weekend away.

And with travel abroad replete with so many potential pitfalls we chose to stay in the UK–and relatively close to home at that.

But where better to unwind and rejuvenate that the historic city of Bath–not that far over the county border but in many ways a lifetime away.

This is an elegant city full of traditional heritage, contemporary culture, green spaces and a few surprises.

Built for pleasure and relaxation, beautiful Bath has been a wellbeing destination since Roman times.

The waters are still a big draw, both at the ancient Roman Baths and the thoroughly modern Thermae Bath Spa, which houses the only natural thermal hot springs in Britain you can bathe in.

Bath’s compact, visitor-friendly centre is overflowing with places to eat and drink, plus some of the finest independent shops in Britain, making it the ideal city break.

And the city’s stunning honey-coloured Georgian architecture is unlike any other.

And nestled in one of those stunning’ Georgian terraces is the boutique Hotel Indigo Bath.

As soon as we stepped inside we knew we had chosen well. Stylish yet relaxed it displayed neither the stuffiness nor the impersonal characteristics of so many so called ‘luxury’ establishments.

The Grade one listed building is steeped in history and sits in the peaceful street of South Parade, yet you are just steps away from the centre of Bath.

Sights such as the Roman Baths and Pulteney Bridge are under five minutes’ stroll away, the train station is just down the street, and a public car park lies directly opposite.

The 166 rooms reflect the influences of the architects and novelists who made Bath famous for its story telling and passionate social scene.

Dating back to the 18th Century, this Georgian townhouse has many tales to tell.

From its days as 12 separate town houses it boasts lodgers such as Sir Walter Scott, William Wilberforce, The Duke of Kingston and the Duke of York, amongst many other prominent historical figures.

Bedrooms are themed. Romance & Mischief rooms have a playing cards motif. Architectural Beauty rooms feature faux ceiling roses as headboards and wallpaper patterned with neo-classical arches.

Literary Hideaway rooms have reproduction books on Bath as headboards.

After dropping our bags we strolled into the city centre for a spot of shopping and sightseeing.

The city is home to an array of fascinating museums, such as No. 1 Royal Crescent, where you can experience life as a Georgian in Bath, or the unique Museum of East Asian Art, the UK’s only museum solely dedicated to the arts and cultures of East and South East Asia.

But this is a lively, thriving city where ancient history and Georgian elegance sit comfortably alongside a decidedly twenty-first-century cosmopolitan buzz. There are hundreds of restaurants and cafés serving everything from Michelin-starred gourmet dishes to simple, satisfying street food but we were eager to sample the fare in The Elder restaurant back at the hotel and it didn’t disappoint.

Actually, this stylish space specialising in game delivered one of the best meals I have had in years and it is more than reasonably priced.

It was a wonderful way to round of a busy and fulfilling day.

The city has a varied and extensive nightlife but we were happy to head to our luxury room and sleep off the miles we had clocked up over the day.

Breakfast the next morning was again more than we expected and set us up superbly for a second day out and about.

Bath proved a great choice and the hotel added to the success of the much-needed break from the strictures of our Covid world.

Hotel Indigo Bath has everything you want in a hotel and Bath has everything you want for a city break. So give both a go.

Don’t just take my word for it. The hotel has been shortlisted as a finalist in the prestigious Bristol, Bath and Somerset Tourism Awards in the New Tourism Business Award category.