Relax, unwind and beat those winter blues with a stay at Ye Olde Bell Hotel & Spa, Retford

A luxury spa break to relax and recharge the batteries is a popular staycation choice for many Brits and at a time when summer holidays are still in the planning stage and thoughts of flying off to warmer climbs a world away, places like the four-star Ye Olde Bell Hotel & Spa in Retford can provide the welcome respite we so often crave during the off-season grind.

A night in one of the hotel's dog-friendly executive lodges would give my wife and I the mind and body boost we so desperately needed, buoyed by the added bonus that we were able to take our well-behaved pet greyhound Jojo along for the ride.

Arriving later than planned due to an unscheduled diversion, we were excited for our 'three-in-one' stay, spa and dine weekend which would provide us with a joyous mix of our favourite things in life - great hospitality, luxurious relaxation and, of course, food.

With the unpredictable weather causing a stir, we were delighted to be greeted with an early check-in, but not before braving the drizzle with a gentle dog walk around the hotel grounds on which we sussed out the hotel's impressive exterior.

As well as a small public park behind the hotel, conveniently located near the A1, dog owners will be pleased to know there are many suitable green spaces for their four-legged friends, who are made to feel more than welcome by the affable dog-loving staff.

Right on cue, the downpours arrived, but it didn't matter as we managed to dodge the onslaught by hunkering down with a cuppa in our two-storey 'Grove' lodge, set just off the courtyard a short walk from the hotel's main building.

With a modern interior, cosy features and striking character, it immediately felt like the perfect overnight retreat, decked out with rich fabrics and opulent furnishings clearly aimed at helping to remove the stresses and strains of daily life.

Features include a lounge and kitchenette on the ground floor, with a handcrafted oak staircase leading to a galleried double room and luxury en-suite bathroom complete with roll-top bath and walk-in power shower.

With the pooch settled and an afternoon to fill, my wife remained indoors to relax with a glass of prosecco while I headed over to the hotel spa to whittle away a few hours of blissful relaxation.

Roles would be reversed the following morning, but I was first up to enter the calming oasis, flitting between the impressive range of saunas and steam rooms with refreshing dips in the indoor and outdoor vitality pools sandwiched in between.

In fact, Ye Olde Bell is one of only three spas in the country to house a stone bath steam room and one of a handful of places worldwide to offer a unique 'snowstorm' experience, proving why it's such a popular retreat destination.

With worldly worries drifting away, I resisted the temptation of purchasing a poolside beer and snacks from the attentive spa butlers, instead sticking to the complimentary selection of herbal teas and fruit-infused waters, which left me feeling invigorated and proud of my willpower, albeit just as hunger started to kick in.

Back at 'Grove', my wife cracked open a bottle of fizz as we slumped into the inviting lounge sofa to chew the fat over our experiences, before changing into something more swish for an evening meal in the hotel's St Leger bistro.

With the hotel nestled on the border of three counties - Nottinghamshire, Yorkshire and Lincolnshire - the head chef and his talented team combine their expertise with the best local produce to create menus that have helped secure the prestigious AA Rosette.

Our choice of seasonal dishes included starters of smoked salmon on crispy polenta with a poached egg, before main courses of chicken, ham and leek pie with veg and 8oz sirloin steak with creamy stilton sauce and giant onion rings.

Both dishes were accompanied by a delightful bowl of giant triple-cooked chips, with both meals drawing quiet groans of satisfaction from each side of the table.

Snoozing away in a cosy nook alongside us, the pooch's nostrils must have been in overdrive, but she's used to frequenting hotel bars and restaurants, which is testament to the UK hospitality industry and its growing list of dog-friendly establishments.

Last, but not least, after polishing off desserts of apple and cinnamon tarte tatin and sticky toffee pudding, along with the obligatory bottle of house red, we retreated to the lodge ready for our night time slumber with bodies at peace after the day's indulgence.

After a wonderful night's sleep, it was nice to know we didn't have to rush off in the morning thanks to a pre-arranged late check-out, which meant we could enjoy leisurely breakfasts of a Full English, Eggs Royale for my wife and copious amounts of coffee.

Ordering an extra sausage is standard practice for us during hotel stays and the delivery of Jojo's meaty treat duly arrived, and was devoured, without fuss.

Sadly, our stay was coming to an end, and while my wife took her turn in the spa I packed up our belongings, loaded up the car and embarked on another rain-splattering dog walk.

But despite the gloomy weather, nothing could wipe the smiles from our faces and deter us from making the most of our stay at Ye Olde Bell Hotel & Spa, which really is a world away from the everyday.

TRAVEL FACTS

A stay at Ye Olde Bell Hotel and Spa, which includes spa time, lunch and Full English breakfast, starts from £190 per person. Spa access only starts from £75. For more information or to make a booking visit the hotel website or call 01777 705121.