USP An Asian-style spa in the North East, in a gloriously isolated hotel with beach views.

AMBIENCE Statues of Buddha, plus a gym with chilled towels, outdoor hot tubs, a Turkish steam room with “light therapy”, a soundwave therapy lounge and ozone swimming pool.

EXPERIENCE The chcolate facial was delicious, but there are traditional treatments.

FOOD Healthy Thai in the spa, and the hotel has its own, more luxurious, restaurant.

IN CROWD Ladies from the North East enjoying some out-of-town pampering, or hotel guests, often mothers and daughters.

WALLET WATCH A chocolate facial costs £85 for 90 minutes. Full board, including one treatment, is £170 per person per night.

NEED TO KNOW Serenity Spa, Seaham Hall, Seaham, Co Durham (0191 516 1550; www.seaham-serenityspa.com)

Readers' comments: While the majority of respondents to our survey were very happy with treatments at Seaham Hall one described the body scrub as “poor” and another’s verdict on the Rasul was “disappointing”. The word “charming” came up several times to describe the therapists. Comments about the ambience ranged from “superb- very exclusive and funky” to “relaxed but fairly busy”.

Times recommends

• New York's top 10 new hotels
• A Scottish monastery retreat
• Welcome back to Rwanda