USP Just opposite the Queen’s front door in Windsor is a new spa worthy of superlatives particularly when it comes to relaxation. Every treatment is followed by a loll on a Four Senses Pod – the first to be installed in the UK.

The pods look like a cross between a glow worm and a sofa from a sci-fi movie. They are new to the UK and sit in a softly-lit side room. The beds glow and, as you lie down, you can turn on (gentle) music and a pod vibrator. Meanwhile a concealed well puffs neroli (the scent can be changed by the spa) around your face. I do not like neroli. I liked this scent. I am baffled. But relaxed.

So, scent, movement, music and colour are designed to sooth your senses and enhance treatments. Ten minutes is meant to do the trick. Other spas have post-treatment chill rooms but the advantage of the pods is that they conjure up a sense of quiet retreat without the help of walls or screens between beds.

AMBIENCE This spa is small but so well designed there is no feeling of being crowded. There is also generosity about this place. After changing into robes clients can sit in a low-lit area of comfortable chairs and pick at fresh fruit washed down by mineral water.

The Spa at Luton Hoo Hotel, Beds

Ginny McGrath reviews the £5m spa at the UK's latest country house hotel opening

• The Stables Spa, Windsor

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• The Spa at Luton Hoo Hotel, Beds

An aromatic steam room, sauna, "experience showers" (tropical rain shower, bucket shower) and hyrdra pool are there for clients to use before – and after – treatments. As well as the relaxation pods.

QUALITY OF EXPERIENCE I was Relaxation Pod-ed after a two-hour fitness wrap and facial massage by Carrie. Like the rest of the staff at this spa she is enthusiastic, skilled and dedicated. Put it down to new-spa euphoria if you want but I reckon this team, led by Sarah Buckland, is outstanding.

The wrap lost me 12 inches. I had rather a lot to loose anyway but it’s still impressive and my clothes looked marginally less stressed at the dinner I went to that evening.

My friend was equally impressed. Not by the inch loss – he "didn’t notice" – so much as by his relaxing facial massage. His face glowed. He is a rugby-playing macho who thinks that exfoliating challenges his sexuality but even he was impressed.

His favourite spa moment was the Rasul chamber. We rubbed Ischia’s volcanic mud through each other’s hair which made mine frizzy but His soft and sumptuous. He should hire himself out as a walking advertisement for the place.

Not that this spa will need it. It is already attracting attention despite a non-existent website and the bizarre route to the spa if you are staying in the attached hotel, the Harte & Garter (beware of staying in a room overlooking the castle – Windsor’s night life is full-on and noisy). While we were staying the route went through a cocktail party, up and down tiny staircases and lifts, along winding corridors, down another lift and finally a into the street outside to access the spa.

Today, I am assured, the direct route from hotel to spa is completed. Temporary blips aside I was impressed by this spa. It’s amazing how mud can lift the mood.

IN CROWD Charming New Englanders and locals.

FOOD Berries and other fruit plus spa water available, free, in the spa. Day packages include a meal in the Harte & Garter’s excellent Towers Restaurant which is open to all.

WALLET WATCH Two hour fitness wrap £90. One hour "unwind" aromatherapy £55

The most expensive package is the four-hour (treatment time) Champagne and Caviar Treat at £240: cashmere and silk wrap; golden caviar facial; manicure, pedicure and lunch including champagne.

Towers Restaurant (at the Harte & Garter) does an all-day express menu - two courses £15; three courses £19.50. The main menu for evenings includes a field mushroom starter for £7.50 and pan-fried Sea Bass with leeks for £16.50.

NEED TO KNOW The Stables Spa, Harte & Garter Hotel, High Street, Windsor, Royal Berkshire SL4 1PH (01753 863 426; www.stables-spa.com )

For more than 260 independent spa reviews click here: timesonline.co.uk/goodspaguide

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