Peebles Hydro ★★★★

I am whisking my man away from the hedonistic rush of the big city, the high stakes and high flyers, rush­hour crushes and clouds of pollution in order to take him to another world just a train- ride away. An ancient world of rolling hills, fairytale castles, rugged mountains, silver lakes and rivers, gorgeous country walks, horse riding, fishing, bird watching and that slow, easy way of life that defies modern day's permanent race against the clock. It is a land steeped in folklore, age­old traditions, songs and dances, set alight with that wonderful, Scottish spirit that enchants and beguiles you and that has me wishing I belonged here every time I visit.

We are going to stay in the little market town of Peebles located in the Scottish Borders amid rolling green and purple hills and our destination is the Peebles Hydro Hotel. Set in a sprawling country manor on the edge of town, it rises up white and majestic as we arrive and leave the car in the handy free parking. As we step up to the door we are ushered in with friendly warmth to be shown our room and get cosily settled in. With tall windows overlooking the lush garden surrounding the hotel, we find it boasts all the charm of its heritage whilst being perfectly contemporary in its comfort and facilities. These include a TV, tea and coffee corner, free toiletries, fluffy dressing gowns and WiFi as well as a lovely welcome bottle of bubbly, which we decide to save for the evening.

For now we cannot resist rushing to explore the famous Spa and its vast swimming pool that gleams invitingly in the light flooding in through the floor­to­ceiling, arched windows that give us spectacular views of the green garden beyond. We splash under the water jets, washing away stress and travel weariness before giving ourselves over to expert hands that massage the final vestiges of tension into oblivion. Then we quite literally float back to our bedroom and lie in relaxed bliss on our big, comfy bed like contented cats. It is difficult to believe we have only just arrived; this morning's snatched breakfast at home seems miles, days, weeks away!

This sets the tone for the rest of our stay. Drifting through heavenly days of strolling along the river, picnics overlooking the fabulous views, breathing in the pure air and eating like a king and queen! There is plenty for us to do, from tennis to vicious rounds of table top football in the games room and spending a hilarious afternoon convincing my man to overcome his fear of horses as we visit the nearby stables for a ride through the stunning countryside. I also note that there is a kids club and see several families who seem to be having a wonderful time and I think how nice it would be to come back one day with the children... It's the ideal getaway, full of fun, wholesome healing and romance that leaves you rejuvenated and inspired to see the world with new, brighter eyes!