USP The spa is based in the well established Lythe Hill Hotel, a mix of Tudor and contemporary styles set amid rambling countryside on the Surrey-Sussex borders. Its lake views and spa provide a tranquil backdrop for weddings and weekends away.

AMBIENCE Arriving in the dark and the rain I hurried up to more than one entrance before locating the reception. The reception is minimalist yet the corridor and stairs leading from it are disappointingly old fashioned and institutional.

The Amarna Spa is separated from the bedrooms by the Tudor Restaurant which means to reach it you either tip-toe in your toweling robe past guests relaxing on the patio or make a draughty run for it in bad weather.

The spa is warmly lit and cosy. The facilities include four treatment rooms, a 16m pool housed in an attractive high-vaulted pine conservatory, a whirlpool, warm and luxurious changing rooms with a small sauna, a steam room and cold temple shower. There is a well-equipped gym downstairs with expert assistance.

Having paid numerous visits here the spa has been consistently quiet and peaceful. Although the treatment waiting area is a little uninviting, the treatment rooms are luxurious, and staff are friendly, confident and knowledgeable about the product ranges as well as the treatments on offer.

The reception and 31 of the 41 bedrooms have recently benefited from refurbishment, including a contemporary restaurant, large bar and a wide choice of business and function rooms. The bedroom had an impressive view of the lake and hills and its stone bathroom was a good size.

EXPERIENCE I enjoyed my Elemis Advanced Anti-ageing Facial because it included a foot, head and neck massage. Amazingly, it delivered its promise of an "instant younger firmer future" but, alas, only temporarily to a chronically beauty-sleep deprived 38-year-old.

The facial includes a pro-collagen Quartz lift, which claims a 94 per cent reduction in wrinkles and a 57 per cent increase in firmness. Hmm, although I could see no difference to the fine lines around my eyes, there was definitely a younger reflection for a moment, just after treatment. I would mainly put that down to the effect of a very relaxing face massage. The quartz is claimed to help to promote cellular activity, cell regeneration and collagen synthesis.

There are five further skin solution and skin specific facials to choose from, including an Oxygen Skincalm one for sensitive skin, a purifying one for congested skin and a lavender facial to restore skin balance.

FOOD The spa offers pamper days, providing tasty light lunches such as salads and fresh warm bread rolls. There are two very good restaurants, the Auberge de France was busy and had a warm atmosphere. The oak panelled dining room is in a 15th-century farmhouse. The menu features delicious classic dishes. The wine list offered an excellent choice. Live music complemented the romance. The service was attentive and friendly.

The restaurant bar seriously lacks the character of the rest of the building creating an ambience more akin to an honesty bar in a small guesthouse by the sea. Additionally the surrounding villages offer some good old-fashioned country pubs (the Lickfold Inn, Lurgashall) and contemporary restaurants with excellent food (The Mulberry Bush restaurant, Chiddingfold).

IN-CROWD The majority of visitors were in their thirties and forties. When I visited the spa it was fairly quiet while the restaurant was reasonably busy with a large evening function. The hotel and spa welcome children.

WALLET WATCH The three Elemis anti-ageing facials are an hour or more in length and cost £80 each. The skin specific facials last an hour and cost £50-£65. If you choose a pamper day you can enjoy three treatments and plenty of time to relax. The men's Tutankhamun Pharaoh Day costs £190 and comprises an urban cleanse facial, deep tissue massage and sole delight foot treatment.

NEED TO KNOW Lythe Hill Hotel & Health Spa, Haslemere, Surrey GU27 3BQ (01428 651251; www.lythehill.co.uk) Email: lythe@lythehill.co.uk

Amarna Spa (01428 744860; www.AmarnaSpa.co.uk) Email: info@AmarnaSpa.co.uk

For more than 250 independent spa reviews click here: timesonline.co.uk/goodspaguide

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