Vinotherapy

Wine may be bad for the waistline but apparently it is good for the skin. Vinotherapy detoxifies and rebalances, helping to improve skin tone and reduce ageing - frankly, what every girl wants. When we heard this rejuvenating therapy was available at Berkshire hotel The Vineyard at Stockcross we hit it faster than you can say "Beaujolais".

I put my body in the capable hands of the brusque but efficient therapist and was given a back massage using grapeseed oil with rosemary to relax my tense muscles. Then it was time for the facial using Italian-based ISHI grape products.

A cleansing milk containing Montalcino red grapes was applied to my skin and then my face was toned with Garda chardonnay grapes. The next stage was exfoliation with lavender, honey and grapes. Unfortunately, I couldn't eat the grapes at this point. My skin was then cleansed and toned of any residue, with a serum of (more) Montalcino red grapes, apricots and Sicilian grapefruit juice, which was massaged into my face.

This was not the end of the grape products. Now it was time to hydrate my face with a mask of chardonnay grapes, wood strawberry juice and raspberry honey. This simulates the skin and is anti-ageing. While the mask was on, my scalp was massaged using aromatic water. The mask was removed and a protective cream containing Tuscan Chianti Sangiovese grapes and q-10 enzyme was applied to my face. My skin felt plumped up and glowing - it's amazing what a few grapes can do to the skin. The highlight of the treatment was receiving a glass of red wine at the end! 

We also sampled the spa facilities which were adequate but let down by having a carpeted area around the circular pool in the atrium. The sensation of wet feet sinking into carpet isn't pleasant.

Rooms are extremely comfortable with plump sofas and views of an interior courtyard. The hotel is built in the style of a country house with a cosy and warm ambience. However, the jewel in the crown of the hotel is its two Michelin-starred restaurant. I had melt-in-the-mouth scallops followed by venison so tender it was like cutting through butter. You can be bedazzled by a choice of more than 2,000 international wines as well. Heads of state, film stars and Formula 1 drivers have been some of the visitors to the restaurant and you can understand why after sampling its culinary delights.

Vinotherapy Body Treatment, £120 for 115 minutes at The Vineyard Spa, The Vineyard at Stockcross.

Direct trains leave from London Paddington to Newbury, Berkshire every hour on weekdays. Visit www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk for more information.