Eden Hall Day Spa

Eden Hall Day Spa is a gothic-style listed mansion dating back to 1875; think grand period drama with turrets, towers and walnut ceilings. The modern spa is set over two floors and has a huge amount on offer, from thermal facilities and pools, to sunny conservatories and spectacular gardens. It's a lively, sociable spa.

A spa butler met us at the entrance and invited us to sit on comfortable sofas and fill out our consultation form, while another butler handed us a hot chocolate.

The spa reception is a large and comfortable space with stained-glass windows and a door leading to extensive gardens. The receptionist gave us a key-card so we could charge any extra drinks or snacks without carrying cash, a locker key, a map and an exercise timetable. We then went on a tour of the spa, which we were very grateful for, as it's huge!

The changing rooms are modern, clean and spacious. There are plenty of private cubicles, lockers, mirrored vanity stations with hairdryers and body lotion, and toilets and showers stocked with Elemis shampoo, conditioner and body wash.

Inside my locker was a white fluffy robe and two towels. You can exchange wet towels for dry ones at reception; signs in the changing rooms remind you think of the environment before doing so. If you get forget your flip-flops, they are available to buy at spa reception.

The thermal suite has 12 different hot and cold zones surrounding the central feature of tropical and cool mist shower walks. The heat experiences are all generous in size and most can fit up to 12 people or more.

We loved the herbal caldarium with its calming earthy scent and the deliciously sweet rose-infused steam room. The saunarium is kept to a relatively gentle 60 degrees C. In the very dark sauna and super-hot salt inhalation room, it took time for our eyes to adjust so be careful you don't inadvertently sit on someone's lap! Cool body jets, warm body showers and monsoon showers are dotted in between to refresh you.

The ever-popular footbaths were wonderfully refreshing thanks to the cool water trickling down the tiled mosaic seats.

Plenty of reclining loungers line the edge of the Grecian-themed 25-metre salt-water pool with a glass wall overlooking the grounds. The pool has two bubble jets in the corner, one with swan-neck fountains. Swim through the plastic curtain to the outdoor vitality pool: a nice feature for a sunny day. (It wasn't working on our visit, though.)

Outside, the two incredibly popular hot tubs overlook gorgeous gardens. There's a peaceful pond surrounded by trees, plants and flowers across the lavender-lined lawn. You can take part in archery in one section of the garden, or embark upon a country walk or cycle.

Eden Hall has no shortage of relaxation spaces. Relax poolside or out in the gardens on a sunny day. Snuggle up in the silent slumber room, with its cosy blankets, single and double beds and wicker cocoon pods. If you prefer to read or chat, try the bright and sunny conservatory with heated loungers and garden views.

Pre-treatment, you'll wait in the therapy lounge which is stylishly decorated in Laura Ashley duck-egg blue tree wallpaper, a corner fireplace with candles, and L-shaped sofas and soft chairs.

The spa also has manicure/pedicure rooms, a shop, and a fitness suite complete with a gym and huge range of classes.

We had an Eden Signature Lava Shell Rescue Massage with Kokolokahi Oils (70 minutes, £82)

My therapist, Rachel, led me to a beautiful treatment room with herringbone floors and duck-egg blue wallpaper. We talked through the treatment and my areas of concern, and I did a scent test with five different Kokolokahi oils.

Kokolokahi (pronounced coco-lo-car-he) is the process of blending coconut, argan and shea oils together to "restore equilibrium". I chose Harmony: a mood-boosting and uplifting blend using jasmine, juniper and neroli essential oils.

I lay face down on the treatment bed. Rachel began the treatment with a foot cleanse and leg stretches. She then massaged my legs using a combination of long flowing strokes and short targeted movements, whilst alternating the hot and cold lava shells. This process of alternating heat and cool is said to speed up muscle recovery.

Rachel then moved on to focus on my problem area: my back. She alternated the hot and cold lava shells on the lower half of my back and used warm shells on the upper half. She stretched and moved my arms so that she could focus on targeted work around my tight shoulders. I could feel all tension melting away; I was in a state of bliss.

I rolled over onto my back and Rachel placed a lavender eye pillow over my eyes. She then repeated the massage and stretches on the front of my legs and my arms. I was so relaxed that I drifted in and out of consciousness. The treatment ended with some neck stretches and rolls; by this point, my body felt like jelly.

I left the treatment feeling refreshed and uplifted. My usual aches and pains had completely disappeared and my skin felt fantastic. This felt like one long, continuous, indulgent, effective massage.

Eden Hall Day Spa offers a good range of massages, facials, wraps and scrubs, and manicures and pedicures. There are Jennifer Young treatments for those with sensitive skin or those living with or beyond cancer. Men and mums-to-be are also catered for with specialist treatments.

The atmospheric, first-floor Taste of Eden Restaurant is in a former chapel; it has art-deco lights, an elegant wooden ceiling and garden views through large windows. No need to dress, however, you can eat in your robes.

Most spa-day packages include a three-course lunch with an additional help-yourself buffet of salads, fruit, artisan breads, and vegetables. Our tomato, onion and fennel salad to start was wonderfully light and fresh. The main course of salmon with potatoes and samphire was divine; it was well cooked and packed full of flavour. We chose banana fritters with caramel sauce for dessert and ended our meal on a high.

If you need to order a free-from meal, the restaurant needs notice in advance.

You can also order drinks and snacks (to be paid for), including Champagne, wine and soft drinks, afternoon teas, and tempting ice creams and cakes.

We loved

The stunning grounds: The gardens are a welcome break from the heat of the spa.

The range of experiences on offer: You can do as much or as little as you like at Eden Hall.

The silent slumber lounge: A wonderful peaceful escape from the hubbub of the spa.

We didn't love

The high footfall: It was very loud in the thermal facilities; we heard several shrieks coming from the cold showers. (You can pick up earplugs from reception if you wish.)

The outdoor hot tubs were so busy, we couldn't dip our toes in.

Active spa-goers: From yoga and mindfulness classes to Clubbercise, there's a class for everyone. You can enjoy the gym, archery, walking and cycling, too.

Foodies: The food is fantastic, with plenty of choice.

Social spa goers:  Eden Hall is spacious enough for groups of friends, with a large thermal suite, roomy conservatories and extensive gardens.

We awarded Eden Hall Day Spa a Good Spa Guide bubble rating of 5 bubbles. Eden Hall is a busy, sociable, good-value-for-money spa with a great range of facilities that are made to be shared. The treatments are well executed, and the food is fantastic.

Scarlet Spy visited in June 2018 and awarded it 5 Bubbles.