Zara Phillips' spa trip

Nov 12, 2009, 11:08 GMT

Britain's Zara Phillips enjoyed an "amazing" mini-break after the Melbourne Cup - at a new luxury $125million spa.

The 28-year-old royal - granddaughter of Queen Elizabeth II - was invited to test out the facilities at Wolgan Valley Resort in the Blue Mountains after the racing event.

The horsewoman was one of the first to stay at the glamorous spa - which is owned by Emirates, sponsors of the Melbourne Cup - where a suite costs US$5,000-a-night.

Zara - who is dating rugby player Mike Tindall - said: "I had an amazing time. It's so peaceful at Wolgan Valley Resort and Spa and I feel thoroughly relaxed."

The resort - which includes a luxury spa, top restaurants, a wildlife park and plunge pools in every room - is due to open on December 3.

Zara had wowed guests at the Melbourne Cup with her glamorous appearance - dressed in a royal blue prom-style dress by designer Thread Social with elegant peep-toe heels.

After arriving in a blaze of publicity she told the crowds she enjoyed wearing more relaxed outfits at the Australian event, compared to the stricter dress code of Britain's Royal Ascot.

She said: "Ascot has a lot of rules about dress codes, so it's nice to be able to be a bit more relaxed and for women to be able to wear skirts that are a bit shorter. Of course the other thing about Melbourne is the weather is better!"

She was later seen at a nightclub with pals before jetting to the luxury spa for a relaxing break.