USP The spa consultancy Raison d’Etre has created a one-off experience in Austria with both mixed and single sex “spas within the spa”. Each area leads off from the changing rooms and includes a thermal spa pool, sauna, steam room and even a large relaxation/sleep room. There's a snow cabin - one of only three in the world, apparently - in the mixed sauna area.

AMBIENCE This refurbished 16th-century castle hotel has a modern wing with a fabulous spa facility on the shores of Lake Worthersee. The concept is slick with gadgets galore and a team of discreet personal assistants on hand for guests.The light and spacious pool and gym areas contrast well with the darker, quieter treatment area where the single-sex facilities are located.

QUALITY OF EXPERIENCE I arrived exhausted and was disappointed the driving rain was spoiling what should have been a spectacular lakeside view. My cheerful therapist wasted no time in telling me what a great day this was to enjoy the spa to its full.

I enjoyed one of the two-hour signature treatments chosen according to the cycle of the moon. This concept was devised by the British company Organic Pharmacy whose products are one of the few on the market that are 100 per cent organic. The Waxing Moon treatment consisted of a foot and scalp massage, exfoliating scrub, nurturing jasmine mask and full-body massage.

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BACKGROUND

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BACKGROUND

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Natasha is one of the most talented therapists I have encountered on my extensive travels – and having guided me into the dark relaxation room (female only) I slept for another hour. The rest of the day was spent relaxing, reading and snoozing by the poolside watching the rain fall without a care in the world.

FOOD Fresh, cool drinking water was available in all areas, the sign of a good spa. A tea room has been cleverly designed connecting the male and female areas and offers health drinks with fruit and nuts for nibbling and the Spa Cafe has an appealing menu for lunch and light snacks.

In all restaurants the emphasis is on fresh locally sourced produce. Beyond the spa the hotel has already achieved a Michelin star for the superb Schlossstern restaurant where one can enjoy dinner on the chalet-style balcony with lake view – courses are supplemented with tasters from the chef and a dated personal menu is given as a memento to take home.

A comprehensive buffet breakfast and a la carte lunch can be taken in the Seespitz restaurant which also serves poolside drinks and snacks at their adjacent Beach Club. The cozy library/meeting area just off the hotel lobby offers complimentary soft drinks with champagne on ice – impressive.

IN CROWD International jet set, royalty, dignitaries, movie stars and writers alongside those lucky enough to be able to afford such exclusivity. Having said that this is not a snooty place – all are welcomed equally.

WALLET WATCH Expensive but worth it. In mid to high season double rooms start at €550 (£410) a night and the Capella Suite costs from €700 - the space is well planned with bedroom, sitting room and bathrooms with external glass walls and a flat screen TV for watching while you soak. Relative bargains are available during fringe/low season – right now the online booking system is showing October and November offers for long weekends from €200 a night in standard and €500 per room in Capella suites. The two-hour Waxing Moon signature treatment costs €220.

NEED TO KNOW Schloss Velden is a Capella Hotel in the mountains and lakes area of Carinthia, Austria. Go to www.capellahotels.com for information and online booking. Flights from Stansted to Klagenfurt (12 miles from the hotel) with Ryanair or to Ljubljana (50 miles) from Gatwick, Luton and Stansted. Transfers can be arranged by the hotel.

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