CAROLINE SMITH and SARAH ROBERTSON take a relaxing girly spa break to Swinton Park in North Yorkshire. SUNDAY is supposed to be a day of rest but it is not often you put your feet up and truly relax. So when we were offered a chance to pamper and indulge ourselves in breathtaking surroundings, it was an invite impossible to refuse. Brimming with excitement, and with our overnight bags packed, we set off to enjoy the ultimate girly break at one of the North’s most stunning rural retreats . . . Swinton Park. Nestled in acres of gorgeous countryside, the imposing residence in Masham, North Yorkshire, is a beautiful 17th century castle. As we entered the gates and made our way up the sweeping driveway we could barely believe the majestic sight before us. We were taken aback by the splendour of our surroundings. Clapping eyes on the gleaming dark wood floors and sumptuous soft furnishings we knew we were in for a weekend of sheer luxury. Nothing was too much trouble for the helpful staff. A porter took away our luggage and we were whisked to our own private spa. For one hour this tranquil hideaway was booked for us alone and we were determined to make the most of it. We started off with a relaxing spell in the sauna before plunging into the warm waters of the whirlpool bath. Leaning back, flicking through magazines we felt our stresses bubble away. The spa is stocked with gorgeous smelling Molton Brown products of which we made full use in a bracing shower before wrapping ourselves in fluffy bathrobes. Our personal therapists arrived to take us for more pampering in the treatment rooms. I was to undergo the LaStone Therapy . . . deluxe which included a mini facial, while Caroline had the Hydramemory followed by a soothing neck and back massage. My therapist asked me in detail about my skin type and health care regime in order to pin point any concerns. Warm towels were wrapped around my feet and hot volcanic stones bathed in aromatic oils, were placed in my hands and on my body’s key energy points. The heat from the stones and oil felt wonderful and soothing as my therapist Jane used them to massage my body from head to foot using traditional techniques to release muscular tension and strains. After a few minutes I fell into a deep sleep and didn’t wake up until the lights were switched back on feeling as though a weight had been lifted. Caroline, 55 minutes of bliss started with a tranquility welcome, where gorgeous citrus-scented oils were wafted under her nose and massaged into her face. Next she was treated to cleansing, exfoliating, a mask and moisturising which, she reported, left her skin with a dewy sheen and softer that it had been since she was a teenager. She also had a half-hour massage which concentrated on her back, neck and shoulders. It seemed to do the trick as Caroline had to take to her bed for an afternoon nap she was so relaxed. The hotel kindly provided a room for each of us. Caroline was in the Bedale room, which overlooked the gatehouse. Themed on the local coaching town, the room was decorated with warm traditional colours with paneled wallpaper. I was placed in Ripon, which enjoys views over the lake and parkland. My room was furnished with a sleigh bed and faux fur throws, and our bathrooms were stocked with more Molton Brown toiletries. Complimentary gin, whisky and mixers were provided along with a range of teas and coffees. Relaxing with a gin and tonic, I quickly fell asleep on the comfortable bed, only to be woken by Caroline calling to prompt me to get ready for dinner. Shown to our table in the grand dining room we felt glad we’d worn our finest dresses. However, we gulped when we were handed the wine list which contained wines up to £400 in price. Our brilliant Maitre’ D quickly expelled our fears and took the liberty of choosing for us, a reasonably priced French Rose. We both chose the light and delicate summer garden vegetable mousse with tomato water for our starters. For our main courses, I chose the venison with garden vegetables. Cooked to perfection. Meanwhile, Caroline chose the seabass cooked in fennel. The array of puddings would sway the most disciplined dieter. I plumped for pear and almond tart with ice cream, while Caroline chose pineapple upside cake which she said was delicious. Following our mouth watering meal, we finished it off with coffee and petis fours in the drawing room before heading to bed. After a brilliant night’s sleep, we found ourselves back in the dining room for breakfast. Caroline still feeling full from last night’s dinner just had cereal and toast, but I couldn’t resist trying the hotel’s full English breakfast which probably undid all the therapist’s good work. After our breakfast we reluctantly packed our bags and said our goodbyes wishing we could have stayed just a little longer. --------------------------------------------------------- 5 things to do 1 - EXPLORE the stunning grounds of the castle, including the walled garden, ornamental deer and lake. 2 - TAKE a trip into the Georgian market town of Masham and have a look round the Black Sheep Brewery. Call 01765-689227 for more details. 3 - VISIT TV chef Rosemary Shrager’s cookery school, in the grounds of Swinton Park. 4 - IF you’re lucky enough to be tying the knot at the castle, book the Turret . . . the perfect romantic hideaway. 5 - IN early December, Masham hosts a Victorian Market. --------------------------------------------------------- Fact file DINNER, bed and breakfast packages are available for one-night stays on Sunday and Monday and two-night stays for the rest of the week and start from £125. ONE night spa packages include dinner, bed and breakfast and two hours of treatments. Rates are from £310 per night and £570 per room for two nights although this offer is not available on Saturdays. SWINTON Park, in Masham, North Yorkshire, can be contacted on 01765-680900 or email enquiries@swintonpark.com | 
