There is something very civilised about having a weekend away and letting the train take the strain. No traffic jams on the motorway, no arguing with your partner about directions and more importantly, you can relax as soon as you leave the station. Having enjoyed a smooth journey up to York from London and a 45-minute taxi to the village of Helmsley, I was already in the holiday spirit when I arrived.

This beautiful hotel on the edge of the stunning North York moors has recently been refurbished with the addition of the new Verbena Spa. As soon as you enter the spa, you are immersed in a cocoon of wellbeing. Huge comfy sofas and chairs are there to relax in while you await your treatment, or you can indulge in the heat experience including a saunarium, steam room, salt inhalation room, foot spa or the outdoor heated pool or hot tub.

My Verbena Spa Therapeutic Massage used luxurious Elemis products and started with a body brush followed by a very relaxing massage from head to toe – perfect. My husband was equally as impressed with his deep-tissue massage. Having to tear ourselves away from the lounge area, it was back to the main hotel to luxuriate in the huge bath in our suite before heading downstairs for a delicious meal. It's a hard life...

On the menu: Elemis treatments including facials, massages, wraps and cleansing rituals.

Signature treatment: Verbena massage

Cost: Spa Suite Retreat for two includes two nights in Classic Suite, two dinners, heat experience, Rasul for two, choice of a deep tissue massage or exotic ritual wrap per person, one-course lunch, choice of facial or manicure or pedicure from £899 per couple.

Verdict: 10/10