Netherwood Hotel and Spa

Netherwood is a Grade II listed Victorian mansion in landscaped gardens on a hillside overlooking Morecambe Bay. The house itself is big on old-fashioned charm: think wood panelling, deer heads on the walls and open fires in huge, stone fireplaces. The spa is small but decidedly modern and offers a peaceful retreat in a busy world.

The spa has its own entrance from the courtyard as you arrive, or you can take the stairs or lift one level down from the hotel reception area. The spa's reception is light and bright, with wooden floors and flickering candles. Beyond the welcome desk are some soft seats, the nail bar, and a tiny, separate relaxation room.

The changing rooms are done in neutral tones, with a small bank of wooden lockers, wooden benches to change by, brown mosaic patterns on the walls and sand-coloured tiles on the floor. There is no private cubicle for changing in.

The three showers were spick-and-span clean on our visit but contain only a single bottle of hair and body wash with no conditioner. There is no door on one shower, while the other two just have a half-pane of frosted glass across them, so the shy might feel a little challenged.

A small vanity areahas two hairdryers and a large mirror. We missed finishing touches such as moisturiser or plastic bags to pack your wet swimsuit into.

The spa is divided into two main areas. In one room are three wooden hot tubs of varying temperatures: very hot, warm and icy cold. The idea here is to reinvigorate your circulation by moving between the different zones. The tubs are sunk into the decking so you climb down into them. The steps are narrow, so not the easiest to contend with if you have mobility problems. Each tub could sit two people comfortably but possibly not any more. The "tub room", as we kept calling it, also has some a few loungers to relax on; it is coolly elegant, with some orange cushions for splashes of colour. Pieces of driftwood are also dotted about the spa, giving it a natural feel.

The other thermal experiences are in a separate area across a corridor. The aroma steam room, which could seat five or six, was suitably steamy on our visit. We loved the salt inhalation room, where the dryer heat felt both soothing and relaxing. The traditional sauna was both warm and spacious. You can cool down in between your warm-ups by taking handfuls of chilly crystals from the ice fountain. This area also has a monsoon shower, where the mist will take the edge off the heat.

Netherwood Spa has two single treatment rooms and a treatment room for couples. The hotel also has a small gym.

If you're staying in the hotel, access to the thermal journey is not included in your accommodation rate, unless you've booked a specific spa package. When we visited, the charge was £20 per person, but hotel residents receive a discount according to the season.

We tried the Time Expert Vitamin C+ Facial (60 minutes, £65) using Germaine de Capuccini products.

Charlotte, my therapist, took me to a small and dimly lit treatment room; as with the spa, it was nicely done in neutral tones. All the Germaine de Capuccini facials begin with a pinda routine, so Charlotte walked the herbal poultices up and down my body, which felt like a very relaxing start.

The facial began with a cleanse, followed by a tingly menthol exfoliant, which Charlotte removed with warm flannels. She used a Vitamin C serum, a smooth cream containing ume (Japanese plum) extract. As my skin absorbed the products, she treated me to a delightful facial massage, using a variety of techniques including lymphatic drainage. The massage felt very soothing.

Charlotte painted on a radiance mask and, while this worked, carried out a supremely relaxing hand and arm massage. The mask peeled off, leaving my skin smooth, clear and glowing. This treatment is a great combination of relaxation and results.

Netherwood Spa offers a range of Germaine de Capuccini treatments, including massages, facials, and scrubs. Men are catered for with their own specific facial while mums-to-be might enjoy the therapy designed to make heavy legs feel lighter. You can also book in for finishing touches such as waxing, manicures, pedicures and eye treatments.

You can comfortably eat lunch in your robe in the hotel restaurant. You can reach this via the lift, so you don't have to traipse through lots of public spaces.

For lunch, we had a delicious roasted cauliflower soup, followed by an even more delicious Cumbrian chicken dish, which came with kale and a tomato broth. Vegetarians are well catered for with imaginative dishes such as beetroot and pesto gnocchi sitting beside more familiar options including goat's cheese, and a tomato salad with marjoram and local Eden Valley Brie.

Our dinner was just as delicious. I'd go back to Netherwood for their Jerusalem artichoke soup alone. Also, if your spa day isn't complete without a chocolate brownie, you'll be very happy here.

We loved

The warm and welcoming atmosphere: All the staff we met were friendliness personified.

The food: Every single thing we ate at Netherwood was delicious. Lingering in your robe over lunch looking at the ever-changing views of the bay below, could almost count as a therapy in itself.

We didn't love

There is a limited amount of spa experiences: Netherwood Spa is small, which is part of its charm, but a half-day may be your best option.

The lack of guidance: Yes, you can enjoy the heat facilities in any order, and warm up and cool down as you wish. It would be good to know, though, if there is a recommended route through the thermal facilities for maximum benefit.

Couples: The Netherwood Spa has a treatment room for two. You can spend a relaxing afternoon in the spa, then sip a glass of something fizzy on the terraces overlooking the bay.

Locals: The Netherwood Spa is a little haven on your doorstep.

Spa-goers looking for good value: The Afternoon Retreat combines use of the spa with afternoon tea... and have we mentioned how good the food is at The Netherwood?

We gave Netherwood Spa a Good Spa Guide Bubble rating of 4 Bubbles. We love the Germaine de Cappuccini treatments, and enjoyed using the thermal experiences. The food was amazing. Tiny additions could elevate this spa; for example, more soft touches in the changing rooms, including a clock so you can keep track of your treatment times. In the meantime, though, the Netherwood Spa offers an intimate, good-value experience.

Single Spy visited in August 2018 and awarded it 4 Bubbles.