When you're surrounded by snow, the last thing on your mind is to venture out into the great outdoors for a walk.
Perhaps even less likely is to brave the cold in your bikini.
But with an inviting hot tub overlooking the Lakes, it was an offer I couldn't refuse.
I was on a visit to the Pheasant Inn, which is nestled at the foot of Sale Fell and close to Bassenthwaite Lake in Cumbria.
Dating back to the 17th century, this former haunt of the famous huntsman John Peel, continues to keep the tradition of Cumbrian manner alive with a unique periodic atmosphere and good old fashioned values.
But before I got absorbed into the timelessness of the inn, I decided to relax in the off-site spa just a short distance from the inn.
After a long five-hour drive, it felt good to relax in the outdoor Jacuzzi and let the hectic demands of modern life become a distant memory.
The relaxation area had all the amenities one would expect from an established spa including pool, aromatic steam room and sauna.
Guests can also book massages and treatments.
There's also a fitness suite for those feeling really energetic.
I normally spend a lot of time in the gym so I was looking forward to a pleasant walk which the staff at the inn had mapped out for me.
There are many walks in and around the Pheasant but perhaps one of the most popular ones is over the Sale Fell.
It was easy to walk the so charming and unspoilt paths of the Wythop Valley which in Alfred Wainwrights' words were 'truly tranquil and a world apart.'
Yet despite the easiness of finding your way around the area and the detailed walking guide handed to me, I did get lost however.
I would like to think it was because I was taken aback by the amazing views on offer rather than the much needed idle chat with my friend Nita!
Somehow I still managed to explore the great vistas and various landmarks that were pointed out to me in my guide.
Of particular note was a memorial bench to a Dr Ken Tomlinson who loved the valley.
I perched myself on the very bench for a while to see for myself exactly what he meant.
The Pheasant Inn has two dining options
You can either enjoy a bit of fine dining at the Fell restaurant with its oak-panelled silver service cutlery or opt for the Bistro.
Less formal, but it still serves good food with an impressive menu.
With such a wide choice, I had to order some olives and humus while I mulled over what to have for my starter and main meal.
I thought I had skipped the dessert until I stepped into the inn's award-winning bar.
It's one the most famous in the Lake District thanks to its cosy atmosphere and distinctive decor.
The furnishings are a mix and match of items belonging to days gone by and full of character.
Punters themselves are full of character too I realised just moments of being in the room.
They all had a story to tell of their own and were just as colourful as the yacht varnish and paintings on the wall!
For more information on The Pheasant, log on to www.the-pheasant.co.uk or call 017687 76234
Picture Courtesy of The Pheasant Inn