Putting yourself first is really important as the demands of life push up the stress - but trying to cram all the nice things into those two precious days at the weekend can be quite exhausting!

So why not utilise your evening better in the pursuit of relaxation. You may, like me, have fantasised about walking out of the office and into a blissful spa haven. Well, in fact, this is perfectly possible - if you don't mind making a short drive there.

Whittlebury Spa at Silverstone is quite a rare thing - it is a top-notch spa at an affordable price. And its Twilight Spa is an excellent idea that has really taken off.

It is designed for people who want to unwind at the end of a busy working day. You get the full use of the spa's Heat and Ice Experience, the hydrotherapy pool and swimming pool, plus a delicious pasta supper and a glass of wine - all for £27.50. So that adds up to four-and-a-half hours (5.30pm to 10pm) of relaxation.

I visited with my daughter at the end of April. You can't fail to relax as the jets in the hydrotherapy pool pummel away the stresses and strains. Then it is fun to try out all the heat and ice features including the Roman salt steam, foot spas, sanarium and, for the brave, the ice cave and freezing bucket shower!

The Twilight Spa forms but a small part of the delights offered by The Day Spa at Whittlebury Hall, a swish 211-bedroom four star hotel.

We relaxed over our chicken pasta supper with a glass of wine, then took a swim in the pool.

We bubbled nicely in the jacuzzi, then put on our bathrobes as we had opted to include a treatment in our schedule (which bumps the cost up the £50 per person), and thoroughly enjoyed our 25-minute express E'Spa facials.

By the end of all that we were chilled to perfection, and ready for bed! We were treated to a stay in a club room at the hotel. Fuelled by an excellent full English' breakfast the next morning we were ready to face the working day! I thoroughly recommend it!