As I make my way down the mile long, sweeping avenue of lime and beech trees that lead to Lucknam Park, I'm stunned. A beautiful 17th century greystone mansion appears, set amongst parkland, rose and lavender gardens. An equestrian centre sits to the side. It suddenly feels like the backdrop to a romantic period drama. Inside, the theme continues, opulent Georgian-inspired drawing rooms, with Chesterfields, open fires and huge floral displays, lead on to perfectly manicured patios. It's all very grand, very grand indeed. There's even a wood-panelled library...
The room: The Juliet Suite. A cosy, elegant lounge with dining area, leading on to a Juliet balcony that overlooks the lavender garden. Real log fire. 4-poster bed with pleated gold canopy, marble bathroom with walk in shower. Handmade chocolates, Anne Semonin products, free wi-fi and DVD players in all rooms.
The spa: The award winning Lucknam Spa is housed in a walled garden, through a rose trellised walkway, at the back of the main house. State-of-the-art facilities include an indoor pool with fire feature wall, a saltwater hydrotherapy pool, outdoor Jacuzzi, thermal cabins, sauna and steam rooms, gym, hair salon, nine treatment rooms, and indoor and outdoor relaxation areas serving tea and fresh fruit.
The treatment: Made to Measure Massage. A tailor made, de-stress, detoxify or uplifting massage, using warm botanical oils from the luxury French brand, Anne Semonin. The treatment starts with a consultation to determine any problem areas that need attention. Hazelnut oil, which has soothing qualities is blended with lavender, uplifting mandarin zest and majoram to re-juvenate. A hand and foot massage is followed by a kneading back massage to work away knots and stress. 1 hour, £90.
Other treatments include Pro Lifting Firming Face and Eye Treatment, a Carita signature treatment using their patented anti-ageing Oelogen complex and Aromatic Salt Exfoliation, using a combination of salt, aromatic oils, and herbs from Lucknam's gardens to renew the skin.
To eat: The Brasserie for informal wood-fired pizza. The Park, for acclaimed celebrity chef, Hywell Jones' Michelin-starred fine dining.
Don't miss: A trip to the Jane Austin Centre in nearby Bath. A stroll around the picturesque village of Colerne.
The deal: Lucknam Park Hotel & Spa, Bath (www.lucknampark.co.uk 01225 742777)
Special Summer Offer, four nights for the price of three!
Room rates start from £330 and suites from £725 per room, per night and are inclusive of Full English breakfast and use of our Spa facilities. Children under 12 stay on a complimentary Bed and Breakfast basis, when sharing a deluxe room or above with two adults. Rates above are quoted per room per night based on two adults sharing and include VAT.
The Summer four nights for three is available throughout the week and is valid until 30th September 2012, subject to availability, excluding bank holidays.