THINK of luxury spa destinations and what springs to mind - Bali, the Maldives, Thailand, a Kensington boutique hotel, a country house in the Cotswolds?

How about Burnley?

Yes, Burnley; home of mill chimneys, cobbled streets, windswept hills - and the stylish Woodland Spa, which has won Global Luxury Spa awards for two years running, beating off competition from Dubai, Sri Lanka and Mauritius.

Located just outside the Lancashire mill town, the Woodland Spa is nestled within 100 acres of sweeping countryside, creating a sense of peace and tranquility before you've even set foot through the door. The landscape is dominated by dramatic Pendle Hill, which has a Bronze Age burial site at the summit and is famous for its links to the 17th century Pendle witch trials.

Globally recognised as a luxury spa, the Woodland is one of the best equipped in northern Europe and has a string of awards including Global Luxury Day Spa 2016, Global Spa Of The Year and Best Luxury Emerging Spa 2015 from the World Luxury Spa Awards 2015.

And it's only 40 minutes or so from the Bradford district.

On arrival, my friend and I were served coffee before heading off to change into robes. A day spa allows guests a leisurely day-long use of the Thermal Experience, which has a hydrotherapy pool, steam and sauna rooms, a serenity pool, two rasuls, an infinity edge pool, outdoor hot tubs, heated relaxation beds and treatment rooms. The outdoor sections have been upgraded with new retractable glass roofing, infra-red heating, additional outdoor hot tub capacity for 20 people and a bar and fire pit.

We started off on the sun-drenched terrace, taking a dip in a hot tub before a swim in the infinity pool, spanning from outdoors to indoors.

In the indoor spa area we chilled out in the steam room and sauna, taking refreshing cold showers in between. A variety of showers around the hydro pool range from 'soft tropical rain' to an ice cold bucket shower. There's also an 'ice fountain', based on the Finnish concept of rolling in the snow after taking a sauna, where you can rub handfuls of crushed ice onto your skin, creating a welcome tingle after the heat.

Roman foot baths offer a reflexology aqua-bubble massage, stimulating pressure points. The hydrotherapy pool contains powerful showers and underwater massage jets to work the whole body, easing muscle tension and boosting circulation. It felt heavenly; I could feel myself unwinding as the water immersed me.

By now it was time for lunch, and we headed to the chic tapas bar overlooking the terrace. Dining al fresco, we enjoyed a selection of tasty dishes; Thai salmon and cod fishcakes, sweet potato bravas, grilled halloumi and fresh chilli, sun-blushed tomato and feta cheese, tempura prawns and hummus and olives. We'd booked lunch on arrival, each paying £18 for three tapas courses and a cocktail.

Sipping frozen margaritas in the sunshine, in our fluffy robes and slippers, looking out to a spectacular rural vista, felt very 'Joan Collins'.

After lunch we kicked back in one of the outdoor infinity spa pools then headed inside to the serenity pool, a warm, low-lit relaxation room where, reclining in the water or on a lounger, you can feel everyday stresses float away.

The treatment suite offers a range of body treatments, facials, manicures and pedicures with Decleor and Carita products. The choice includes an Aroma Blend Refine and Firm Massage; a Warm Stone Massage; a Red Island Exfoliating Ritual, using powdered fruit seeds and spices to polish the skin; Tranquility Scalp, easing tension and aiding sleep; a Sun-Kissed Mediterranean Glow full body exfoliation to prepare for the sun; Facial Pilates; Moisture Quench deep hydrating facial; and Recharge Vitamin Glow.

I had the 30-minute Decleor Glow Power Boost, a power-paced facial designed to "awaken even the most tired of complexions in the shortest of times". Well, every little helps...

Products such as Aurabsolu Intense Glow cream and a Hydra Floral Mask blended with intense massage, revitalising mind and body, while a heady infusion of essential oils left my skin feeling luminous and fresh.

My friend had the Decleor Aroma Back Relief, exfoliating and massaging the back, neck and shoulders with a warm aromatic balm.

The spa complex includes stylish accommodation, including an apartment catering for up to eight guests. Our twin room was spacious with contemporary chic furnishings.

It was a five-minute walk to the Woodland Spa's restaurant, Bertram’s, overlooking the terrace, pools and rolling hills beyond.

I had tasty garlic mushrooms followed by pan-seared seabass fillet with hot smoked salmon potato croquettes, green vegetables and tomato and caper sauce, and my friend tucked into a sirloin steak burger and fries, with pepper sauce. For dessert I indulged in chocolate and berries, with Valrhona mousse, white chocolate brownie, and she had the varied cheeseboard.

With glowing skin and re-charged batteries, we felt pretty 'zen' - not a bad way to end a Monday. After a hearty cooked breakfast next morning, we made our way home, having thoroughly enjoyed our stay at this tranquil rural retreat.

* The Woodland Spa is at Royle Lane (within Crow Wood Leisure), Burnley, Lancashire

* Spa package options with accommodation include bed and breakfast and a three-course dinner

* Visit woodlandspa.com or call (01282) 471913