So spa so good

"I don't know why I'm so embarrassed; all my dignity was about to go out the window in approximately 6 weeks time."

I am: Louise from Banbury aged 26 and 34 weeks pregnant

I went to: Whittlebury Hall, Northamptonshire

I had: the pre-natal Espa total body treatment (£60) that takes 1hour 25 minutes

My day: I arrived at Whittlebury Hall hoping to check out the pool and gym before going for my Pre-natal treatment. The surroundings of the spa were gorgeous; the Christmas decorations were out in full force which was fantastic.

Ian, the spa manager, showed me all the gym equipment and the pool area. I was given a robe and comfy slippers and I went to get changed into my gym gear. I managed all of 10 minutes on the treadmill before I could resist the call of the swimming pool no longer! At 34 weeks pregnant I was quite self-conscious of how I looked in my new maternity swimming gear, but I needn't have been as everyone was lovely! I took a dip in the pool for about half an hour before slipping into my robe and taking a stroll up to the treatment rooms.

I completed a booking in form and was left in the capable hands of Laura who was to massage all my troubles away. She asked me to strip down to just a towel, although I didn't feel all that comfortable going the whole hog so I left my rather attractive maternity thongs on! I don't know why I'm so embarrassed; all my dignity was about to go out the window in approximately 6 weeks time. Laura explained what she would be doing during the massage, how she couldn't do my pressure points as I was pregnant and that the treatment would help stop stretch marks (touch wood I haven't got any yet!), she started off by exfoliating my back and then rubbing it down with a hand mitten, then she rubbed oil in and massaged it, at which point I was nearly asleep. I had my concerns when she asked me to lie down as I feel so uncomfortable at the moment, but Laura raised the table so I felt more relaxed. She then did the same on the rest of my body as she had on my back; she asked me if she could do my abdomen and boobs. I was embarrassed to start with but took it all in my stride. I hadn't realised but an hour and a half had passed by that point she left me for 10 minutes with the lights turned down and the whale music in the background, I then proceeded to drift off to sleep. She came back and checked that all the cream was well rubbed in and then advised me not to go swimming that afternoon. And that was my afternoon of bliss over, boo! hoo! it was the best 10 minutes sleep I've had in 2 weeks!

Treatments: the pre-natal Espa total body treatment (£60) that takes 1hour 25 minutes

Cost: £60

Verdict: The whole day was amazing, and I felt really special and was treated as if I was the only pregnant lady on the planet.

The spa test: 5/5

Find out more: Whittlebury Hall, Whittlebury, Towcester, Northants NN12 8QH.

Telephone: 01327 857857

Website: www.whittleburyhall.co.uk