Pampering at the InterContinental Mar Menor

I then hopped into the vitality pool, which is a small hydrotherapy pool. The Jacuzzi area is a bit odd as most of the jets are on the floor so it's a bit like being in an upside-down shower. I then stood under the swan-necked shower, which was fiercer than I'd expected and really pummelled my shoulders, but by the time I crawled on to the bubble rack, I was feeling relaxed and sleepy. The warm water and bubbles were helping my muscles relax, so that I'd benefit more from the treatment to come.

I'd booked the signature treatment - a holistic back, face and scalp massage with hot stones. The volcanic basalt lava stones contain minerals and, when heated, can be used for deep body massage, and can help clear blocked energy centres. My therapist gave me various aromatherapy oils to smell, as they believe that you will choose the oils that your body needs most. I chose the energising ones, a blend of peppermint, eucalyptus and rosemary, which are supposed to help restore lost energy and clear the mind.

The treatment started with a deep cleansing back exfoliation followed by the hot stone massage. It was wonderfully relaxing. The warm stones take away any tension from your muscles and the heat seems to soak up stress. It includes a full ESPA intensive facial and Oriental head massage, which left me feeling blissfully chilled.

One of the nicest things about the treatment was the fact that it managed to switch my mind off. Usually I flit from idea to idea, working out which one will satisfy my inner worrier the best and then analysing it until I can see every nuance. But for the remainder of the afternoon and evening, my mind was still, perfectly happy to sit by the pool and watch the world go by.

The resort has three restaurants and four bars, which is just as well as you can't stroll out of an evening to sample the local eateries. All the food was good and the hotel prides itself on using locally-grown produce. I had lunch at the poolside Al Fresco bar which served Mediterranean-style light meals and snacks. In the evening I ate at the Nomad restaurant, which served world cuisine.

Things to do

You need a car when visiting the InterContinental Mar Menor. The Mar Menor, Europe's largest salt water lagoon is about a 20-minute drive away, Murcia is about 40 minutes and Cartegena about 30 minutes. I went to Cartegena, which is a beautiful old town built on the waterfront and dripping in history.

There has been a settlement here since 227BC and, as our guide explained, fantastic archaeological remains are still being discovered. A Roman theatre was unearthed by chance in 1987 and the rows of seats and some of the pillars are in incredible condition. Stroll along the waterfront and you'll see one of world's first submarines. It was invented by Isaac Peral in 1884, and built in Cadiz in 1888. As you walk through the narrow streets, you'll see fishscale motifs on many of the roofs and Gaudi's influence can also be seen in some of the buildings.

Need to know

The ESPA Signature Hot Stone Holistic back, face and scalp massage lasts for 1 hour and 50 minutes. It costs 195 Euros.

Ryanair, Monarch Airlines, Easyjet and Jet2 all fly to Murcia from the UK

You can book packages to the InterContinental Mar Menor via their website www.intercontinental.com