We sent our wonderful Editorial Assistant Amy Eason and her personal trainer partner, George, on a well-deserved trip to check out a great affordable spa option... As Amy writes:

'A spa day or weekend every once in while is just the answer for stressed-out minds and bodies - but sadly, sometimes funds just won’t stretch to such luxuries. Well, after our visit, I want to share a little secret: Whittlebury Hall can help recharge those batteries and indulge in some pampering without busting the budget.

This hotel and spa - which we had the pleasure of visiting last month - has some great deals to suit everyone. I went to check things out - and George was able to cast a professional eye over the swanky gym!

The day spa has everything you could want to chill out; there’s a good-sized pool, jacuzzi bath, steam room, sauna, heat and ice rooms – so much on offer in fact, that we didn’t have time to experience it all as we were booked in for some treatments that afternoon, which were part of the ‘Whittlebury Day’ package.

I enjoyed an Elemis Skin Specific Facial - a gorgeous treatment which was tailored to my specific skin concerns - following a consultation with my therapist. It was blissful and I fell asleep (so I can't tell you much about what happened!), awakening to a rested face and glowing skin. George had the ESPA Skin Purifying Facial for Men, which he describes as ‘heavenly’ - and he had a hard time staying awake, too.

We were then both treated to the Day Spa Signature Massage with some divine ESPA oils, which we both dozed off in, too! Extremely impressive.

Lunch is offered in the price: nothing fancy but a buffet that was certainly welcome before we hit the fabulously-equipped gym in the early evening. George really rated the equipment - all state of the art and the exercise classes going on near-by looked interesting, too.

Overall, there is so much on offer at Whittlebury Hall and the treatments were seriously impressive that we think it's a perfect place to unwind and treat yourself without breaking the bank.'

Prices for the 'Whittlebury Day' package start from £109 www. whittleburyhall.co.uk