The dreamy spa and hotel spot where celebrities hang out right near the Shropshire border

Nestled within 1,000 acres of gorgeous Cheshire countryside, just eight miles from the Shropshire border, Carden Park has long been one of those places people rave about.

You know the type.

Friends recommend it. Social media keeps showing it to you. It pops up on every "best UK spa breaks" list.

From the moment you drive through the gates, there's an immediate sense that you've left real life behind. The rolling countryside stretches for miles, the grounds are immaculate, and suddenly your to-do list feels very far away.

It's the kind of place that makes you relax before you've even parked the car.

The spa everyone is talking about

Let's start with the main event.

The award-winning spa at Carden Park recently picked up the title of Spa of the Year at the AA Hospitality Awards, and after spending a full day there, I completely understand why.

I happily floated between the thermal facilities, outdoor hot tubs, relaxation spaces and the incredible spa garden for hours.

The outdoor areas are particularly special. Soaking in a bubbling hot tub while looking out across the Cheshire countryside feels wonderfully indulgent, and the fire pits and heated areas mean you can enjoy the experience whatever the British weather decides to do.

For a few glorious hours, emails, deadlines, notifications and all those little everyday stresses simply disappeared.

Exactly what a spa day should do.

If you're thinking of treating yourself, spa day experiences start from £125 per person, while packages including a luxurious 50-minute treatment begin from £205.

And yes, I had a treatment.

And yes, it was absolutely worth it.

Just when you think it couldn't get more luxurious...

As if the spa wasn't reason enough to visit, Carden Park has just unveiled four spectacular new luxury suites as part of a £6.5 million refurbishment programme.

Let's just say these aren't your average hotel rooms.

The suites feature expansive open-plan layouts, elegant bedrooms, dedicated dressing areas, beautiful bathrooms with both baths and separate showers, and stylish living spaces that you'll immediately wish were your actual home.

Think contemporary fireplaces, calming neutral tones, natural stone finishes and floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing uninterrupted views across the estate and towards the Welsh hills.

They're effortlessly stylish without feeling over-designed.

It's safe to say these are now the most luxurious rooms on the estate.

The food deserves its own mention

After a day of relaxation, you'll definitely want to make time for lunch at the spa restaurant Elements or The Vines restaurants at the hotel.

The restaurant holds an impressive three AA Rosettes, placing it among some of the country's top dining destinations.

Fortunately, it more than lives up to the hype.

The menus celebrate seasonal ingredients and locally sourced produce, with dishes that are almost too pretty to eat.

Almost.

Whether you're indulging in a tasting menu, enjoying afternoon tea or simply starting your morning with breakfast overlooking the grounds, the food quickly becomes one of the standout parts of the experience.

A celebrity favourite – but wonderfully low-key

One of the things that surprised me most is how private and peaceful everything feels.

Over the years, Carden Park has quietly become something of a celebrity hideaway, attracting footballers, television personalities and other familiar faces looking for a discreet escape.

But don't expect paparazzi lurking in the bushes.

The beauty of Carden Park is that everyone feels like a VIP.

The atmosphere is luxurious yet completely relaxed.

There's so much more than just the spa

While I could happily spend an entire weekend moving between hot tubs in a fluffy robe, there's plenty more to discover.

The estate is home to two championship golf courses, scenic walking routes, an on-site vineyard producing award-winning wines and endless countryside views.

Some guests spend their days golfing.

Others opt for wine tasting.

Some explore the grounds.

And some — quite rightly — spend the entire time in spa mode.

No judgement here.

The beauty of Carden Park is that you can make the experience exactly what you want it to be.

Will I be back?

Without question.

What Carden Park does so well is strike that perfect balance between luxury and comfort. It feels indulgent without being intimidating, sophisticated without being stuffy.

Whether you're planning a romantic weekend, a girls' spa getaway, celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a little escape from everyday life, it delivers exactly what you'd hope for.

And with those stunning new luxury suites now open, there's never been a better excuse to book.

Just be warned: once you've experienced it for yourself, you'll probably start planning your next visit before you've even left the car park.

I know I did.

For more visit here.