In need of some winter respite, Kate Liptrot visits the Titanic Spa in Huddersfield.

IN a converted mill textile mill somewhere near Huddersfield, groups of people are wandering around in fluffy dressing gowns and cotton slippers.

They look relaxed as they congregate around the reception of the Titanic Spa - sipping tea and reading newspapers and enjoying leisurely lunches in the spa's restaurant.

Their serene air is in contrast to my own as I rush into the spa hotel at high speed to escape the freezing weather of the Pennines outside, conspicuously overdressed in a big winter coat.

But just an hour later I am one of them - fluffy robe and all.

Following a tasty Greek salad lunch in the restaurant next to the pool, we go visit the eco spa's premier attraction, The Heat Experience, a series of rooms including my favourite, the crystal steam room which combines billowing steam with essential oils.

Further along there is a dry aromatherapy room, an ice room and a traditional wooden sauna. The most amusing aspect is the icy plunge pool, from which shrieks of shock occasionally interrupt the peace as people jump in after leaving the sauna.

From there we head to the pool - a 15 metre long salt regulated swimming pool, with a jacuzzi section and separate steam and sauna rooms.

My favourite aspect of the visit is a facial in the secluded treatment rooms where the therapist tailors the Elemis Modern Skin Facial to my skin type perfectly and an hour later I leave feeling extremely relaxed and with glowing skin.

Before dinner we pop back to the apartment, which covers two floors on the top levels of the converted mill. It has a balcony overlooking a valley on the edge of the Pennines, an airy bedroom with huge skylights and luxurious Elemis toiletries in the bathroom.

Thankfully by dinner time the guest's robes have been ditched in favour of normal clothes and we settle down for a meal in the restaurant, delicious locally source food on a British theme.

The next day I float away from the spa fresh faced, rejuvenated and relaxed and happily prepared to scrape the ice from my car windscreen for the journey home.

- The Titanic Spa is at Low Westwood Lane, Huddersfield HD7 5UN. Visit www.titanicspa.com for more information