Spa pampering Dorset style

The sparkling waters of Christchurch harbour in Dorset was the welcoming view that greeted me at this stunning hotel; a grade II listed building, recently reinvigorated with a £9 million refurbishment plan. Originally a gentleman's residence, this 1830's building now boasts a 4-star hotel complete with spa facilities, an award-winning restaurant, terrace, swimming pool and gym.

Settling in

Ranging from bronze to gold standard, all bedrooms are immaculately furnished with crisp bed linen and fresh decor. My silver room has an exquisite bathroom, boasting top of the range toiletries and a shower that is certainly big enough for two! The bed is large and sumptuous - perfectly positioned so I could enjoy the stunning views of the harbour while eating breakfast in bed. I got straight into my robes and slippers, all provided by the hotel, and looked forward to spending the rest of the day lounging in the spa - sheer bliss.

What's on offer?

After a two hour car journey from London, I was quite keen on having some exercise. The hotel has a well-equipped gymnasium adjacent to the swimming pool complex that boasts a sauna, salt grotto, crystal steam room and hydrotherapy pool. The swimming pool is only 14 meters, which is a standard size for a hotel, but is open to members as well as residents so can get a little busy at peak times. In the pool area the soft lighting is complimented by soothing smells and music, a nice relaxer on the way to my treatment.

Spa treatments

The spa's five treatment rooms offer a wide-ranging menu of Espa and Guinot therapies, with a full range of massages, facials and all-over body treatments. Staff are both friendly and professional, and I'm talked through my chosen treatment - Total Holistic Body Care - before we begin. I am given a thorough exfoliation before a luxurious all-over body massage which helps to tease out the knots of tension from my back, neck legs, arms and scalp. My therapist asked me questions about how I felt within myself and my emotions, and chose a detoxifying essential oil that was most suited to my needs. Personal touches like this made this spa especially memorable and would encourage me to return.

Lunch at Rhodes South

Alongside the hotel is the more modern, but no less aesthetically pleasing, Rhodes South - part of the restaurant empire belonging to one of the original celebrity chefs, Gary Rhodes.

Acclaimed as the UK's first carbon positive restaurant, constructed from sustainably sourced materials, the building offers a glass front with expansive views over the harbour. Being next to the waters edge, I expected a menu richly populated with locally sourced seafood dishes and I wasn't disappointed. The red mullet starter in particular is to be recommended and all dishes are reassuringly traditional with a distinctively modern twist.

For the main course, I opt for the perfectly cooked rolled chicken breast on a bed of leeks with a ham and cheese ravioli, served with foaming mushroom sauce.  Service is very low-key but highly attentive and knowledgeable, particularly when the cheese trolley came round with its range of local and French aromatic delights. All in all, a fantastic restaurant that's perfect for a leisurely lunch (and looked particularly beautiful at night with the twinkling lights of Christchurch harbour as a backdrop).

Hotel dining

The hotel also has its own restaurant, which also offers high levels of service and has won an AA rosette. Dining was a relaxing and pleasurable experience, in an elegant but modern setting. The food portions were particularly generous and the mouth-watering rib-eye steak was cooked to perfection. I then indulged in some chocolate tasting for desert which included a white chocolate mousse that can be described as nothing less than heavenly.

What else to do?

If you can bear to tear yourself away from the tranquillity of the hotel, there is certainly no shortage of activities in the local area to keep you occupied. You can go for a walk in the New Forest and enjoy the chocolate-box prettiness of the local villages, or even try a spot of water-sports at Christchurch harbour. Alternatively you can explore the beaches of Sandbanks or visit the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu.

All in all, my stay at the Christchurch Harbour Hotel was the perfect weekend getaway. Feeling blissfully relaxed and reenergised, I made sure that I topped off my stay with a cool glass of Pimms on the terrace before heading home.

More information

The Christchurch Harbour Hotel and Spa, 95 Mudeford Christchurch, Dorset BH23 3NT. Prices start from £110 for bed and breakfast; for additional information and bookings, visit www.christchurch-harbour-hotel.co.uk or phone 01202 400969

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