Recline in the country: Armathwaite Hall hotel and spa

What is it?

Bright modern spa attached to a 15th century country manor hotel, standing in 400 acres of lush green countryside slap bang in the middle of the Lake District. Comes, in fact, with its own lake - Lake Bassenthwaite in the grounds is a leisurely 10 minute stroll from the hotel and spa. One of its key selling points is the outdoor jacuzzi with views of the forest. Actually, forget the 'views', you're in the forest.

What's it like?

An interesting blend of old and new, traditional and contemporary - plush wooden panelled lounges watched over by mounted deer and tiger heads, sumptuous drawing rooms, popular for weddings (we saw two over our two-day stay), all very luxurious 'gentleman's club'. At the end of a long long corridor connecting old and new, the spa is a testament to modern luxury and contemporary facilities. Viewed from the lawns outside, the two blend well together, connected by beautiful light-coloured stone.

What are the facilities?

The spa has a 16m pool with infinity edge and neighbouring wallow (ie shallow) pool, there's a wall of glass alongside so you can see the forest as you swim. The 'heat experience' area has steam room, aromatherapy room, sauna, experience showers and indoor jacuzzi. And then there's that wow factor of the outdoor jacuzzi on the terrace. Another wall of glass gives the gym its beautiful views. A 'hush' room upstairs with its own balcony and views of treetops has beds clad in enormous fluffy duvets and fur throws, the therapists practically tuck you up after a treatment and you can nod off in a fluff-induced semi-coma. Awards so far this year include 2011 Residential Spa of the Year from the Professional Beauty Awards.

What about treatments?

There are 10 treatment rooms in the spa, and an extensive treatment menu offering all the usual favourites as well as a few interesting extras - Thai massage, Cranial Osteopathy and Body Strategist and Remodeller. There's a choice of 13 facials and 14 massages, and that's not counting the body wraps,scrubs and 'rituals' - like a 'Terrake Magica Awakening to the Earth Anti-stress and Relaxation Ritual' and 'Of Air and Light Snow Breeze Detoxification Ritual' using Buddleia taken from the Alps, fancy!
I had opted for the Thai massage after a particularly intense two-weeks in the office with few lunch breaks or computer breaks. My shoulders felt like they had fused into the pose made popular by the hunchback of Notre Dame and my therapist had his work cut out to introduce some fluid movement into the grid-lock. For the first 10 minutes it felt like he was massaging a door frame as my shoulders refused to yield, but gradually - after some vigorous deep massage and stretches, things began to loosen.
It's an extremely hands-on experience, carried out on a padded mattress on the floor rather than a massage bed and the therapist is right down there with you. Not only is it a very deep massage, it also involves plenty of stretching and manipulation.I would really recommend it if you are feeling particularly tight around the back and shoulder area, but it is a really intense experience and not for you if you like a gentle rub. For a hunchback like me it was just the thing however and I loved it.

Tips to take home?

If, like me, you spend a lot of your day sitting down in one position, use your evenings to practice some stretches to get the body loosened up again. Try lying on your back with your legs horizontal to the wall and really stretch those leg muscles. Any type of stretching is good to lengthen out the body and feel those muscles release.

Why will I like it?

Because it's the sort of place you can drink champagne in the afternoon and feel it's totally appropriate. Not only that, they let you drink champagne in the hot tub. Sipping champagne while watching rabbits play in the garden, it turns out, is a very relaxing Saturday pastime. Who knew!

Anything I won't like?

It got quite busy on the Sunday and the loungers around the pool filled up very quickly. On the Saturday however we practically had the place to ourselves. Private spa - result!

What else do I need to know?

The hotel offers accommodation in club, superior, deluxe and lake-view rooms or suites, with prices tiered accordingly. There are two dining rooms - the Lake View restaurant for the manor house fine dining experience (smart dress required in the evening) or the more casual Courtyard Brasserie in the hotel's new wing. Produce is local - the hotel owners even run their own farm to supply the meat. It certainly makes for a very tasty full English breakfast. There are nice extras when you eat in the Lake View - like the chef's Amuse Bouche of tomato and red pepper soup served in a cup. The bread was delicous and baked on the premises. The duck egg starter was oozing freshness but could have done with a bit of melba toast to mop up the tasty juices. Mains of beef and turkey came with platters of local veg and the beef was cooked by the chef in the dining room at a portable hot plate. Now that's fresh for you ...
The country house experience continues outside the panelled lounges and roaring log fires. Try your hand at croquet, tennis, fishing or archery - clay pigeon shooting, mountain biking and quad safaris can also be organised. Plus, Trotters World of Animals is located in the hotel grounds, where you can see over 100 animal species, including bison, meerkats, gibbons and red pandas.

How much does it cost?

Spa breaks from £165 per person; B&B from £130. For details of forthcoming offers and two-night packages, click here.

How do I book?

Armathwaite Hall Country House Hotel and Spa, Bassenthwaite Lake, Keswick, Cumbria CA12 4RE; visit the website at www.armathwaite-hall.com, phone 017687 76551, email reservations@armathwaite-hall.com or thespa@armathwaite-hall.com.

Getting there

I travelled from London Euston to Carlisle with Virgin Trains, for times and booking phone 08719 774 222 or visit the website at Virgintrains. Carlisle is 20 miles from Armathwaite Hall & spa, taxis are available outside the station, expect to pay £45 - £50. Penrith station is slightly closer to the hotel, and also served by Virgin Trains. Driving, there's easy access from the M6 and A66; the nearest town is Keswick.