Grayshott Spa, Surrey

Grayshott Spa is the perfect place for a spot of pampering and relaxation. Set in 47 acres of gardens and woods, Grayshott oozes peace and tranquillity, and the helpful and courteous staff go out of their way to make sure you reap the benefits before you leave

The philosophy at Grayshott is summed up in their motto: Pax intrantibus Salus exeuntibus which means Peace on arrival Health on departure. Stepping through the doors I was immediately impressed by the calm atmosphere, despite the reception desk being swamped with guests checking in and out. The staff were perfectly polite and dealt with people as quickly as possible, ensuring that I was quickly checked in, and ready to sample all the delights the spa hotel had to offer.

The Garden Room, in which I stayed, was large and very comfortably furnished. There was a lounge area, enormous bed and beautiful en-suite bathroom with both a bath and separate shower. patio doors opened on to a perfectly manicured garden, where rabbits happily chewed on the foliage.

As you would expect from a destination spa, there were two swimming pools (the outdoor one closed for winter), a jacuzzi with hydrotherapy shower, separate male and female steam rooms and saunas and 39 treatment rooms. There was also a well-equipped gym (with power plate) and weights' room, and studio for exercise and relaxation classes. For those who prefer to take their exercise al fresco, there are regular guided walks in the grounds, an indoor and outdoor tennis court, and a nine-hole golf course.

Healthy living

There's little by way of deprivation or denial at Grayshott, with the emphasis on enjoying life, while being as healthy as possible. The food is plentiful and healthy - a simple coloured plate is marked out to show how to balance your meal for the buffet-style lunch, which is served in the graceful Dining Room. The colour-coding encourages portion control, but the vast array of tempting salads and hot and cold dishes can easily lead you astray!

Evenings are a leisurely affair at Grayshott Spa. You can enjoy complimentary canapes and fruit cocktails in Bubbles Bar before your dinner, or even have a glass or two of organic wine either with your meal or in the bar. After dinner there's a talk or film in the Cinema. When I was there the talk was about Emotional detox, where Louise Smart encouraged us to let go of negative emotions and sign up to more intensive face-to-face sessions.

Grayshott Spa offer regular packages where you de-stress, detox or simply indulge. These include a health consultation, and various treatments, or you can book an a la carte break and choose from a variety of treatments. Elaine, the Practitioner, has developed a range of natural therapies and treatments. While I was there, I tried a de-stressing acupuncture session, which was totally relaxing, and their new Ultimate Stress Relief massage, which was unusual in that it involved a stomach massage as well as back and shoulders. Grayshott Spa also offers the traditional range of beauty treatments.

You can also take advantage of the spa area. Helga, the spa manager, is welcoming and very friendly and is knowledgeable about all the treatments on offer. She tucked me into an old-fashioned steam box, where just your head sticks out, and kept an eye on me to see that I didn't overheat. There's something lovely and nostalgic about this treatment, which is basically the same as the steam room, but well worth trying while you're there.

Grayshott Spa is the secret retreat of many celebrities, so you never know who you might meet in the hot tub. Judi Dench, Roger Moore, even Dale Winton are regular visitors, and it's easy to understand why. Once you've sample the Grayshott magic, you'll be hooked for life!

Prices at Grayshott Spa start from £398 per person for a two-night a-la-carte stay. Includes accommodation; all meals; 1 The Classic Grayshott Massage; either 1 refresher facial or 1 back neck and shoulder massage; use of all spa facilities.

To book contact reservations at Grayshott Spa on Tel: 01428 602020, email: reservations@grayshottspa.com or visit: www.grayshottspa.com