USP The Nutfield Priory Hotel, to which the small spa and health club are attached, is a Victorian country house overlooking three counties, and staying in such Gothic luxury is sheer joy.

QUALITY OF TREATMENTS The full-body massage was impressive. The hydrotherapy bath and body-clay rub left us unmoved and not particularly relaxed. The therapists were skilled and attentive, perhaps even a little over-attentive. Do it again? I'd definitely go back for a massage and afternoon tea at the hotel, but I'd probably skip the packages.

AMBIENCE The hotel is tasteful Victorian to match the Gothic architecture; it felt like walking into a country house. The health club and spa is in a separate modern building, which is functional rather than spirit-lifting. It felt utilitarian because it was next to the swimming pool and gym, which had a very different tempo.

FOOD The spa brasserie serves light salady lunches that complement the treatments. The restaurant serves inventive home-made seasonal and regional dishes as well as comfort food such as beans on toast. The olive oil and wine is sourced from their own Villa and vineyards in Italy and the trad Sunday lunch and afternoon teas popular.

IN CROWD Surrey wives of ageing rock stars and couples in search of pampering and romance.

WALLET WATCH A manicure is one of the cheapest treatments at £16. The Ultimate Spa Experience is a 3.5-hour spa session for £185 (£295 if you stay the night), which includes a full body salt scrub, aromatherapy full body massage, facial and deluxe manicure. The Ying Yang Ritual is no longer available but the Holistic Spa Ritual for two costs £375 per couple (£595 overnight) and includes 2.5 hours of treatments.

NEED TO KNOW The Nutfield Priory Hotel, Surrey (01737 824400; www.handpicked.co.uk/ NutfieldPriory) For details of the health club and spa, call 01737 824434

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