It wasn't until I’d completed two verses and the chorus that my husband casually mentioned Wuthering Heights was not, in fact, about the North York Moors.

Geography never was my strong point. Making a complete fool of myself, however, has always come easily.

I’d just spent the best part of five minutes prancing about the rugged terrain overlooking the Hole of Horcum, watched by several bemused tourists.

And yes, for those of you old enough to remember, it did involve arms outstretched with exaggerated moves, a la Kate Bush’s iconic Top of the Pops’ performance.

It wasn’t the first time I was destined to embarrass myself during this weekend’s jaunt up north.

I felt very conspicuous as I ventured nervously alone in The Feversham Arms’ Verbena Spa to be greeted by a gaggle of robed women. Not to appear intimidated, I strode purposefully over to the products counter and began sampling the various lotions and potions before confidently spritzing my face with a generous amount of lavender spray. I let the delightfully smelling mist rest lightly on my skin.

If only someone had told me it was foot spray. I’m hoping the women dotted around the chic, cosy spa were either far too chilled or too kind to pick up on my faux pas.

But there was no mistake made in our choice of hotel. The Feversham Arms offers boutique style with a country-house charm. This member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World is fully deserving of its four-star rating. The food and service were, quite simply, sublime. But I suppose with Le Manoir aux Quat’ Saisons’ former general manager Simon Rhatigan at the helm, exquisite food, high-spec rooms and attentive service come as standard.

The hotel’s warmth isn’t restricted to its staff; there are relaxing lounges, a snug bar, hot tub and even an outdoor heated pool open all year for those who want to display true northern grit.

This southern jessie was content to stick to the confines of the Verbena Spa – a recent addition to the 33-room hotel after a £1.2 million investment.

Adjoining the hotel via a candle-lit glass walkway, the spa is a welcome distraction from the working week and has been named one of Tatler’s 101 best spas in the world. I’d go further and rate it my favourite to date.

It came as a surprise to learn hotel guests are charged £25 per person for three hours’ use of the spa heat experience and hot tub, but I can’t deny the sauna, aromatherapy room, salt vapour room, monsoon shower, foot spas and ice cave added to the experience.

Tucked away in a quiet corner of picturesque Helmsley, the hotel is close to a rich abundance of abbeys, castles, historic houses, quaint villages and bustling towns.

In fact, the only problem is the hotel is so lovely you don’t want to venture outside. The sumptuous surroundings that greet you on arrival and in the spa extend into the individually designed bedrooms, two thirds of which are suites.

There are Bang and Olufsen televisions with integral DVD and CD players; L’Occitane toiletries in the bathroom with candles and speakers; and a separate lounge in which to enjoy the indulgent in-room dining experience.

If you’re struggling to find the ideal gift for your loved one this Christmas, you would do well to book in for a romantic break to The Feversham Arms if you want to impress.

Each room has its own individual character and decor. There are petit doubles, doubles, classic and junior suites, poolside and deluxe suites, and spa suites.

Included in the B&B rate is accommodation, full Yorkshire breakfast (which can be taken in your room at no extra cost), early-morning hot drinks, newspaper, use of the outdoor pool and VAT. B&B starts from £150 for a double, up to £385 for a spa suite.

Dinner and bed and breakfast starts from £210 for a double up to £445 for a spa suite.

Weekend spa days include:

• The Elemis Pink Ladies Day for £140 is ideal for hen party days or girly get-togethers. Includes full use of spa, robes, towels, slippers, facial taster, back massage, pamper manicure and pedicure, light lunch and a glass of pink champagne.
• Elemis His Spa Day, for £155, includes full use of spa, robes, towels, slippers and a deep tissue muscle massage, deep clean or facial treatment with relaxing head massage and light lunch in the spa lounge.

The Feversham Arms Hotel and Verbena Spa, Helmsley, North Yorkshire YO62 5AG.

Tel: 01439 770 766. www.fevershamarmshotel.com. Email: info@fevershamarmshotel.com.

Verbena Spa - www.verbenaspa.com. Tel: 01439 772 930. Email: info@verbenaspa.com