The Cornwall Spa Hotel and Estate, St Austell

What is it?

The Cornwall Hotel Spa and Estate comprises 43 acres of sprawling woodland and manicured gardens, within which there's a 65-room hotel and spa, along with a recently restored Victorian mansion housing a further nine rooms and suites. There are also 22 "Woodland homes" within the grounds that are available to buy, with more being built.

What's it like?

With its rural setting, I can understand why the hotel and spa (otherwise known as "The Clearing") is so popular with city dwellers.  Although when I visited the chilly weather meant the spa's patio was out of bounds, I can imagine that in the summer, it would be the perfect place to spend an afternoon sipping a cold glass of wine - or a fruit smoothie, for those on a health kick! When I visited, the floor was being relayed but the spa's "wow" factor was still evident, thanks largely to a huge semi-circular infinity pool overlooking the gardens.

What are the facilities?

In addition to the pool, there's a sauna and aroma steam-room, drench showers and a state of the art fitness suite. There's also a manicure bar and juice bar. Tennis courts will be arriving later this year.

What about treatments?

The treatment menu is impressive, to say the least. Along with a range of scrubs, massages and masks, there's also various treatments targeted at men and teenagers.  Many treatments have a local theme - think Cornish clays masks and flower-themed treatments inspired by the plants grown on the estate. I had the Essential Relaxation Massage, which used Swedish massage techniques to ‘enhance my sense of well being, and stimulate the respiratory and the central nervous system.' A gorgeous-smelling lavender and ylang ylang Aromatherapy Associates Essential oil was used. The brands used for treatments are Aromatherapy Associates and The Refinery. Products from both ranges are available to buy, and I was impressed at the in-depth knowledge that all the therapists had of both product lines.

Tips to take home?

Before the treatment began, I'd mentioned to my therapist, Jodie,  that I was suffering from a bad back - probably due to bad posture and hours lunched over my laptop. In additional to spending a considerable amount of time working away on my knotted muscles, Jodie gave me lots of advice relating to what products could help and how to rectify the problem - apparently I need more massages!

Why will I like it?

It's a real rural idyll. Staff go out of their way to make visitors feel at home, and there's a real sense of space, thanks to the incredibly well laid out design of the spa.

Anything I won't like?

In all honesty, no. Admittedly the floor looked slightly messy as it was being relaid, but this couldn't be helped and the staff couldn't apologise enough.

What else do I need to know?

The spa is quite easy to get to but if you're stopping over, the luxurious hotel is the natural choice. Foodies will love the hotel's 2 AA Rosette Arboretum Restaurant.

How much does it cost?

The Essential Relaxation massage costs £55 for 60 minutes.

How do I book?

Rooms at The Cornwall start from £119 per room per night including full Cornish Breakfast. To book visit www.thecornwall.com or call 01726 874 050.

Air SouthWest provide flights from over the UK and Ireland to Newquay and Flybe fly daily from London Gatwick to Newquay.

See last month's spa review - a spa by the Thames