USP The Captain’s Club Hotel to which the bijoux spa is attached is a strikingly contemporary, chic "pad" bang on the banks of the River Stour in Christchurch with superb river views from every room.

AMBIENCE Men are not only "allowed" in this spa, they are positively welcomed which is ideal for couples taking a short spa break together. You can loll around and pamper yourself with treatments or thrash against the powerful jets in the hydro pool to get a full and exhausting workout.

There are three treatment rooms, a chill-out section scattered with big bean bags where you can go to flop after your treatment to prolong the spa effect, and a hydrotherapy pool facing the river.

QUALITY OF EXPERIENCE The spa staff, as with those throughout the hotel, were incredibly friendly but more importantly, compared to some hotel based spa employees, really, truly knew their stuff and their products inside out.

Expert View

Encouraging guests to wear their towelling robe at all times, even during meals, unsettled me

Anna Shepard

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The signature ‘Take Thai ‘M’ Out’ 75-minute massage for £65 was sheer indulgence combining a facial and full-body massage. Combine this with 30 minutes in their dry floatation tank and you feel as though you have slept for 24 hours.

FOOD You eat in the main restaurant and nobody minds you doing so in towelling robes. It is up to you to select lighter options from the menu which include salads and fruit and the staff will bend over backwards to create a bespoke meal should you wish.

On the other hand, you can throw calories to the wind and tuck into a skillfully executed menu prepared by chefs who have graced the kitchens of big international restaurants. No one will tut if you order a glass of champagne.

IN CROWD Ladies who lunch; girly get aways; smoochy couples and boating types taking advantage of the Captain's Club six moorings.

WALLET WATCH A Marine and Moisture 50-minute facial is excellent value at £35; a 45-minute Dry Floatation is a dreamy £20 and finishing touches like a Bikini Wax just £10. Good value all round.

Always check the special offers. A Romantic Getaway 2 night break £389.00 for two people including dinner, breakfast and a mini facial is typical.

NEED TO KNOW Captain’s Club Hotel, Wick Ferry, Wick Lane, Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 1HU. Tel: +44 (0)1202 475111Fax: +44 (0)1202 490111Email: enquiries@thecaptainsclub.net. www.thecaptainsclub.net

For more than 245 independent spa reviews click here: timesonline.co.uk/goodspaguide

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