Zara Phillips' hot tub

Jan 30, 2006, 14:20 GMT

The boyfriend of British royal Zara Phillips has lifted the lid on their steamiest secret - a hot tub in their garden.

England rugby ace Mike Tindall, 27, revealed the pair love relaxing in the £17,000 spa outside their four-bedroom house.

He said: 'It's big enough for eight people but the main reason I bought it was to help ease my muscles after training.

'It has jets that massage my whole body and it helps me to sleep better - although the water can get as hot as 40°C.'

The hi-tech tub has a waterproof TV, DVD and stereo to entertain the Gloucester player.

Zara, the Queen's granddaughter, 24, and Mike have been an item since 2003.

Meanwhile, the pretty blonde had a great start to the New Year when she and Tindall won at the races.

Zara, the daughter of Princess Anne, was left jumping for joy after she and the sports star picked a winner at Cheltenham on New Year's Day.

The smitten couple put their money on Joacci, a 12-1 outsider to win the race, which galloped home in first place.

Last year, keen horse-rider Zara made an impact on the equestrian world, picking up several prizes for performances in various show-jumping events.

Just before Christmas, she was named Sportswoman of the Year by Britain's Sunday Times newspaper.

She also took glory at the London International Horse Show, where she received the trophy for Event Rider of the Year.

Copyright 2006 BANG Media International