USP This is a spa to make certain husbands very happy. Attached is a world-class golf course. It is home to the Welsh Open and will host the 2010 Ryder Cup.The hotel, a modern behemoth, crouches in the manicured hills of the golf course, and you can spy bunkers and golf holes from virtually every room. Fortunately, for those who don’t want to practice their swing, there are two large spas which aim to cater for your every whim.

AMBIENCE It is a modern hotel and the spa, gym and swimming pool have been given their own space at the bottom of the building. Unusually this doesn’t mean it is subterranean, the swimming pool had a great view, as did the spa’s relaxation room, over rolling green hills. And the facilities were comprehensive, you’d need to be there for a week to make the most of their 54 station gym, two swimming pools, dance studio, sauna etc. However, I’m afraid one night was enough for me. Despite having all the facilities you’d expect from a top spa, they were put together in such a way as to remove much of the pleasure. The Jacuzzi, plunge pool and steam room were in the same area as the changing rooms, and had the feel of a utilitarian communal space rather than a destination in themselves. The floor was soaking wet and a strange fluorescent blue light gave the whole area an eery glow which meant that I had absolutely no desire to try out any of the facilities. I wasn’t the only one. No-one else ventured into the Jacuzzi or the plunge pool, which was unmarked and could have been an unpleasant surprise if the plunger didn’t realise it was going to be freezing cold. The only thing I dared try was the steam room. I sat on the plastic moulding that served as a chair and felt my thighs stick to it as large splodges of water fell on me. Five minutes was enough. Once you walked through the changing room/spa area you reached the pool which was full of families and young children enjoying the water. But the air stank of chlorine, and being a sensitive soul – and prone to eczema - I decided against jumping in. The 16 treatment rooms were set in a separate part of the spa, and were similar to most treatment rooms, with lots of beige, orchids and manicured therapists. The relaxation rooms were pleasant enough but one Welsh wedding magazine and a few golfing publications made its attempts to help you unwind seem half hearted.

EXPERIENCE My treatment was very good. The therapist had seven years of experience and trained other beautitians in using Elemis products. She really knew her stuff but didn’t try to flog the products too hard, which is always a relief. I had the absolute spa ritual which included a collagen marine facial, a deep tissue massage and lasted 115 mins. I’m sure my skin looked better after the facial – well, you have to think that, having spent nearly two hours and £145 on it – and I definitely felt more relaxed.

IN CROWD This feels like the type of place you’d come with your in-laws if, say, it were equidistant between your two homes. It’s not the sort of place you’d go out of your way to visit. The pool area is perfect for family fun, so bring the kids, but don’t expect an indulgent day out in solitude or with a friend.

FOOD There is a fantastic restaurant in the hotel which I recommend if you’re staying the night - Owens serves adventurous and interesting meals. For the daytime at the spa the Leisure Café serves a variety of light snacks. I didn’t eat there but the sample menu on their website gives a taste of what they serve; low-fat chocolate fudge cake and Frankfurter sausage puffs are probably the worst of what they have on offer, there is a smattering of fruit or smoothie option too.

WALLET WATCH There is a summer deal where you get three treatments and a day at the spa for £150. A night in a double room costs around £134 and then treatments are on top of that. Treatment prices are generally very reasonable. A mineral scalp treatment and dry flotation which lasts 25 mins costs £30 and an hour-long hot stone massage costs £65.

NEED TO KNOW Celtic Manor, Coldra Woods, The Usk Valley, South Wales. NP18 1HQ (+44 (0)1633 413 000; www.celtic-manor.com)

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