Spa review: Champneys Health Farm, Tring

Before my final treatment, I head for lunch, which at Champney's is serious business indeed. Plates are marked with separate areas for protein, fat and carbohydrate and guests can help themselves to the salads and different hot dishes on offer. I opt for a tasty salmon and salad followed by fruit for pudding. It is delicious, but I try to hold back, I don't want to be too full before my massage. And more importantly, I am keen to save myself for the home-made cake for tea, about which there has been much talk.

Before long I was back in the spa, lying face down on a treatment bed in a warm unfussy room. Beginning with my back, my therapist began by gently but firmly kneading my neck and shoulders - as most of my stress runs straight to that area she had her work cut out removing all the stubborn knots. She continued on to my legs, working on each one individually, then massaging my feet, arms and hands before rolling me over and finishing off with my neck, this time incorporating a head massage (pure heaven). At the end of the hour, I felt suitably stress-busted, and a lot less tense.

Champneys is the perfect starting post for anyone wanting to kick-start a new health or fitness regime, and I left feeling not just pampered, but tuned up and enthusiastic about maintaining my cleansed body and shiny new skin. For those who prefer their pedicure to come with a side of champagne, this is not for you - alcohol is limited to half a bottle per guest over the evening meal and the bars are soft drinks only. But if you are willing to take the strict health philosophy as seriously as they do, it's a worthwhile sacrifice - the treatments are fantastic, and leave lasting benefits.

Before home, I float to the tea-room for my much-anticipated cake stop before heading off to yoga for some relaxing stretching. As a stressed out city-dweller it is no mean feat to realise that all thoughts of deadlines and rush hours seem far away. And as I lie horizontally on my mat, with lights dimmed and my mind occupied by nothing but fluffy clouds and pretty colours, I realise my spa mission is complete and I am delighted to be finally thinking of... nothing.

Offers for Champneys, Tring

• Mother and daughter break: 2 nights accommodation including massage and facial, all meals; daughter can go at half-price; from £284.95 per room
• Long weekend break: Fri - Sun, including massage and facial, accommodation in standard twin room: £719.90

• Day pass: offers of use of all facilities from £89.95; Spa day: offer includes two treatments, from £119.95; Luxury day: offer includes four treatments, from £279.95
• More info: contact: 08703 300 300 www.champneys.com