Such interludes were rare, however: the wellness team put together a packed schedule including gym classes, physiotherapy for my many injuries, Padel tennis, evening stargazing and a facial skin analysis for the pair of us. Ava was found to be defying the ageing process by a year, while I was celebrating an early 50th. Cue more laughter as we were shown a horrifying digital rendering of our faces at 80.

If any of these various tests do throw up a health issue, physical injury or aesthetic concern, there are therapists here who can work on improving it. The best medicine for us, though, was just chatting as we watched the sun set over the beach each night. I can’t say we’re perfect, and I certainly can’t turn back time to Ava’s childhood – but our relationship does feel different now, improved and re-energised somehow. We had the sort of conversations that you only have outside of the everyday domestic bubble, when there is, frankly, very little pressure to do much of anything besides just be. It was all, really, rather liberating.

Wasn’t it, Poppin?

Essentials

Matt Hampton was a guest of Healing Holidays (020 3372 6945), which offers five nights from £1,799 per person (full board, based on two sharing), or from £4,299 per family of four, including transfers from Doha and a personalised programme of treatments and therapies. Zulal Wellness Resort (00974 4477 6500) has rooms from £376 per night (full board), including treatments and therapies.