But time also doesn't matter - there are no clocks, no seconds ticking away as you spend your time in the spa. You book in for the day (or half-day) and the friendly staff simply guide you from treatment to treatment.

You don't have to wait in a specified treatment lounge, they will come and find you wherever you are.

This bijou spa ensures you never get lost in the crowd my keeping numbers down. I counted just 12 other lucky ladies on my visit to the 13th-century Old Rectory, which has been converted to house treatment or ''Ritual' rooms, a pool, lounges stacked with books and even a Mongolian Yurt in the garden.

You can book specific treatments or let Sam Pearce and her award-winning team design a programme for you. That's what I did and it was 100 per cent the right decision. Fashion graduate and former PR Sam is amazingly astute and empathetic - she seemed to know exactly what I needed just by looking at me.

The day began with a dip in the pool, steam and sauna to get the body moving. Then I went to a Reiki session, something I have only experienced once before. Sam's mother Steph, who opened Eastthorpe Hall in 1999, is an inspiring character, very warm and calming. The Reiki, which works of the principles of cleansing energy points, or chakras, throughout the body, was the perfect start to me journey. I felt a little tearful at the time but very grounded and uplifted at the end of the session.

Next, it was time for mid-morning refreshment, a very welcome jam and croissant after my early morning start. This was accompanied by a mango and ginger smoothie.

I then had an hour's break to sit by the pool, which was deserted by then. I doodled, wrote a bit of poetry and generally luxuriated in the moment.

An hour-long aromatherapy massage awaited me next, and my therapist chose frankincense and fennel oils to target water retention and encourage detoxification. I felt instantly lighter and the scales the next day showed I had lost three pounds - impressive!

This was despite a gourmet lunch, and Eastthorpe Hall has won awards for its midday spread. Chef Granville laid on an opulent buffet of onion and goat's cheese tart, stuffed chicken breast, roasted new potatoes and fresh salads. I was also treated to a glass of pink champagne and a chocolate truffle to finish.

More treatments awaited in the afternoon, included a 'Space' massage treatment that incorporated an Indian head massage and a facial. I also had a consultation with Sam for a HD brows treatment - Lateral Inking provides permanent cosmetics, perfect for an eyebrow-pencil-reliant girl like me.

Finally, after a quick moisturising hand treatment, shower and change, I rounded the day off with a manicure. Sam sourced Chanel's sought-after Particulaire especially for her clients and my hands looked 10 years' younger afterwards.

They may be a long way from London but I would insist all spa lovers make time for a visit up North to Eastthorpe Hall - just leave your watch at home.

 

FACTFILE

A full-day package at Eastthorpe Hall costs from £75, plus treatments, and includes a lifestyle consultation, welcome ritual hand & foot treatment, thermal journey featuring jacuzzi, swimming pool, infra-red sauna, individual steam cabinets, paraffin hand wax, complimentary teas, herbal infusions & wellness water, mid morning refreshment or afternoon tea, lunch and departure ceremony. More information: 01924 498507; eastthorpe.co.uk/home