Being tired and stressed is a horrible feeling, and sometimes the only cure is a bit of pampering. After a series of mini-disasters ranging from lost suitcases to impossible deadlines, I was ready for a treat and found it at the Sequoia spa at The Grove hotel in Hertfordshire

The first thing that struck me as I drove up to The Grove was how grand the building was. The 18th century building was once the home of the Earls of Clarendon and is set in 300 acres of parkland and open countryside. Although you're just minutes off the M25, you feel like you're a world away as the peace and charm of the place works its magic.

Swimming in a stable

The old stable blocks have been beautifully converted to house the Sequoia spa, and there's a lovely peaceful feel to the place. The mix of a huge metal sculptured wall outside and natural wood and stone inside complement each other and fit with the mix of old and new.

It's light and airy everywhere you look and the changing rooms are well-stocked with ESPA goodies. As you'd expect, there's a stunning swimming pool. Built in a colonnaded oak barn that blends in with the original buildings, the pool itself is lined with black mosaic tiles, making it look as if you're swimming in black water.

For the water babies among us, there's also a vitality pool with water jets that massage different parts of your body with salty water - which apparently draws toxins from your skin. There are also steam rooms and a sauna, as well as a Jacuzzi, although on the day I visited, the steam room by the swimming pool wasn't working - the only aroma from it was one of wet dog - not quite as relaxing as the promised aromatherapy oils!

ESPA facial

After a swim and a wallow in the Jacuzzi, I was ready for some serious relaxing, so I headed off to sample the newest facial on offer - the ESPA Super Active Calming and Soothing Facial. My skin was red and patchy and dehydrated, so I was more than ready for it to be calmed and soothed.

A facial is a great way to feel pampered without breaking the bank (although this one is an expensive treat). As your face is exposed to all the elements almost all the time, it takes its fair share of abuse, and the deep cleansing and massage of the facial give it a much-needed boost.

In the ESPA facial, soothing oils are used to calm the skin, and then specially selected rose quartz crystals are rubbed over your face to aid healing. It also improves circulation and strengthens capillary walls, and my colour certainly looked much more even by the end of the treatment. It is 90 minutes of pure heaven!

Swaddled in warm towels, lying on a heated bed, the only thing bothering me was my snoring that kept waking me up! Other than that the gentle cleansers and oils did exactly what they promised and I emerged sleepy but glowing at the end of it.

I headed straight for the women's relaxation room and reclined on one of the beds. Even the stress of a lost suitcase seemed minor, just a mere blip. Maybe airlines should take note and offer free spa treatments to passengers whose bags they mislay!

Making a day of it

You can linger at the spa, or make a weekend of it and stay at the hotel. There are fitness and exercise studios if you're a gym bunny, with pilates and yoga classes as well as circuit training and aerobics.

There's also a walled garden which is transformed for the summer months into a beach setting. Residents of the hotel and day spa guests can enjoy this relaxing area complete with sand, beach huts and beach concierges to help you enjoy your experience. There's even a sand sculptor in residence to show you how to build the perfect sandcastle.

Need to know

For more information and current prices go to www.thegrove.co.uk

The Grove,
Chandler's Cross,
Hertfordshire,
WD3 4TG

The ESPA Super Active Day Spa package at Sequoia is £275 and includes:

• full use of all spa facilities including the walled garden
• a two-course lunch in the Garden Room
• Super Active facial
• Skin hydrator body wrap
• a Complex gift

The ESPA Super Active Facial on its own is £140

To gain access to the walled garden, you need to book a minimum of two hours worth of treatments at Sequoia.