As I dunked my head under the spraying spout of water, allowing its warm mineral-enriched waters to soothe my tired muscles, there was really no other place on earth I could imagine myself being.

My partner and I had come for a well-deserved weekend break to the MacDonald Bath Spa Hotel. After an easy journey on the 5pm train from Paddington we arrived in Bath with plenty of time to get settled in before dinner.

The 5-Star hotel offers enough diversions to fill a weekend - from its spa and fitness centre, to its multiple restaurants, landscaped grounds and blissful tranquillity. However, if that isn't enough for you, it is only a short 15 minute walk into Bath.

Dining in

The two hotel restaurants offer the range of dining experience. On one hand is the two AA Rosette Vellore Restaurant - with formal service, excellent wine list, and a fantastic menu of English fare with a modern twist, to the Alfresco Restaurant - with a more informal atmosphere and lighter (and less expensive) menu featuring grilled fish and meat.

A daily breakfast buffet is also served in the grandeur of the Vellore Restaurant - which was the former ballroom of this stately home. As sunlight pours through the windows you can get your day off to a great start with fresh croissants, juices and cooked breakfasts. About the only thing I could complain about was that their coffee wasn't very good and was often filled with grounds, a minor complaint as the weekend was punctuated with excellent, friendly service throughout.

The rooms are a decent size, with comfortable large beds and awesomely huge marble-clad bathrooms. If you are looking to really experience Edwardian service, you could plump to stay in the Imperial Suites - 21 butler-serviced deluxe rooms, suites and penthouses. Your butler will even call ahead of time to discuss your preferences for pillows and duvets, and when you arrive, you can sip champagne while he unpacks your bags for you!

What sets the MacDonald apart from any other 5-star hotel is their excellent pools and spa area which are included in your room package. Using mineral waters from the Bath thermal spa, the outdoor thermal baths are incredible, the restorative powers of the baths in town without the crowds. After you have wallowed in the bathtub like water, then you can check out some of the other facilities which include a steam room, salt spray room, sauna, infra-red sauna, ice room and two "theme" showers; plus an indoor pool and Jacuzzi. It is easy to spend an entire afternoon wandering from one to the other, interspersed with time on one of the deckchairs soaking up the sun and reading the papers.

After a good long soak and scrub in the spa, the Library beckons with its excellent range of loose teas or a visit to the club-like Colonnade Bar for a nice gin and tonic.

When we boarded the train back to London on Sunday afternoon we felt relaxed and restored. It's remarkable what a difference 48 hours can make.

Written by Knight Hooson