Fawsley Hall

In the picturesque Northamptonshire countryside, overlooking a peaceful lake, Fawsley Hall is a Tudor-style property. Henry VIII once entertained here (pictures of his wives hang from the wood-panelled walls). The property's Cedar Restaurant has two AA rosettes, while the attractive spa -- with its chunky sandstone brickwork and vintage wood door --is in a separate building.

The spa's reception area has wooden floors, a comfortable sofa, two light brown chairs and, behind the receptionist's desk, golden Northamptonshire sandstone. The friendly Sian greeted us and handed us a menu for our two-course lunch. She also gave us an Elemis spa bag containing a waffle robe, flip-flops, and Organza shampoo, conditioner and shower gel. The robe was attractively wrapped in orange tissue and felt like a gift.

A blend of sandstone brickwork and modern grey slate tiles make up the recently refurbished changing room, which has two toilets; two individual showers; three sinks; and a wall of dark wood, keypad-operated lockers by which you can change. There are two hairdryers for post-showering, plus a swimsuit dryer and bags, but no cleanser or body moisturiser. A private changing room with wheelchair access is available next door.

Fawsley Hall's spa has a 17-metre pool with ten comfortable loungers placed around it. Take respite between lengths and look through floor-to-ceiling windows to a pretty garden and hydro-pool. There's a steam room and sauna, too, both large enough for eight people, and lovely and hot on our visit.

The weather wasn't brilliant, but we did manage to run out to try the hydro-pool, which was fantastically hot and bubbly.

With its glass-topped tables and rattan chairs, the relaxation lounge is comfortable. It has a small kitchen where you can help yourself to herbal teas, lemon-infused water, home-made biscuits, muffins, fruit, tea and coffee. You can also have Champagne at an additional cost. We loved being able to sample some of the Elemis and Comfort Zone products used in treatments, too.

Fawsley Hall Spa's dedicated post-treatment relaxation room is tucked away up a spiral staircase above the treatment rooms; it has faux candles, white ergonomic beds and cosy brown fleeces to snuggle under. Help yourself to fresh fruit and a magazine from the wide selection.

If you come for a spa day, you can also use the fully-equipped fitness studio which has two treadmills, bikes, cross trainers and rowing machines, as well as weights.

We enjoyed an Elemis Face and Body Couture Touch 50 (55 minutes, £75).

My therapist, Tammy, collected me from the relaxation lounge and led me to a spacious treatment room with white walls, modern furnishings and a very large bed to relax on.

I sat on a chair while Tammy checked the information on my consultation form and confirmed that I would like the pressure for my massage to be medium. During the scent test that followed, I was more drawn towards the Frangipani oil -- Elemis' signature fragrance -- which, I am told, is great for hydrating the skin.

Tammy began the treatment with a firm but rapid massage, starting on my back and moving up to my neck with a light, expert touch; the warm oil smelled deliciously tangy and musky. After Tammy re-adjusted the bed, I turned over for the facial. This began with a thorough cleanse followed by a light oil that Tammy massaged in and wiped off with hot flannels.

Next up: a quenching mask which Tammy painted on carefully; it tingled a little as it absorbed into my skin. While it dried, Tammy performed an extremely relaxing scalp massage which could have gone on all day in my opinion. I was grateful not to have oils in my hair, too.

I left the room feeling very cleansed and energised; my face was lovely and soft to the touch.

Fawsley Hall has seven treatment rooms and offers a vast range of Elemis facials, massages (lava shell, hot stone, aromatherapy), reflexology, manicures, pedicures and eyebrow shaping. Comfort Zone treatments include wraps, scrubs and a ritual for new mums.

If you come for a spa day, you can enjoy a two-course lunch in the hotel's main restaurant, Cedar, but you have to be to be fully dressed. There are six options for starters, eight for mains (including burgers, fish and chips, and salads) and four desserts, including indulgent choices. There are options for vegetarians and gluten-intolerant guests, too.

My starter of salmon with capers and lemon was fresh, with plenty of smokey fish, while my chargrilled lemon and thyme chicken with three-bean salad was really tasty and sufficiently filling.

Staying the night? Dine in Cedar again -- the evening menu is award-winning and my beef rump steak was delicious.

We loved

Having a self-service kitchen to hand, offering more than just the usual herbal teas, fruit and water.

The flip-flops: They were so attractive, we decided to take them home.

We didn't love

The loungers: There weren't enough to relax on at times, the spa being pretty busy on our visit.

The lunch: While Cedar is a lovely restaurant, having to get dressed to take lunch breaks up the spa journey.

Couples: Even the most unromantic of guests would find it hard not to be captivated by the hotel, the setting and the spa.

Fitness fans: Fawsley Hall has a comprehensive fitness studio with a good range of classes.

We awarded the spa at Fawsley Hall a Good Spa Guide Bubble Rating of 4 bubbles. It has everything you need for a day of relaxed pampering, and the facilities are immaculately maintained. The spa also offers a good range of personalised treatments to make you feel properly pampered.

Serene Spy visited in July 2017 and awarded it 4 Bubbles.