USP The "million dollar view" from the terrace and its peaceful air of retreat.

AMBIENCE There’s a relaxed but efficient feel to the hotel and spa with beautiful fresh flowers punctuating the elegant public spaces.

EXPERIENCE Treatments were sound and informative – I felt I’d learnt something about my skin and body after them. Spa staff are well qualified and friendly; guests could be a bit business-like and snooty.

FOOD Both the breakfast buffet on the terrace and the gourmet supper in the restaurant are wunderbar. There are several other Michelin-star restaurants in the area including the homely Zum Alde Gott, where a husband and wife team serve exquisite local dishes off jumble-sale crockery ten minutes away by car.

IN CROWD There was a Porsche owners’ club convention there when I visited; otherwise mid-European weekenders and the odd wealthy Russian party. It is pleasantly free of English visitors – except of course when Becks and co take over, but you won’t be able to visit then anyway.

WALLET WATCH A package including 2 nights in a deluxe double room and breakfast, and a facial for him and her, 1 body exfoliation, 1 luxury bath and a back massage costs €510 per person. A whole day of treatments on the manager’s anti-stress day costs €220.

NEED TO KNOW Buhlerhohe Schlosshotel, Buhl near Baden-Baden (0049 (0)7226 550; www.buehlerhoehe.de); Zum Alde Gott, Neuweier near Baden-Baden (07223 5513)

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