The Romans had the right idea, I think, as I glide through the water at a time normally reserved on a Sunday for a lie-in.

Instead, inspired by the promise of a warm spring day, I’m up with the larks, lapping up the novelty of swimming outdoors, taking in my surroundings on the hillside of magnificent lush, green valley dotted with sheep, clusters of trees and the odd quaint farmhouse.

It’s this view of the Limpley Stoke Valley coupled with the hotel’s health and leisure facilities (indoor and outdoor tennis courts and swimming pools, gym, jogging trails, mountain bikes, golf driving range, sauna and solarium, beauty salon – the list goes on) that sets Barcelo’s newly-refurbished Combe Grove Manor apart.

From up here, on the fringe of Bath’s historic city centre, it’s quite simply stunning. And what better way to start the day than a refreshing swim?

It makes me wonder why we Brits don’t take our health and wellbeing more seriously.

After all, the Romans had the foresight to build not only a temple where they could metaphorically wash away their sins, but also a bath-house using the region’s natural springs to physically wash away the stresses of life.

I suppose getting away from it all is a good start. So, following the Romans’ example, I also book myself in for a treatment.

God, this is good. The therapist uses warm stones to smooth away tension and strains in my back and shoulders and, just as I think things couldn’t get any nicer, it ends with a calming facial, taking me to whole new level of relaxed.

To recover, I take tea in the drawing room where Husband and I surreptitiously play ‘spot the newbies’ [guests arriving irritable from traffic jams, work stress etched on their faces]. But as they peer in delight through the patio doors to the beautifully-landscaped garden, it doesn’t take long for their shoulders to drop and frowns to soften.

By dinner the mood is suitably effervescent, inspired by the mouth-watering menu from the two AA rosette Georgian Room restaurant, which offers a simple but considered five-choice menu.

Starters include oaky smoked salmon with sour cream and chives and in-season asparagus, so tender and sweet it barely needs the beautifully-poached egg or hollandaise. But I don’t complain as I mop up the bright yellow yolk that has spilled open with some freshly-baked olive bread.

My eyes falter over the mains – shoulder of lamb, belly of pork or juicy rib eye steak?

All sound wonderful but I pick the grilled fillet of seabass, which is delicate and moist. Perfect quenelle-shaped new potatoes, infused with earthy saffron, are waxy and moreish. And to finish a lemon tart so deep – and tart – it’s a good end to a satisfying meal in elegant surroundings.

High ceilings, cornicing and huge sash bay windows are all part of the appeal of this Grade I listed Georgian manor, which has recently received a £500,000 facelift.

Bedrooms in the main house are light and airy – our suite had characterful cushioned window seats, perfect for some quiet contemplation, imagining yourself in a Jane Austen novel.

But with Bath just three miles away there are plenty of other distractions.

Wander around the steamy Roman baths unchanged for 2,000 years, followed by a spot of lunch in the romantic Pump Rooms, where you can almost hear the gentle swoosh of dancing. Later, admire the intricate design of the Abbey and the exemplary Georgian architecture at the Royal Crescent and Circle. Then stop for a while to take stock of the beauty of the Pulteney Bridge arching across the River Avon, surrounded by pristine gardens, framed by Bath’s famous hills.

The delights of Bath are endless and each time you visit you discover something new.

A few years ago it was the Thermae Spa – a modern take on the Roman baths around which this world heritage city is built. This time it’s the rejuvenated SouthGate shopping centre, with its collection of trendy cafés, bars and boutiques.

But, more than that, Bath is a place of unique history where architecture and landscape meld together into something truly inspirational.

Whatever the reason for your visit, or whether or not you visit the spa or drink the famed mineral waters, you’ll leave refreshed and revived.

One thing’s for certain – it beats botox.