The sound of birdsong woke me early Wednesday morning and the gentle filtering of light through the curtains gave me at least some idea of what time it might be. It was early though, my alarm had not yet gone off and there was no sound of activity either in the garden outside or in the corridor I laid there for a moment, enjoying the crispness of clean sheets and mussed on whether to get up and in the pool. The idea of a whole day off was really quite a novelty. Breakfast was not scheduled til eight so with a carpe diem moment I peeled the covers back, grabbed my swim stuff and was out of the door before my brain could kick in and convince me that another hour in bed was what I really wanted.
The hall was quiet, few early risers and only a handful of staff going about their business. I strolled down the corridor, down the stairs, through the central lobby and into the pool changing rooms. I had forgotten how lovely it is to be up and about early when the day is starting, the sun is shining and the air is still and full of possibilities. Fifty lengths of the pool later, I was ready for my breakfast. Suddenly the pre-ordered light-weight detox option was feeling like a mistake. 
I had pre-ordered my breakfast the previous afternoon - as all guests are obliged to do - and it seemed like a good idea at the time. Spa break equals healthy eating equals vigour, energy and weight loss. My skin would glow, my brain would spark, I would be a new woman. But as I sat the table in my room contemplating the green tea, fruit quinao and oat smoothy on the tray infront of me I suffered a serious bout of doubt. My companion picked up her croissant, took a sip of coffee.....and smirked.