The weather didn’t quite know what it was going to do – whether to rain or shine – but that didn’t matter as my husband and I arrive at Careys Manor and SenSpa for the weekend. Whatever the weather is outside – it is purely tropical in the Senspa.

Thai influences with bamboo, gold, and dark wood is the decor for the spa, then dotted around are carvings of elephants, buddhas and large ceramic pots - giving a truly Eastern feel to the place.

On my arrival, I am handed Thai pyjamas and a cotton white dressing gown to slip into, which is the dress for the spa - even in the Zen garden restaurant. Here, in the relaxed oriental atmosphere and listening to soft music, I enjoy a delicious fresh,crisp wok - a perfect meal for a spa day.

Before I indulge in any of the treatments, I decide to join the Thai yoga and stretch class which is on offer. It takes place in one of the most beautiful studios I have been in, it is worth doing a class just to stand in the room with its temple-shaped mirrors on all four walls - I really do feel I am a million miles away from the UK in some oriental country.

After a little stretching, it is off to use they hydrotherapy area, which is situated near the swimming pool, where other guests are relaxing in chaise longues.

The hydrotherapy area has some of the latest state-of-the-art spa facilities. I begin by relaxing in the large hydrotherapy pool, which has small cathedral candles dotted around the edge. The strong hydrotherapy jets massage every part of your body from your shoulders right down to your feet, I really do feel I have had a massage.

For the heat treatments, there's a steam room which has a large glistening crystal in the centre, and there's a herbal sauna. To cool off, there are the showers - I could choose from tropical, ice storm or sea storm - with sound affects of thunder and lighting and flashes. For those who are brave, you can literally throw a bucket of ice cold water over yourself.

There’s a laconicum – a thermal room which is not as hot as the sauna but equally relaxing. And the tepidarium is where you relax. This room is cool, and I lie down on heated mosaic loungers which is surprisingly comfortable.

With all the heat treatments, I can feel the tiredness finally seeping out of my body. To totally chill out, I wander into the dimly lit relaxation room and flop down on a wicker chaise lounge where I simply nodded off. Other guests choose to rest in another relaxation room on loungers with plump silk brightly coloured cushions where they flick through magazines while sipping Chai tea.

There are lots of beauty treatments available, many with an oriental influence. I indulge in a Willow facial - an oranges and lemons organic product, which is truly delightful and My Thai therapist gives me a luxurious face, neck and shoulder massage too.

Having spent an exhausting day in the spa, I wander back to my bedroom which is only a short walk along the corridor to get ready for dinner.

Unlike the spa, the hotel is very English in its interior decoration. It was built in the 17th Century when the King of the time used it as his hunting lodge. It was then bought by a wealthy businessman called Carey. Today, the original wooden panelling is still on show in the reception area.

As my husband and I walk into the Manor restaurant, with its traditional decor of fleur d'lis wallpaper and white, crisp tableclothes, a pianist is playing a Sinatra song at the baby grand piano - a delightful, if old fashioned, touch. This award-winning two AA rosette restaurant offers guests not only a fine dining menu but also a large number of healthy and vegetarian options too. The food is quite delicious, all cooked to perfection and the waiting staff are friendly. My only grievance is the room could have had a more romantic touch with candlelight. For those guests who do not want such a gourmet occasion, the hotel has another restaurant which has a totally different atmosphere - that of a French bistro.

The next day, we don our walking boots and set off for a long walk in the New Forest, while other guests decide to see the woodland area on bike, which you could hire, and others take a drive to see some of the attractions including Beaulieu Abbey and Exbury and Furzey Gardens.

Careys Manor Hotel Lyndhurst Road Brockenhurst Hampshire SO42 7RH tel: 01590 623551 fax: 01590 622799 Reservations: 01590 624467 www.careysmanor.com stay@careysmanor.com