Upon checking in the attentive staff will ensure you can quickly find your way around Hoar Cross Hall. The property boasts 96 rooms and suites that are decorated in keeping with the building's character. With antique furnishings, high ceilings, ample space and complete with Elmis toiletries you'll feel right at home from the moment you arrive.

Before heading to the spa, we headed out for a walk through the countryside after breakfast. While the property is surrounded by well maintained formal gardens within 15 minutes we quickly found ourselves immersed in the English countryside and able to work up a bit of a sweat before retiring to the spa for the afternoon.

The spa is undoubtedly the hotel's main attraction with overnight and day guests both enjoying the extensive facilities. With a number of pools, saunas, steam rooms and sanariums the spa offers something for everyone.

Although I wasn't brave enough to try the Cold Plunge Pool - we did visit in the depths of winter, after all - the Aqua Massage suite was one of the highlights.

My skin had been through a lot the week of our stay with a long haul flight back to the United Kingdom and a harsh reintroduction to the London underground system leading me to breakout. I selected the Couture Touch treatment and it was just as luxurious as it sounds. Starting with a massage and finishing up with an anti-ageing booster facial (in keeping with the guest rooms, the treatment rooms use a range of Elemis products) it was the perfect way to cap off a relaxing day.

With two or three course meals available in The Ballroom - which boasts a AA Rosette Award - Hoar Cross Hall has a lavish menu that caters to everyone. We enjoyed a number of the chef's signature dishes such as the duo of salmon and seared gressingham duck breast alongside the dessert of the day. Complemented by an extensive wine list and quality service in keeping with the surrounds, it was the perfect way to unwind after a relaxing day. The buffet breakfast is also served in The Ballroom which is transformed during the day to a much more relaxed setting with many guests choosing to dine in their robes before retreating to the spa. Offering everything from traditional English breakfast options to a range of fresh fruits and pastries (not to mention a la carte options which are available at a supplementary price) guests are forced to play a delicate game of buffet maths with so many options to choose from.