Lifehouse Spa & Hotel

One of the first things you notice about the Lifehouse Spa & Hotel is the space and light perfect for celebrating, unwinding and de-stressing. Guests have to be aged over 16 so this would be the ideal place to take students who've just received their A level or GCSE results. Although this may seem like a mother and daughter treat we saw several fathers and sons enjoying a relaxing time together.

Rooms are large and very comfortable. Ours was in the Mulberry wing on the ground floor with windows opening out onto the magnificent listed gardens and grounds – complete with visiting ducks! This was perfect for having an early morning tea or coffee or, as we did on our second evening, having room service dinner.

Toiletries are provided in the shower room plus you have a white robe and slippers. These are your new best friends as you can spend as much time as you like in them – you only have to dress (smart casual) for dinner in the restaurant. The only other clothing you'll need is a swimming costume and gym/exercise clothes.

All guests have unlimited access to the thermal spa which has a sauna, steam room and salt inhaltation room, hydro pool plus plunge pool and a good sized swimming pool. This really is a fantastic area to relax in and is open early from 6.30am to 10pm. In some hotels the spa is located in the basement away from natural light but at the Lifehouse it's on the ground floor with huge windows.

There's also a gym where you can use the equipment as you wish or you can have a programme designed for you. Another plus factor is the range of classes on offer from yoga to zumba. If you just do one class make sure it's the meditation one!

Our two-night stay was perfect and all the staff were friendly and helpful. Check out is 11am but you can borrow your robe and slippers and use the facilities up to 4pm.

The Lifehouse Spa & Hotel is in Thorpe-Le-Stoken, Essex CO16 0JD and the hotel runs a complimentary "meet and greet" from the railway station.

PWT rating: ♥♥♥♥♥

There are numerous packages and offers available so check the website or call 01255 860050 for more information.