USP A super-new spa set in a four-star Hampshire hotel. Good sport facilities mean you can combine activity and relaxation. AMBIENCE The website describes “a haven of peace and quiet”, but that's only because the hotel is on an out-of-town business park. Flanked by roads, roundabouts and the nearby M3, the "haven" feeling feels more like "trapped". But let your settings evaporate as you enter the spa, and the experience will be much better. This newly opened extension is clean, plush, and has a gorgeous pool. From the waiting room to the changing rooms, and through to the treatment rooms (of which there are eight), the atmosphere makes you relaxed and sleepy. The treatment rooms are well-designed - simple and spacious, and not overbearingly scented.

EXPERIENCE I had a couples package, so the first stop was the LA-style hot tub in an outdoor, bubbling Jacuzzi, adjustable from rolling boil to hurricane seas. It was slightly disconcerting when other guests walked by on a nearby footpath, but oddly that made it more fun. In our double treatment room, we had a coma-inducing full body-massage. Lying on a water-filled plastic mattress was a bit odd, but it enabled the therapist to slide her hands underneath me to continue the massage, without turning me over and interrupting my slumber. However, on a slippery water-filled lilo, fairly high off the ground and smothered in oil, in the two seconds before I fell asleep, I was worried about sliding off. An amazing facial topped it off, and we then stumbled into the pool.

IN CROWD With a large number of rooms, Travelodge-like appearance, and proximity to the M3, it’s definitely an "events" hotel. The 19 meeting rooms mean it’s probably filled with business types during the week and wedding guests at the weekend.

FOOD Another point to counteract the bad location. The food was fantastic, the lunch in the spa on the poolside terrace was light and delicious (salads and quiche), and the hearty dinner was even better.

WALLET WATCH I had the "retreat" package, that included a night's stay in an executive room, foot massage, two hours worth of treatments (each), time in the hot tub, two-course lunch, three-course dinner, and breakfast. This is £460 for two. In a countryside retreat – fine; just off the M3 – a tad pricey.

NEED TO KNOW The Solent Hotel & Spa, Fareham, Hampshire (01489 880000; www.solenthotel.com)

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