Lake District hotel and spa worth the wait

You know you're in for a treat the moment you set eyes on Langdale Hotel & Spa. My last visit had been around 10 years ago and I was interested to see how that experience could possibly be improved upon.

Driving up to the estate, that familiar feeling of peace and tranquillity washed over me.

I've loved this place ever since I stumbled across it while staying at a B&B in nearby Coniston, and it's clear that the already luxurious destination has had a fair penny spent on it in the intervening years.

Located in Great Langdale, in the heart of the Lake District National Park, the hotel is ideally situated and feels secluded, set amongst a backdrop of woodland and a peaceful lake - the perfect place to unwind and slip into a state of total relaxation.

Ambleside and Coniston are a 15-minute drive and numerous walks, if you can drag yourself away from the spa, are right on your doorstep.

The Langdale's great location is complimented by extensive leisure facilities and a choice of two options for eating drinking and relaxing (that 'R' word again), the Stove Restaurant and Bar and Wainwrights' Inn, both of which feature local produce and items from the Langdale Estate Smokehouse.

I'm a big fan of smoked salmon and here I was served some of the best I have ever tasted, with accompanying gin sorbet, I kid you not.

Wainwrights is within strolling distance of the estate, while the sprawling Stove is nestled right in the middle, with huge floor-to-ceiling windows, overlooking a working waterwheel.

After enjoying some spa time, this was where we had an al fresco lunch in an outside dining area with the same view.

There is a good choice of rooms, which are laid out in a resort style, dotted about the woodland oasis.

Ultimate Rooms are popular for special occasions and with boutique styling and design.

The Waterside Rooms enable guests to get up close to the stunning Lakeland landscape with balconies over the cascading Great Langdale Beck.

The Lakeland Signature Rooms take their design influence from the landscape with colours from slate, heather, tarns.

On arrival, my guest and I were greeted warmly by the concierge who showed us on a map where to find our Waterside Room. And what a room.

A secluded, Scandi-style option with a balcony overlooking the bubbling beck, this top-tier effort featured beautiful oak furniture and a contemporary bright white bathroom with Elemis freebies.

After a cuppa we headed to the swanky Brimstone Spa - with its to-die-for treatments and 'thermal experience' this is one of the many new and welcome additions since my last stay.

Suitably robed and flip-flopped we opted for a treatment each. I was running on empty after a few stressful months, thanks mainly to a back injury and work, and was desperate for some peace, quiet and pampering.

The spa is finished to the highest standard, tastefully decorated with gorgeous soft furnishings and with plenty of super soft towels to hand.

Therapies last for around 55 minutes and cost £85 and include access to the spa thermal experiences. I had the Body Nourish Wrap (Frangipani) with back, neck and shoulder massage.

Afterwards my thirsty skin felt like velvet, thanks to the conditioning oils, while the massage really hit the spot. After our treatments we enjoyed complimentary mini-cakes - millionaire shortbread and bakewells - and drinks.

After leaving the Brimstone, if you’re itching to check those emails, or looking to grab a more substantial bite to eat, the Stove serves lunch and dinner, with a fresh seasonal menu.

Not wanting to wander too far, we ate our afternoon and evening meal in the Stove, an area of the estate that is unrecognisable to me now, aside from the steps down to the entrance, familiar water wheel and friendly greeting.

Inside, The Wine Room is a quiet sanctuary for adults, while the Mezzanine is a relaxing space with views of the hills.

Dinner was a relaxed (that 'R' word again) affair with good wine and wonderful food.

The Smokehouse Smoked Salmon at £8.50 with G&T sorbet, cucumber, and citrus creme fraiche was a highlight. As was the Crab, prawn, lobster stuffed pasta with seafood sauce - £19.50.

After dinner we continued our evening taking up residence at the bar, chatting away to friendly staff and wishing we didn't have to leave the following morning.

I won't be waiting another 10 years before visiting the Langdale again. The ideal antidote to a hectic urban life. And relax.

****The Waterside Room with breakfast is available from £240 per night, the Attic Room with breakfast is available from £210 per night and the Cosy Lakeland Signature Hotel Rooms with breakfast are available from £140 per night.

****Included in your room price is free WiFi and free access to the leisure facilities and access to Brimstone Spa costs £45 per person.