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FOLLOWING an £850,000 investment in the brand new Coast Spa facilities, the Golf View Hotel and Spa in Nairn kindly invited me along to try it out with an overnight stay and spa experience.

I wish I never left.

The little touches made this trip special. There was classical music playing in my room when I entered, a sleep set with pillow spray, eye mask and ear buds, snacks, water (sparkling and still!), fresh ice and the bathroom was stocked with earbuds, cotton pads, a shaving kit, toothbrush and local soaps made by the Highland Soap Co.

Perhaps the most special touch however was the personalised 'Golf View Gazette' left on the spacious desk. It had a personal welcome with my name, tide times, my bookings for dinner and breakfast and walk recommendations.

After admiring the room, I poured myself a Nespresso with the machine and pods included, looked out at my sea view, then headed to the spa for the real relaxation to begin.

Greeted in the new spa reception, you go down to a lower level. From here, you can access brand new changing facilities which are a world away from what they once were.

Essentially, it felt like one big luxury bathroom. Notably, each locker had a handy electronic lock so you wouldn't need a pesky pound coin.

Walking out to the pool, it was like entering a wonderful mirage - floor to ceiling windows along the side that blend the lush gardens and the indoor space.

I didn't quite know where to start as there was so much on offer, but I did get exclusive use of their brand new thermal experience so I put that to the test.

The room, accessed by fob, has three different facilities.

I first tried the volcano sauna. This is the first of its kind in Scotland. A bucket heats up volcanic rocks, which are then dipped in cold water to let off the heat and steam. Fascinating and certainly warm, it was a great way to get a sweat on.

Next door is the ice experience, with three different types of ice cold shower. I love cold water swimming, so was delighted at the prospect of getting bathed in icy water. After, I grabbed my book and relaxed in the third part of the facilities, the salt room. With comfy loungers and ambient colour changing lighting, it was a silent and welcome addition.

If you opt not to add this into your spa day, there is still a regular sauna, steam room and jacuzzi on offer.

After this, I went outside and opened up the sea facing hot tub. I love this unique part of the experience, bubbling away watching the nearby waves.

I can't quite put my finger on how they have done it, but everything about it felt like sheer luxury.

I also enjoyed an hour-long massage with Fiona, who tailored the experience to my needs.

To sum up the spa, it was magical.

Dinner at The Hickory offered the finest tastes of Scotland. We opted for the goats cheese bruschetta with asparagus, pea and tomato tapenade. The perfect sized portion, it was a pleasant and refreshing start to the meal.

I then moved onto the pork tenderloin. There was a gorgeous mix of flavours and texture with crispy potatoes, rich sauce, tender pork and sweet tomato. My partner opted for the valley Scottish beef burger, which I think was bigger than his head!

With amazingly fresh onion rings as a garnish and a salad for a touch of health, he wolfed it down. For a finishing touch I tucked into a rich and beautiful dark chocolate and hazelnut delice with ice cream and a cruchy crumb.

Absolutely stuffed, I washed it down with a recommended gin which hit the spot and we walked down to the beach.

The manicured grounds have a path straight down to the seaside, and we caught the sunset sitting on a bench. It was the perfect end to the night.

In the morning, I headed down for breakfast, which didn't disappoint. It's served on a menu, but you could pick as much as you wanted from it including fruit juice, coffees, a classic cold selection and the option of cooked meals.

I enjoyed some yoghurt and fruit and then avocado toast with chilli and two poached eggs.

After feeling perfectly full I went back to my room and took my time getting ready as check out time was 11am.

Guests are also allowed to the use the spa facilities on check out day as well, something I wish I had time for!

As far as marks out of 10 go, it well and truly was a 10. From the moment I entered the hotel I felt welcome and relaxed. Staff made sure you had everything you needed and it really felt like they got to know you.

I will certainly be back!