Fawsley Hall

Fawsley Hall is one of the Handpicked Hotel group and their formula for success is replicated here. Expect relaxed grandeur with spot-on customer service and very good food, as the Cedar Restaurant has two AA rosettes.

Fawsley Hall is tucked away in the rolling Northamptonshire countryside, a tranquil location that overlooks a peaceful lake.

The hotel has 60 rooms with an impressive Great Hall built in the 1500s. Henry VIII entertained here and pictures of his wives hang from the wood-panelled walls. Sink into one of the luxurious sofas and chairs and soak up the Tudor-style elegance while enjoying one of Fawsley Hall's afternoon teas.

The spa is in a separate building to the left of the hotel. If you book a spa break, you can stay in one of its six rooms, which will give you more immediate access to the spa's facilities. Although not as grand, the spa shares some original features with the hotel, such as its warm sandstone walls.

The door to the spa building is suitably vintage looking. The reception area has wooden floors, a comfortable sofa, two light brown chairs and, behind the receptionist's desk, golden Northamptonshire sandstone. A glass coffee table holds a fruit bowl and some magazines to browse. Two glass cabinets showcase products used in the spa, with a good selection of products you are welcome to try.

Just beyond reception is a conservatory area which has three circular wicker and glass-topped tables that can seat four comfortably. These overlook the hydrotherapy pool in the garden. A compact kitchenette area stocks hot and cold drinks and a selection of muffins and biscuits. Tea, herbal teas and water are free; you can purchase the rest from the receptionist. You'll need to buy a token to use the hot-drinks machine.

The changing rooms are light and immaculate with a grey slate floor. The room is organised around a central bank of wooden lockers, of which there are plenty, behind a couple of long wooden benches. The code-operated lockers are small with no hangers: fine as long as you don't bring too much. You receive a robe and slippers on arrival.

To the right of the changing rooms are three white hand basins, all spotless, with cotton wool and cotton buds on offer and plenty of paper hand towels. The two toilets and two showers are lined with the same grey-blue slate tiles as the floor. The showers are a good size, with heavily frosted double doors that let in natural light from the windows, and have hair and body wash plus conditioner. Body lotion is next to the hand basins. There are no changing cubicles, so if you want privacy, you'll need to use the toilets.

Outside the changing rooms is a swimsuit dryer with bags to store any damp swimwear. If you need extra towels, you can get them from reception.

The 17-metre swimming pool is heated to 31 degrees C -- long enough to swim for exercise. The pool and surrounding area are lined with the same slate as the changing rooms. Floor-to-ceiling windows overlook the outdoor hydrotherapy pool, while inviting wicker sun loungers face the pool.

The wooden sauna and steam room are both deliciously hot. There is a water fountain and cups along with a notice reminding you to stay hydrated.

From the pool, you can slide open a glass door to the hydrotherapy pool which is surrounded by wooden decking in a pretty garden. The pool is heated to 38 degrees. There are six dark wicker sun loungers to recline on and some chunky wicker seating with comfortable cushions. A raised area of the garden overlooks the hydrotherapy pool: reach it via a small flight of stone steps.

The relaxation room is upstairs in the eaves of the building. There are several comfortable chairs with footrests, and a white leather lounger.

There's also a fitness studio and gym; floor to ceiling windows look out over the spa garden.

We had the Elemis Biotec Sonic Skin-Radiance Facial (55 minutes, £75).

My therapist, Tammy, met me in reception and led me to the treatment room, which had low lighting and soothing music. Tammy asked me to remove my robe and, if I was comfortable, slip the straps of my swimming costume over my shoulders.

I climbed on to the bed between the thick warm towelling. Tammy massaged and cleansed my forehead, around my eyes and down to the tops of my shoulders using a gentle but firm strokes.

Tammy then used an ultrasonic peeling device that gently vibrated over my skin to remove dead skin cells. She applied a gel that tingled, then removed it and cleansed my skin. She applied a gel mask, warning me that it might feel uncomfortable and to let her know. It felt thick and cool at first, but it by the end it was close to stinging. While the mask was drying, Tammy gently massaged my scalp, starting at the top and centre of my head and gradually working her way to my temples. When the mask had dried, Tammy gently eased it off.

Tammy cleansed my skin again before using light therapy, passing a red and blue light over my face. After another cleanse, my skin felt quite sensitive. Tammy gently massaged moisturiser from my shoulders to my forehead, which was soothing.

Once the treatment was over, Tammy fetched me some water and advised me to use sun-protection cream over the next few days as my skin would be more sensitive after the peel.

Tammy took me to the relaxation room and offered me a shot of refreshing raspberry sorbet. My skin had a healthy glow and was amazingly smooth.

Fawsley Hall has seven treatment rooms and offers a vast range of Elemis facials and body treatments for women and men. You can have Lava Shell, deep tissue and hot stone massages, reflexology, manicures, pedicures, tans and eyebrow shaping. Comfort Zone body treatments include wraps, scrubs and a ritual for new mums.

You order your lunch on arrival at the spa, choosing from a selection of food from the Tudor bar in the hotel. You will need to change back into your clothes to have lunch. If you are not sure where to go, a member of staff can escort you.

The menu has lighter options, including salads as you might expect, but, if you want indulge in something more substantial, you can choose more traditional meals such as burgers or sausage and mash.

We had, and loved, the smoked salmon plate with capers and lemon, followed by pan-fried sea bass. The food is beautifully presented and tastes as good as it looks.

There is also a choice of tempting desserts; if you prefer something lighter, try the smoothie of the day.

We loved

Enjoying the sunshine and the view from the beautifully warm outdoor hydrotherapy pool.

The experience of a spa small enough that we didn't get lost in the crowd while offering all the elements you want in a spa break.

The laid-back country house indulgence of the hotel and spa.

We didn't love

Having to get changed to walk over to the hotel for lunch.

The lack of changing cubicles for privacy.

Couples of all ages and small groups who want a tranquil location for a relaxed break that offers the luxuries you would expect in a country house hotel.

Those who appreciate consistent friendly, helpful and polite customer service.

Once again, we gave Fawsley Hall Spa a Good Spa Guide rating of 4 bubbles.

Fawsley Hall is a small spa but has all you need for a day of relaxed pampering, and its facilities are immaculately maintained. The surroundings are peaceful and picture perfect. While the spa was busy when we visited, it never felt crowded. The spa offers a good range of personalised treatments and the customer service means you should have a great experience. The good food is also a real plus.

Super Spy visited in August 2016 and awarded it 4 Bubbles.