The mystery shopper visited two travel agencies in King’s Lynn and requested a one-night spa break in May for two female friends with a budget of £500-600.

They then made two Google.co.uk searches using the term ‘one-night spa break UK’.

The scores

• Lastminute.com: 88%
• Co-operative Travel: 78%
• Thomas Cook: 74%
• Superbreak.com: 52%

Mystery Shopper said: The internet search brought up Lastminute as the top website after the sponsored adverts. I could negotiate my way around the site easily with no distractions. I liked that there was the option to leave a message if no consultants were available, and they would then call me back.

When I phoned the consultant, the call was answered quickly. They went through the details of the spa package with me in a clear manner.

They were enthusiastic about the breaks and gave me useful information, including that I should check the cancellation policy as I was booking far in advance. They suggested the Lifehouse Spa & Hotel, including a treatment, B&B and evening meal for £284 (for two).

The consultant made sure I was happy with the spa package and thanked me. As a genuine customer, I would have booked that day thanks to the consultant.

Spa tips from Lifehouse Spa & Hotel

• Don’t over-pack! A spa break is a time to relax and forget your worries, so try to keep things simple by packing light. Do remember to bring a bathing costume or two!
• Drink plenty of water after your treatments and throughout the day to keep your body well hydrated.
• To get maximum benefit from body treatments make use of thermal suites, such as relaxing saunas, steam rooms and salt rooms, prior to your treatment to help relax your muscles, open your pores and to start unwinding.
• The thermal spa area should not be used during any stage of pregnancy. This is because an unborn baby is unable to regulate its body temperature and any increase in your body heat may affect the flow of blood and nutrients to the baby.