My partner and I have just returned from a short break at Cedar Falls in Somerset & to be honest, I didn't really know what to expect having never been to a health spa before.

When you first arrive it is the overwhelming sense of relaxation that really hits you. Travelling up a long, tree lined driveway you soon reach the main 'listed' building where all the action takes place. The setting is beautiful. Lovely open lawns, water features, birds chirping and a mighty cedar tree! When we there the magnolia flowers were just starting to open.

We had booked in for two nights (although one night and day trips are available) and had pre booked a number of treatments and massages from the very comprehensive brochure. Our package included Dinner and breakfast and full use of all their facilities which we couldn't fault. The steam room was excellent and left me feeling totally refreshed.

There is also a heated indoor pool, whirlpool, sauna & gym inside and outside, a heated pool, tennis courts, golf course and croquet lawn. Various exercise classes are run each day and in the evenings there are interesting talks on subjects like stress and meditation (both free of charge), although we skipped on those.

We found the staff excellent and nothing was too much trouble, especially for my partner who is on a gluten free diet and therefore limited to what she can eat. Coming into both lunch and dinner in a bathrobe is actually encouraged which we thought was an excellent idea. Infact you will be spend most of your day in one of these or whatever casual sports wear you are most comfortable in.

All of this puts you firmly in the mood for some serious pampering. Between us we had booked an Indian Head Massage, Hot Stone Back Treatment, Detoxifying Algae Wrap, Skin Brightener Facial and an Aroma Pure Steam Capsule, but you can book as many as you wish. I am not used to relaxing like this (normally being a lot more active in my spare time) but this was divine.

The Hot Stones are heated to 55 degrees, then left to cool, before being used to massage the back along with a specially blended aromatherapy oil. I actually found it difficult to stay awake as it was so relaxing. My girlfriend hugely enjoyed her Algae Wrap (which entailed being covered top to toe in a friendly algae and then wrapped in foil - not my idea of fun) but again a great experience. I had heard and read a lot about having an Indian Head Massage and so was really looking forward to this one. Lasting 50 minutes and also including the shoulders and neck I would recommend this to anyone. There’s nothing like it!

Would I go back again? Without a doubt. This is not an everyday experience and for any men reading this, if you want to get some serious brownie points, take your other half there. When we were there, I'd say it was about a 70:30 ratio of women to men which made for a nice atmosphere. Just sitting in the sun filled conservatory with a cool drink listening to the sounds of the water bubbling is great. The food was delicious, especially dinner, and the whole place is just so laid back. I didn’t think the treatments were overly expensive and if you make use of all the facilities you certainly get your money’s worth. The room we were in had everything we needed and it’s easy enough to find off the M5. Really glad we went.