USP Formerly a golf and country club a mere 20-minute drive from the centre of Cardiff, now a modern four-star hotel with brand-spanking new "Fusion Spa" that's a convenient escape from the Welsh capital into the green, green grass of the Rhymney Valley. The former mining valleys are an unlikely spa location, but accessibility and rejuvenated countryside should put it on the map.

AMBIENCE Great views across the valley from the excellent swimming pool and Jacuzzi's floor-to-ceiling windows. Very relaxing treatment rooms with a dark brown colour scheme. The pre- and post-treatment relaxation room is even more dimly lit than the candle-strewn treatment room, and benefits from a delightful, sculpted brown water feature, decorated with the word "cwtch" - Welsh for cuddle.

Elsewhere in the hotel, the standard doubles were comfortable and have all the mod cons while lacking character and top-end luxury - though the waterproof flatscreen TV placed above the foot-end of the bath was perfect for watching Welsh rugby. It was the worst storms of the winter thus far, so golf options were limited, though the course looked good.

EXPERIENCE Given a choice, as a Welsh farmer's son with minimal metrosexual tendencies, I opted for the aromatherapy massage, while my companion, Justine, went for a facial.

Despite limited experience of spas I was made to feel comfortable by my therapist with no embarrassment factor and, crucially, the ambient music was not too cheesy. The 30-minute massage with oils at first seemed tame, compared to a more vigorous workout. It was afterwards that it hit home (so that's what they mean by "walking on air").

Justine's facial was, I'm told, a sensory fest, with much hydration - and she was impressed by the Espa products, whatever they are. Importantly, she would not hesitate in going back, and no doubt it proved a pleasant surprise for a Cardiff native now living in London where pampering options are plentiful.

FOOD Fruit and Welsh mineral water adorn the spa rooms with tea and coffee on offer. Up the hallway the hotel restaurant, again with great views down the valley, features good modern British cooking with the odd Mediterranean twist.

IN CROWD Business travellers looking for a hotel near Cardiff or Newport, golf-playing locals and their pampered other halves - and an increasing number of tourists.

WALLET WATCH Facilities are free as a guest, the express facial is £35 for 25 minutes, the aromatherapy back, neck & shoulder massage is £30 for 30 mins, the deep sea salt & oil scrub is £25 for 25 mins, Fusion spa wellbeing ritual is £60 for 1hr & 15mins.

NEED TO KNOW Bryn Meadows, Maesycwmmer, Nr Ystrad Mynach, Caerphilly, South Wales, CF82 7SN. Tel: 01495 225590.

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