Hotel of the week

Mottram Hall Hotel and Spa, Cheshire WHERE AND WHY

Situated not far from the footballers’ enclave of Wilmslow, this four-star hotel, housed in a Grade II listed building, boasts an impressive 18-hole championship golf course.

Not knowing a birdie from a bogey, my husband and I headed straight to the £15million Champneys spa. We chilled out in one of the swanky poolside cabanas (available to hire for £60 and perfect for a group of friends to hang out in) before doing a few laps of the 20 metre pool, one of three to choose from.

There’s also a Jacuzzi, steam room and saunas as well as lots of loungers to, well, lounge about on. There’s also a well-equipped gym and fitness classes to sign up for. Or opt for a relaxing spa treatment, as I did.

Hot stones were used to massage my back and ease out knots in my neck and shoulders, followed by a blissful scalp and foot massage.

Our suite was spacious and elegant in muted shades of green and grey with a huge comfy bed, and a sitting area. I loved the roll top bath and high-end Elemis products.

Our room was on the ground floor with French windows opening on to a patio area with sun loungers and a lovely view of the gardens and lake.

ON THE MENU

Robe-clad spa guests can enjoy lunch in modern restaurant Raffaella’s. My beetroot hummus and grilled fillet of coley with salad was light and tasty, and my husband’s smoked trout rillet followed by harissa roasted chicken with chorizo and bean casserole hit the spot.

Dinner was fancier at the stylish Carrington Grill, offering classic fare. I started with a couple of oysters (£7), followed by grass-fed sirloin steak (£36.50) with a peppercorn sauce, while my husband had grilled tiger prawns in a romesco sauce (£16) and sea bream with mussels and lobster chowder (£30). Puds of vanilla brulée (£9) and chocolate orange cheesecake £9) rounded off a delicious dinner.

Breakfast was in the same restaurant with plenty on offer in the buffet selection, before ordering a hot breakfast served to your table.

WHILE YOU’RE THERE

Count how many Porsches and Aston Martins you pass as you drive to the picturesque village of Alderley Edge – we got to double figures. After a browse in the boutiques and a cafe stop, there are plenty of walking trails in the nearby National Trust woodland.

WAKE-UP CALL

Rooms start from £141 per night, room with spa and lunch, £300. champneys.com/hotels/mottram-hall