When is a spa not a spa? When it’s a Michelin-star restaurant with treatments thrown in.

The Vineyard at Stockcross in Berkshire

THE VIBE

Spa guests drawn to the Vineyard at Stockcross do not come in search of calorie-counted meals or fat-reducing body wraps.

Instead they check in to the hotel, just outside Newbury in Berkshire, to revel in its "Restaurant With Room To Stay" philosophy and spoil themselves rotten with indulgent treatments.

THE TREATMENTS

The four treatment suites feature murals of flowers, fruits and preRaphaelite beauties with flowing hair.

Painted by Frankie Cummings, they create a serene ambience.

From an extensive list I picked the signature treatment, the Vineyard Sensation, which began with therapist Lisa handing me a glass of champagne.

While I sipped she massaged and moisturised my grateful feet before wrapping them in warming socks, rather like electric blankets for tootsies.

The treatment ended with a scalp massage which nearly sent me off to sleep (but maybe it was the champagne).

I then had a Visage Jeunesse (Face of Youth) facial, which promised to rebalance my complexion.

The creams and potions used were from Ingrid Millett and their unique combination of extracts of caviar, sea minerals, moisturisers and vitamins left my skin supple and smooth.

Not one to be left out, my partner tried the reflexology treatment, which left him walking on air.

THE NOSH

The Vineyard's restaurant in the main Georgian building is a treatment for any foodie's tastebuds.

Our starters of wild mushrooms and truffle jelly and organic salmon with spiced lentils and foie gras, accompanied by a Californian dry white from the extensive wine list, were sublime.

Our main courses of sea bass with parsnip and vanilla purée and lamb with red cabbage, Venezuelan chocolate bacon and hazelnut vinaigrette, left us struggling to find room for a third course, but we bravely managed to savour a selection of creamy cheeses and organic biscuits.

Afterwards we retired to our elegant and spacious suite to snooze in a bed the size of a football pitch.

GETTING THERE:

Parkmore Holiday Cottages
Luxury 4 star self catering accommodation located in the heart of Speyside, Scotland. Save up to 50% by booking a holiday or short break now
www.parkmorecottages.com

Shugon Stafford Cotton Drawstring Tote ...
£1. Classic cotton drawstring backpack. Cotton bag with cotton cord. Reinforced corners with gunmetal eyelets. 140gms 100% cotton. Dims ...

Core Medical Ltd CoreIce Instant Ice ...
£1. Product Description Instant therapeutic ice pack, no refrigeration required. Ideal for when you're on the move, playing or ...

Rms School Pack Scotland Large
£1. School pack includes; Tin pencil case Pen, pencil ruler and rubber

Essential Escapes (020 7284 3344/essentialescapes.com) has two-night packages at the Vineyard at Stockcross from £320pp (two sharing), including breakfast and dinner.

The Vineyard Sensation costs £28, other spa treatments from £25.