THE FACTS ABOUT THE GROSVENOR SPA

England

LOCATION Up a grand, sweeping staircase on the first floor of the formal, mock-Tudor Chester Grosvenor hotel at the heart of Chester, close to the city's Roman walls. DECOR An unexpectedly sleek and tasteful interior, converted from three hotel rooms to form a compact space with curved, teak walls, mosaics, low lighting and Modigliani prints. The tranquil relaxation area forms the centre of the spa, with teak day beds in a circle and modulating lights. CREDO 'Relax in a place where your body and mind can be restored to perfect harmony and the healing powers of nature are harnessed to rejuvenate your senses.' FACILITIES Extensive and outlandish. The Thermal Suite has an 'adventure shower' that fires water jets; a salt grotto that ejects powerful bursts of cold steam; and a crystal steam room with twinkling coloured lights. More conventional is the herb sauna. There are five treatment rooms, as well as changing rooms, an ice fountain, foot spa, make-up and manicure station, and small gym. DAY PACKAGES The 55-minute Sundari Signature Facial begins with a steam treatment followed by a neem and green-tea cleansing mask and a lavender-and-rose hydrating mask, both of which are blended with a mix of herbs to suit the client's dosha, or Ayurvedic energy type. Five half-day packages (two for men) and two full-day packages (one for women, one for men) include lunch. Bespoke packages can be arranged. Other treatments include Valmont facials, LaStone therapy, Borghese body exfoliation, reflexology and reiki. Trumper treatments are available for men, and Versace makeovers are popular with the Cheshire set. SERVICE Each session begins with a detailed health consultation that goes well beyond the reach of most. The therapists are young but professional; there is a convivial, girlie-bonding atmosphere. FOOD For full-day programmes, a three-course lunch is served in the brasserie (no robes are allowed here) where the hotel's Michelin-starred chef prepares light dishes for spa guests: mushrooms with truffles and noodles followed by steamed cod with provençale vegetables, and strawberry and raspberry muesli. BEST THING Christy Turlington's Sundari products, based on Ayurvedic skincare, which are exclusive to the Grosvenor Spa in the UK, and the surprises in the thermal suite. WORST THING The changing rooms are attractive but tiny - you wouldn't want to find yourself in there at the same time as another guest. RATING 9/10 PRICE Half-day programmes from £65; day programmes from £140 including lunch. Use of all the spa's facilities is complimentary for guests spending more than £100 on treatments; otherwise it costs £35. All bedrooms are non-smoking. CONTACT The Grosvenor Spa, The Chester Grosvenor, Eastgate, Chester, CH1 1LT (01244 324 024; www.chestergrosvenor.com)