tepping into the swirling torrent of hot water and feeling the pressurised bubbles against my back, I let out a deep sigh. There was no one else in the outside hydrotherapy pool which made it all the more luxurious as I began to relax. Looking out over the main outdoor pool to Pennyhill Park’s leafy clad manor house, it’s hard to picture the madness of the M3 motorway just minutes from this five-star hotel.

Located in Bagshot, Pennyhill Park offers up uber-luxe but tranquil surroundings tucked away in its own 123 acres of Surrey countryside. In the main house, expect chandeliers and elegant furnishings, as well as the Michelin-starred Latymer restaurant and decadent afternoon teas in the light-filled Ascot Room.

Move away from the country pile to the not so attractive extension opposite, and guests will find a hideaway full of pampering treats at the impressive spa. From saunas and herbal steam rooms, Romanesque heated rooms, foot spas, ice igloos, experience showers and eight indoor and outdoor pools, I found myself trying each one, while giving myself a break in between on the nap-inducing heated mosaic day beds. Everyone walks around in fluffy white robes and slippers. That’s the signature look – anything else and you’re overdressed.

I don’t know whether is was a good idea to have  a Radiance Facial right before lunch, but after the therapist had replenished and soothed my dull looking skin, as well as given me a foot, shoulder and neck massage, I practically floated to the Themis restaurant. Given my rather dazed state, I sat for a time sipping lemon-infused water before seeing how much food there was on offer. Think healthy, organic and plentiful, rather than rabbit food, I feasted on three courses from the buffet selection. From a gourmet salad of quinoa and smoked salmon accompanied by roasted asparagus and hummus, I then had tasty baked sea bass with tomato infused parpadelle, all finished off with a small chocolate mousse. I was so full and feeling rather sleepy, it was imperative I head back to my lounger and rest by the huge 25 metre indoor pool.

After short respite, I felt re-energised enough to make my way around the multitude of different spa areas once again. I found it much harder to tear myself away from the heady floral aromas from the steam room and the comforting heat from the outdoor spa pool. Even having a hot shower with the complimentary toiletries and using the Dyson hairdryer [of which I so want one] was a pleasant ending to a super-chilled day. My skin feel squeaky clean and my mind recharged. 

Although the weather was rather dreary and grey, my spirits were certainly lifted from my short but restorative break. Had it been a gloriously sunny day, sunbathing outside would have certainly upped the ante in the relaxation stakes. I would have esconced myself on a sun lounger and be fooled into thinking I was on holiday in the Cote d’azur rather than leafy Surrey. But still, Pennyhill Park Spa certainly proved a change is as good as a rest…

Spa days at Pennyhill Park & Spa start at £140 per person with overnight spa stays from £625 per person