Last week I asked on Facebook what moms most miss about LBK (Life Before Kids), and about 95% of you said sleep, or time to bath, or go to the bathroom without your toddler dragging you by the leg, or more reading time.

And I know we can’t go back to those days, nor would we want to, but even though we feel a bit guilty/time-pressed/restricted, I think “me time” is as important as the time we give to our kids. In fact, in an interview with”Supernanny” Jo Frost recently, she strongly advised: “Make sure that as a parent, you take time out for yourself as well because you are doing yourself and your toddlers no favours if you can’t take care of the mother ship yourself. Have a night out with your husband. Have a night out with just the girls. Take time out and don’t feel guilty for it.”

But we don’t need experts to tell us that, do we? Which is why this “expert” (me) decided to take up the offer of a night away, and went just 5km away from my home to Clico Boutique Hotel in Rosebank. I had had a particularly tough week, and I just wanted to have a nap, read my book and magazines, and do “nothing” (which is everything).

The small hotel is set in the lush and quiet part of Rosebank, yet it’s close to the shops and Gautrain station. Clico ticked all the boxes – and more – for me when it comes to hotels. The service was friendly but not overbearing (I’ve often had awkward and painfully long conversations with guesthouse owners and staff), the room was luxe with a king-size bed, large bath, Charlotte Rhys toiletries, satellite TV, minibar, free wifi (unlimited, and no catches) magazines, towelling gown, underfloor heating and in-room dining (more about this later).

There was also a kettle, tea and coffee, with a plunger for more than just instant. There was also fresh milk in the fridge – this might not sound like a biggie, but for me it’s always a sign of a great establishment when you don’t have to use powdered milk.

And despite my plans to read and flick through channels that don’t involve kids’ cartoon characters or men dressed up everything on CBeebies, I had a nap. Then a cup of tea. Followed by magazine reading, movie watching, and one of the most divine four-course-meals (I declined the fifth course) I’ve had in ages, each course paired with a different wine.

I had the option of eating in the dining room, but chose to eat in the room. i felt like Julia Roberts in her hotel in the movie Pretty Woman (um, minus the body, long hair, wealthy Richard Gere, and the nature of our work).

The next morning, after a brilliant sleep, I went for a run in the ‘burbs, and then it was back to a great hotel breakfast. And less than 24 hours later, I was back home. Feeling like I had snatched a “holiday” in a short time, and feeling more rested, relaxed and read than I have in a long time.

Clico’s rates start from around R1 300 per single, and R1 700 for double, including breakfast, per night. Bookings can be made for dinner or high tea (both are highly recommended if you’re wanting a treat, but can’t get away for a night).

Clico is at 27 Sturdee Avenue. For more info, call 011 252 3300, or email them here.