The best by spa!

My sister, my mum and I spent two days at Champneys Springs spa in Derbyshire.

Arriving after a week’s work, we were ready for some serious relaxation.

Upon arriving we were given a tour of the spa. It is incredibly peaceful – guests take their relaxation very seriously!

We were shown to our triple room, which had its own bathroom complete with trial size Champneys products to try out. The suite had a small seating area outside, which looked out over a lawn area.

After unpacking we headed to the dining room for lunch. Food at Champneys is all healthy, with a delicious buffet selection of salads, pasta, cold meats, fish, fruit and vegetables.

For the exceptionally health conscious, directions for how much carbohydrates and proteins are printed on the plates.

After lunch we changed into our swimming costumes and went for our thalassotherapy sessions.

Intrigued by the exotic sounding name, I had looked up what it could mean and I was expecting a whirlpool bath filled with salt water. But as the therapist explained when we got in, powerful jets of water targeted to different areas of the body provided a vigorous massage.

Most relaxing was the jet which blasted water on my lower back at a high velocity – it was like a firm massage. Less pleasant was the jet aimed at my knees! However after the treatment I did feel as though the tension had well and truly left my muscles.

We then spent an hour lazily swimming in the pool, as well as enjoying the sauna and steam room, which is infused with different aromatherapy vapours every day.

On hand was a constant supply of fluffy towels, and a dressing gown and slippers.

My sister and I both had the Elemis tri-enzyme resurfacing facial (£75) designed to resurface and smooth skin, while my mum had the relaxing Champneys facial (£35).

After our treatments we put our feet up in our room to read or watch TV before the evening meal.

Guests can borrow up to three Champneys products from the spa shop – a good idea, because they smelled so delicious that I had to buy some – so before our meal I enjoyed a luxurious bubble bath in our room.

The evening meal is a carefully put-together menu of healthy options. To start, the waitress brought us wholemeal bread rolls with hummus dip instead of butter.

The evening meal menu included vegetarian lasagne, roast duck and stuffed pepper.

After being good all day I was ready for a treat, and had the bread and butterless pudding, a healthier version of the traditional dessert, while my mum and sister had frozen yoghurt and sorbet.

Following our evening meal we decided to take part in a charity general knowledge quiz, and won a bottle of wine!

After our hectic day of non-stop relaxation we were tired out, so decided to go to bed.

I am a very light sleeper and I often wake up at the slightest noise at home.

So I was surprised to find the next time I opened my eyes it was morning, and time to go to breakfast. I had such a wonderful night’s sleep in the comfy bed.

Breakfast was a buffet, but other items such as poached eggs or omelette are available.

Then followed more relaxing in the pool, sauna and steam room.

Champneys guests can take advantage of the gym facilities, but extra classes are available.

My mum and I decided to take part in a meditation class, which focused on mindfulness, which was an extra £5, and gave us a good introduction into the world of meditation and its benefits.

We were then on our way home after a wonderful couple of days’ guilt free relaxation.