FOR SPA-ING WITH FRIENDS Carden Park, Chester

Carden’s wellness space is the epitome of a luxury destination spa. It’s an impressive pampering hotspot with a large, neatly manicured spa garden dotted with nine indoor thermal experiences, lounging areas and hot tubs. It’s somewhere to spend the day in your robe and slippers, chatting in the Jacuzzi and over a leisurely lunch, and rotating between the bubbling pools and serene treatment rooms. Bubbles of a different kind can be ordered from the garden’s Bollinger bar, including Carden’s very own sparkling wine, produced from the vineyard on the 1,000-acre estate. Colourful salads and moreish light bites are served throughout the day at the spa’s Elements restaurant, where a dressinggown dress code is most certainly welcomed. The spa’s treatment menu is concise but perfectly executed. GH recommends the Muscle Melt Massage. Blissfully indulgent, this had our loosened limbs sinking into the snuggly heated beds. If you’re staying for dinner (and you really should), you can journey through the delicious à la carte or eight-course tasting menu at the hotel’s fine-dining restaurant, The Vines. It’s all served by perhaps the most charming waiting staff in Cheshire – and accompanied by more of that delicious local fizz, of course… GOOD TO KNOW Keen golfers will love Carden Park’s two championship golf courses and driving range, while those looking to get their pulses racing can try Vertigo, a 10m-high obstacle course.

 Accommodation, from £110; spa days, from £255; treatments, from £80; Muscle Melt Massage, £140 (cardenpark.co.uk)