JC Stays: Fishmore Hall, Ludlow, Shropshire

The eco spa is the latest addition, a compact SpaShell transported whole to the grounds; the four treatment rooms can be adapted and turned into couples’ rooms, while my Elemis superfood facial was blissfully thorough and relaxing.

While it might be small, there’s still room for a lovely relaxation room with sauna and steam room, plus an outdoor hot tub and loungers looking out over the countryside. A few souls braved the January chill and drizzle to enjoy the bubbling water outside, I hid away inside with the aromatic steam.

It’s the restaurant, Forelles, which is responsible for many of the hotel’s awards, although there’s also a less formal brasserie. But that would be missing out, as would choosing the three-course a la carte option when you could have the six-course signature menu or six-course surprise version, both with the option of an accompanying wine flight.

There’s a vegetarian version of the surprise menu too, although staff happily adapted the dishes to meet dietary requirements; one oversight was speedily whipped away and replaced with profuse apologies.

The personal touches which are part of its boutique charm have their occasional downsides – temporarily erratic hot water during our stay – but for low-key luxury with no stuffiness, it’s easy to wish Fishmore Hall really did belong to friends of mine.
 
Rates: Rooms cost from £175 per night. Dinner costs from £50 excluding drinks. Use of the spa facilities costs £15, or is included with treatments over £60. The Elemis superfood facial costs £65.
fishmorehall.co.uk
 

READER OFFER

Complimentary afternoon tea available for every guest that books a one hour treatment, valid until April. Quote ‘FISHMORE’ when booking.