Places to Stay: The Feversham Arms, North Yorkshire

I adore a romantic (see term; dirty weekend...) break with the boy, and its often refreshing to opt not for a city break, but for a gorgeous rural hotel in the country with nothing but an amazing room, spa, restaurant and each other  In the pretty (up)market town of Helmsley, The Feversham Arms is made up of a cluster of rustic pale stone cottages arranged around a heated outdoor pool, this place has it all.

For me, the highlights of staying here include, but aren't limited to, the gorgeous champagne afternoon tea by the fire, Aroma Stone massage and Anti-Ageing Smoothie facial in the Verbena spa, our amazing suite - Room 22 – a galleried poolside suite with a wood-burning stove and the Poached white peach, vanilla shortbread and lemon verbena granite. As amazing as it sounds.

Michelin-starred chef Chris Staines (formerly of Marco Pierre White’s Oak Room) is now at the helm, alongside head chef Simon Kelly (ex The Waterside Inn, Bray and Nico at Ninety Park Lane). Dinner is served in the hotel restaurant between 6.45 and 9pm with a choice between a five-course tasting menu and a three-course a la carte. The restaurant has a modern take on fine dining and comes with a real sense of occasion, so pack heels and your favourite clutch. The five-course tasting menu is treat not to be missed. Dishes such as lemon-baked halibut with chervil hollandaise and asparagus keep the local foodie fraternity flocking here (and my chef beau happy!).

The award-winning Verbena spa is the real treat here, indulgent Anne Semonin and Elemis products both grace the treatment menu. The Elemis (Anti-Ageing) Smoothie facial (£75) and the full body massage (£65), are both absolutely to die for. Even if you don’t have a treatment booked, the spa is an inviting cocoon in which to while away a whole day, with the sauna, aromatherapy room, salt vapour room, sun terrace (yes the sun does shine here in summer), outdoor pool and hot tub.

If you have a spare weekend this autumn, head here for relaxing walks in rural and picturesque surroundings, a hell of a pampering and romantic evening. Just don't forget your Hunters! rachelle xo

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