USP Dating back to 1685, Matfen Hall is a beautiful stately home hotel set a stone's throw from Hadrian’s Wall, deep in the Northumbrian countryside. The spa, a relatively new addition to the hotel, offers the perfect destination for a day or residential escape.

AMBIENCE Located in the former stables, tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the main hotel, the spa resembles a rather plush private gym with good facilities - tasteful but nothing visually spectacular. It certainly has that hotel spa vibe about it, not least when we arrived and the pool was full of children (though they were banished at 11am). Candlelit treatment rooms are all rather cosy with staff both friendly and attentive.

EXPERIENCE To say my mum was looking forward to our mother and daughter spa day was an understatement - having hit 60 recently and never experienced the delights of a full day’s pampering it was more than a little overdue. Fortunately, the spa did not disappoint. We kicked of the day with homemade smoothies and then donned fluffy robes for the Fire and Ice spa. Apart from the slight misdemeanour in the salt grotto – we expected a warm mist of salt to soothe and detox but got freezing cold jets that sent us screaming to the crystal steam room - it was all rather relaxing which left us thoroughly prepped for our afternoon treatments. Mum booked in for the Monticelli mud wrap, ideal for soothing the arthritis in her hip, and I had the hot-stone massage for my aching muscles. We both opted for the hydramemory facial to revitalise dehydrated skin. Treatments were performed skilfully, blending seamlessly from one to the other – and the facial, both mum and I agreed, was out of this world - no wonder it’s their most popular treatment. Needless to say, after a day at Matfen, Mum was now a convert to the spa and was eagerly planning her next trip, before we’d even left.

FOOD Our two-course lunch (included in the package) was served in the delightful summer room. Sadly, the views and excellent service didn’t make up for my rather strange orange chicken salad - fortunately, mum fared much better with her smoked haddock pasta (as did all the other diners from what I saw). Luckily, the deserts were delicious and I made up for my disappointing main by polishing off a double portion of homemade ice cream.

IN CROWD We encountered two couples on a romantic weekend away, a group of girlfriends on a 40th birthday treat and a few leftover guests from the wedding the day before.

WALLET WATCH Residential or Day escapes are the ones to go for as they offer great value for money. The one night spa escape costs from £180 and includes accommodation, breakfast, dinner, and two treatments. Day escapes range from £125 - £160 for three treatments and lunch. Their most popular facial is £49 and prescription manicures from £28.

NEED TO KNOW Matfen Hall, Matfen, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE20 0DH (01661 855 725; www.matfenhall.com )

For more than 200 reviews of spas worldwide visit Times Online's Good Spa Guide

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