So spa so good

"I was wrapped in foil and with my bump sticking up I looked like the proverbial turkey ready for cooking!"

I am: Louise 35 years old, 33 weeks pregnant and I live in Bridgnorth, Shropshire

I went to: The Spa at De Vere Carden Park, nr Chester

I had: The Maternal Moments Day

My day: Carden Park is lovely, with fantastic grounds as you approach - a great introduction to the day.

The day started at 9 am with an hour and a half Maternal Moments treatment - a cleanse, exfoliation and then a whole-body mud treatment. I was wrapped in foil and with my bump sticking up I looked like the proverbial turkey ready for cooking! Whilst I was wrapped up I also had a scalp massage and was then left to relax for a while. I then had an hour to wait before my next treatment, the Spa has a great relaxation room with sun lounger-style beds and I was so relaxed from my session that I fell asleep. I then had my first ever manicure - I'm sure it was OK, but I wouldn't rush for another one, I much prefer the body treatments.

Lunch was in the Brasserie in the hotel, which was a bit odd as we were in our dressing gowns and there were business men having lunch! We ordered from a choice of about ten dishes, and our choice was excellent (and of course we had to have puddings - but these were extra and a bit expensive at £5 each). I then had more time to relax, if I could have been bothered I would have gone for a swim, as the pool is lovely, but instead I just relaxed and read - it was great. Finally I had a pedicure, which was really relaxing (and ticklish!) and a final lie down in the relaxation room to let my toes dry.

The day was great and the staff were friendly, professional and ensured that relaxation was the top priority. You don't actually get to see much of your friends throughout the day, which meant that we could have spent longer over lunch to catch up and chat, but I'm sure we would have struggled to get all the treatments into the day.

Treatments: Maternal Moments Treatment lasts 1hour and 25 minutes and includes a total body mud wrap, deluxe manicure and pedicure, lunch and full use of spa facilities

Cost: £155

Verdict: The day was spot-on for relaxation, the only downside was that mums-to-be seem to get manicures and pedicures as they have to be careful about treatments - I missed the aromatherapy.

The spa test: 4/5

Find out more: De vere Carden park Hotel, Nr Chester, Cheshire CH3 9DQ

Telephone: 01928 714 068

Website: www.devereonline.co.uk