I have wanted to go to the Santuary for years. I had images of white, relaxation, exclusivity, inner peace and tranquility. What I got was hoards of other women looking for the same - or (worse) hoards of other women on a loud girls day out. There were times during the day when I definately felt like a cow or sheep being herded from one place to another.

The day started with me going up a small narrow staircase to the reception area to be "checked in". After having my details taken, and my reservation confirmed along with the bookings for the 2 treatments I had prebooked, I was then sent to get changed in the regimental white towelling dressing gown. Then a quick tour of the facilities, confirmation of lunch times.

I started my day downstairs - I was trying to get fit the week I went to the Sanctuary so I made myself do a dozen or so lengths of the indoor training pool and used some of the excercise machines in the pool. I then had a sauna - then some more swimming, then another sauna, then a cold shower, then another sauna - then I relaxed for half an hour poolside.

Next, I went upstairs had some fruit tea, then had a dip in one of the other pools - it had jet sprays in and would have been great and relaxing except for the hen party who decided to invade my space. It all got a bit crowded and a bit noisy so I left.

At this point I was due a complimentary colour therapy session - me and 100 other cows (sorry women). We were herded to our seats in a darkened room and told to relax to the colour. It was quite relaxing but to be honest it all felt a little too much like 1984 or a bit like a cult.

After this I had a body treatment - I was covered in mud and left for a good 1/2 hour in a floatation tank - I think this was the best bit of the day. The therapist was chatty but not intrusive and the treatment made my skin feel really soft. If you go, this is definately a good treatment to do.

Then lunch - restaurant is run by Prue Leith and serves pretty healthy food without forgetting that some people need comfort food when they are trying to relax.

In the afternoon I had a dip in the pool with the Joan Collins swing in (from the film the Stud - she has sex on the swing if I remember correctly). This pool was a lovely shape though did seem a bit dingy (age rather than dirt).

I also had a facial - that I personally did not find too good. It was ok but to be honest, they just use the products you can buy in Boots.

I did have a great time - relaxed after a very stressful period in my life - but it did not come cheap. In fact I could have had a weekend in Paris for the cost of a day in the Santuary. So for me it is a once in a lifetime visit as I wouldnt go back ). It didnt feel particularly exclusive - as I said at the beginning, there were times when I felt that I was herded around like a cow.