I’M on Cloud Nine, floating blissfully between infinity pools and saunas, with panoramic views of a perfectly still lake.
I am at the Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa Hotel in the Lake District.
The rejuvenating adventure promises to refresh my senses and entire being. It does.
I hop between the two-tiered heated outdoor infinity pools and explore three sauna set-ups – eucalyptus, salt and natural mineral – then move between a number of pools at different temperatures.
Finally, I meander over to the bar, where I find an enticing range of cocktails, mocktails, beers, soft drinks and upmarket snacks.
Luckily, my luxurious suite at the hotel’s Winander Club is only a short plod away, behind and above the main hotel with views of mighty Lake Windermere.
Those staying in The Winander Club area of the hotel not only benefit from fancy rooms with luxury additions such as freestanding bath tubs, they also enjoy exclusive dining spaces.
You won’t be short of decent food options in the hotel, though, even if you are staying in the main area.
There’s fine-dining cuisine at the W Restaurant and chunky ciabatta sandwiches and bar snacks in the very cosy public bar.
My favourite, however, was the popular Blue Smoke, with its centrepiece wood-fired grill.
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Think steaks, fish served whole and maple-glazed salmon fillet all dished up with The Blue Smoke’s special chunky chips and slaw.
I’m still dreaming about my starter of butterfly king prawns, which were the size of fingers of Bownessie Monster – the myththical creature said to inhabit Lake Windermere.
Visitors could easily spend a weekend holed up in this cosy spot but the real highlight of the hotel is its location in the rolling Cumbrian countryside.
After a hearty full English brekkie – special mention to the very tasty Cumberland sausages – I got ready to explore the charms of Windermere, Ambleside and Grasmere.
But be prepared to queue if you want to take a boat trip across Lake Windermere.
Most depart from Bowness, serenely gliding over the water alongside the paddle boarders and private boats.
If that doesn’t take your fancy, this time of year is great for a stroll.
Autumnal hues
As I strapped on my walking boots and struck out up the fells, I soaked up the glowing autumnal hues on the hills.
Ambleside is also well worth exploring.
This busy but quaint town has many upmarket shops and boutiques alongside local businesses ranging from homemade-chocolate stores and lambswool outfitters to traditional watering holes.
There’s even a Michelin-rated restaurant in the cellars at The Old Stamp House where Lake District bard William Wordsworth once worked as Distributor of Stamps.
As the sun began to set over Windermere, trimming the hills with a fiery orange, it was back to the Winander Club for a sundowner.
The perfect way to end a day.
GO: Standard Willow rooms at The Low Wood Bay & Spa cost from £216 per night.
Thermal journey spa packages cost from £60p.
See englishlakes.co.uk.