Visit Downe Health Spa

Are you a city worker that dreams of a beautiful, relaxing, weekend country escape that doesn't eat in to your annual holiday allowance or take up much of your time travelling? If so, I've got the perfect break: How about a listed farmhouse dating back to the 15th century converted into luxury cottages complete with an indulgent spa?

• Witnessing a blanket of stars, the Milky Way and breathing in fresh sea air just three hours out of London.
• Having the luxury and privacy of a self-catering cottage in such close proximity to a professional and well organised spa with heavenly treatments.
• Knowing that the spa was exclusive to only a sprinkling of guests, unlike large hotel spas where things can sometimes get a bit crowded.
• Feasting on the luxury lunch freshly prepared with local and home grown ingredients by our therapist.
• Taking a refreshing and invigorating walk in the country, down to the wild, rugged and romantic coastline of the Hartland peninsula.

Downe Health Spa is situated on the stunning Hartland peninsula in North Devon and offers luxury cottages and an amazing spa experience at an affordable price. Myself and my partner were lucky enough to visit this remote part of the UK and indulge in a refreshing and rejuvenating weekend at the spa and cosy self-catering cottages at Downe.

It couldn't have been simpler to organise! Jeremy and Lynda Roe offer excellent client service from the first communication on the telephone, right through to dropping you off at the station to come home at the end of your visit.

My partner and I work in London and hadn't envisaged a weekend in Devon to be so simple. But on learning that the train from London Paddington to Tiverton Parkway takes just over two hours and that we would be greeted by Jeremy and Lynda at the station at the other end, we agreed that from the offset of our journey, our weekend would be completely stress free and easily manageable. So one Friday evening, that's exactly what we did.

The journey from Tiverton Parkway to the spa takes less than an hour and we arrived at our delightful country cottage, in what felt like the middle of nowhere well before 11pm. As soon as we stepped out of the car, the strong smell of salty sea washed all the week's city stress away. Downe is a magical place and this particular night was crisp and clear. The sky was filled with thousands of stars and I can't remember the last time I saw the Milky Way so clearly!

Awaiting our arrival on the kitchen table of our luxury cottage, was a plate of local cheeses, a bottle of red wine, some yummy chocolates and two home made trifles. A couple of glasses of wine and a plate of cheese and crackers later, we were ready for bed and looking forward to our pamper day ahead.

We were lucky with the weather on the Saturday. Despite the winter season having kicked in, the sun was shining and the views of the sea just over a mile away, were very clear from our cottage bedroom window. Rolling farmland and countryside lead from the cottages down to the coast.

Our day couldn't have been easier. All we had to do was roll out of bed, shower and eat the continental breakfast provided in our kitchen before walking 20 seconds from our front door over to the health spa.

On our arrival at around 10am, we were introduced to the head therapist who showed us around the gym and spa, then sat us down with coffee and biscuits and gave us a program for the day. Our order for lunch was taken and we were then left to utilise the day in whichever way we wished. I thought I'd better start of with a blast on the cross trainer, followed by another cuppa and then some time in the steam room... Find out more about the facilities on offer >>

After a delicious lunch consisting of a club sandwich and salad (no diet food here - unless you ask for it) I experienced my first treatment. My therapist Kay gave me both a paraffin foot wax and an aromatherapy body massage. Kay doesn't just have a magic touch; she's also an absolute pleasure to spend time with. This is the difference when you visit a small and personal spa like Downe. There were less than ten of us in total visiting, which gave us the opportunity to really relax and have more of a personal tailor-made experience. Kay remembers clients from over a year ago and has frequent visits from regulars. Kay and the team have time to mix the massage oils according to your needs and they really listen to what you want from your experience. The day starts at 10am and finishes at 5pm. What do you do that takes 7 hours you may ask? Believe me, the day flies by. After a work out, then a break... a steam and sauna, then lunch... some treatments and then another break... followed by a final dip in the whirlpool... and then scones with cream and jam! It's all glorious and it takes up all your time. Learn more about the therapies you can book >>

You don't need to get changed into your clothes to go back to your cottage in the evening. You simply just pad back over in your cosy slippers and dressing robe. On return to your cottage, once again, you have cheese, choccies and red wine waiting for you.

We'd borrowed a couple of DVDs from the comprehensive collection on offer and Jeremy had ensured we were well stocked up with logs for the fire. So we were all set for a cosy night in, fully pampered and totally relaxed. That night there was rain... this wasn't a disappointment. Our bedroom was up in the rafters and for me, there's nothing more atmospheric than the elements intervening somehow. The rustling of the wind in the chimney and the patter of rain on the roof were soothing sounds to fall asleep to.

Sunday morning, we awoke in our own time. Unlike hotels and B&Bs, there was no check out time... we simply gave Jeremy and Lynda our train times and they agreed to pick us up at an agreed spot, to take us back to the train station. Our train wasn't booked until late afternoon which gave us plenty of time to explore the local area.

It doesn't take long to get down to the coast. It's a good mile away, but the invigorating walk is a feast for the eyes and food for the soul. The dramatic cliffs and black sandy beach offer spectacular photo opportunities as well a wonderful playground for locals walking their dogs. We took a local map with us and did a good five mile circuit. From the coast we headed back inland and explored the local area and had lunch in a nearby pub. This is where Lynda picked us up and drove us back to Tiverton Parkway. All in good time to board the train back to London.

Back home by 7pm, we'd had a wonderful weekend. We'd had a day of full pampering, slept in a luxury renovated Victorian cottage... indulged in naughty food, been on an invigorating walk in the rural countryside of North Devon, been picked up and dropped of at the station and had experienced a comfortable train journey at either end. It was so easy and very affordable. I encourage you to treat yourself now and book a visit with Jeremy and Lynda.

Book your Valentine Break now for just £499 per couple (01237 441881). The breaks, which are available between 8th and 18th February 2008, include three nights weekend accommodation (Friday to Monday) or a four night midweek stay (Monday to Friday) in a luxurious one bedroom cottage and a Virgin Pamper Day (without therapies) in the spa for each person. Every couple will also find a bottle of champagne on ice, a bouquet of flowers and a box of chocolates waiting in their cottage on arrival.

Find out more at www.devonspa.com.