Hidden down a country lane outside the historic town of St Albans in Hertfordshire is this beautifully refurbished hotel with a stunning spa.

Where is it?

A mile or two outside the gorgeous cathedral town of St Albans lies Cottonmill Lane, a windy and narrow road that leads you to the gates of Sopwell House, a luxury countryside hotel with a spectacular spa.

What's the accommodation like?

Modern, yet still warm, comfortable and inviting. We were hugely impressed with our Corner Room suite – clever design tricks had produced a smart dressing area with plenty of mirrors and lights behind the large bed. There was a tardis-like cabinet concealing everything you needed for a nice cuppa or morning coffee and the little sunlit balcony was a perfect spot on the warm, sunny morning.

Downstairs the attention to design detail was even more evident. There's a beautiful foyer at the entrance heaving with lush tropical houseplants and plenty of places to pose while you wait to check in. The hotel's Octagon Bar is dark and sexy with lots of intimate spots for cocktails, while one of the hotel's restaurants, Omboo, is a tropical paradise – albeit in Hertfordshire, to reflect the Pan-Asian cuisine.

Star of the show however is the The Club at Cottonmill, the hotel's magnificent spa. In contrast to the hotel's facade, this is a very modern temple to wellbeing with indoor and outdoor pools, jacuzzis, day beds and loungers aplenty, as well as all manner of steam rooms and saunas. It's a fabulous place to spend an afternoon.

What did you eat and drink?

At The Brasserie, the hotel's classic dining room, you can feast on familiar favourites, but we chose to eat at Omboo, as we'd heard good reports about the Pan-Asian cuisine on offer. We weren't disappointed. The crispy duck salad was deliciously fragrant with fresh herbs, slivers of sticky meat and loaded with chilli too. A platter of sushi was beautifully prepared and generous, but the evening's hit dish was the wok-fried beef – lots of tender steak, juicy cherry tomatoes and so much garlic it was a good job we were sharing. Glasses of Tiger beer and Picpoul de Pinet were the perfect partners.

What is there to do?

If you can drag yourself away from The Club at Cottonmill spa then head into St Albans to explore the cathedral and the pretty shopping streets full of independent boutiques and cafés. Wednesday and Saturday are market days, when the bustling streets are full of locals picking up the freshest produce and local specialities.

Lasting memory?

Dipping ourselves in an outdoor hot-tub before wrapping up and toasting our toes in front of the fire-pit, herbal tisane in hand.

Sainsbury's magazine insider tip

The clever cocktail menu has been designed around important dates in the hotel's and the town's history. Do try a '1140', a blend of ale and honey and created in memory of the community of nuns who would offer repast to pilgrims heading to the cathedral.