SATURDAY, December 7: one of the busiest shopping days of the year. But as increasingly desperate gift-hunters headed for the MetroCentre or Amazon, my wife and I set a rather different course.

Our goal: 24 hours of relaxation and good food and drink to prepare us for the onset of the Christmas countdown in earnest.

Our destination: Raithwaite Hall.

For those unfamiliar with the Yorkshire country retreat, which until a few weeks previously had included Sarah and I, Raithwaite is an idyllic spa hotel and complex a few minutes’ drive north of Whitby, on the fringe of the North York Moors National Park.

The previous few days had seen England’s east coast endure its most severe tidal surge in decades.

One member of Raithwaite’s staff relayed how a friend had witnessed the North Sea waves crashing against her windows.

But Raithwaite Hall, probably a mile or so inland, had thankfully suffered no illeffects and we were welcomed, on our arrival midafternoon, with the warmest of greetings, from Eleanor, who took us on a tour of the facilities, and ‘Peter the Porter’, who showed us our room and instantly made us feel right at home.

Having opened in 2011, the complex is growing fast. It boasts 45 guest rooms, seven club rooms, 16 executive rooms, 11 deluxe rooms, four courtyard deluxe rooms, four courtyard suites and a penthouse.

Our room was within the main hotel, which is accompanied by The Lakehouse – a stunning property in its own grounds sleeping 12 and available for private hire; The Keep – a more informal but still luxurious smaller hotel a little way down the estate road – and, as of one week previously, a number of impressive looking cottages, perfect for those wishing to indulge their cooking habit while on holiday but also with the option of a hotel chef, perhaps in case of experiments going awry?

Our second-floor room boasted a double bed, dressing table, wardrobe with digital safe, television and well-appointed bathroom.

On the ground floor was to be found the Brace Restaurant and Grill, where we would later enjoy our dinner and breakfast, and the Poachers Bar, where we relaxed with an after-dinner coffee.

Down again, on the lower ground, were the conference facilities, available for business and private functions and of sufficient size to cope with many of either, and the spa and leisure section.

Following our guided tour, it was the latter which we made our destination, finding a swimming pool, fitness room, sauna, steam room and jacuzzi.

We made good use of all, bringing us to dinner time rested, at ease and looking forward to the evening ahead. We were seated in the Brace Restaurant’s conservatory area, which was tastefully, rather than overly, decorated for the festive season and seemed lighter and less formal than its indoor alternative.

Ready for a full three courses after a good workout in the pool and gym, I chose the house-smoked salmon mille feuille with lemon, creme fraiche, caviar and snap crostini; Round House Farm haunch of venison with sweet potato and parsnip, baby leeks and blackberry jus; and Raithwaite’s Arctic roll with roast fig, pistachio and mascarpone cream.

I regretted my conservatism in asking for the venison to be “towards well done” rather than “towards rare”, but enjoyed it nonetheless.

The side order of triplecooked chips, shared between us, was a big winner and my salmon was most enjoyable.

Sarah opted for the Yellison Farm goats’ cheese custard with parmesan wafer, basil and balsamic oil; confit belly pork with apple and star anise, truffle potato, sprout petals, pancetta crumbs and mulled wine jus; and Bailey’s and white chocolate chip cheesecake with muscat jelly and clementine tuille, of which I suspect the latter was her favourite.

It was as true for the Brace Restaurant as it was throughout our brief visit – the service was outstanding.

Friendly, attentive and not needlessly formal, it made our stay.

After a good night’s rest, we returned to the Brace late the following morning (breakfast is sympathetically served from 8am to 10.30am), when I marvelled both at the range and quality of the continental buffet on offer and the full Yorkshire breakfast. Sarah was equally enthusiastic about her eggs benedict.

Once again, nothing was too much trouble for the staff.

From the front counter receptionist to the gardener – who talked warmly about his labour of love and kindly took our photo – each was superb.

On checking out, we could reflect on a job well done.

So, if you fancy an indulgent escape to break up 2014’s dark and wintry early months, or a summer break with the promise of a bit of pampering at the conclusion of a day’s moor trekking, I would recommend giving Raithwaite Hall a try.

Travel facts

  • Prices at Raithwaite Hall, Sandsend Road, Whitby, start at £129 for a standard room and £499 for The Penthouse, including breakfast and VAT.
  • On Saturday, January 25, there will be a Robert Burns dinner, with cocktail introduction, a five-course Scottish menu with whisky/wines to accompany each dish and coffee, plus a poetry reading.
  • For more information, visit raithwaitehallwhitby.co.uk or call 01947-661661.