Heading up the long winding drive, arched by trees, past a cute sign warning about squirrels crossing, there was a heavy expectation there would be something special at the end.

There before our wide eyes was a grand Jacobean-style mansion in the rolling Warwickshire countryside looking just perfect for a relaxing two-day break.

Next to the reception desk was a grandiose oak-panelled drawing room reminiscent of days gone by and which I immediately earmarked as a fine repose for an after dinner tincture or two.

Having arrived early our room wasn’t ready, so we proceeded to the patio and took advantage of a hot day to breathe in the stunning view of Italian gardens, water features and 18-hole golf course.

This must be how the rich folk live, I thought.

If we were not impressed enough with the four-star Menzies Welcombe Hotel Spa and Golf Club close to Stratford-upon-Avon the biggest jaw-dropping moment was to come when we were escorted to our room.

“You will love your room,” we were enthusiastically told.

To call it a room is to denigrate it considerably. We were staying in The Countess Suite, which if it wasn’t best in the hotel I would like to have seen the others!

Billed as for the more discerning guest, we gawped at the vast living room featuring a large fireplace, sofas, 42in TV and Apple iMac computer.

Next on the wow list was the luxury bathroom with hand-painted murals featuring leopards. But, wait, no shower? That will be the wet room then, just off the bedroom.

Ah, the bedroom. There was another 42in TV, chaise lounge, bookshelves so high they needed a stepladder and the piece de resistance, a regal four-poster more than 6ft wide.

Now, we had a dilemma. We might just want to stay in our suite, order room service and not venture out to sample the delights of Shakespeare country.

But we relented and took the short drive to splendid Warwick Castle, currently celebrating its 1100th anniversary and packed full of events.

Having dipped into the many Shakespearian attractions on previous occasions such as Anne Hathaway’s cottage and the bard’s birthplace, we opted for a river cruise amid the ducks and swans.

Also on our itinerary was an evening at the Royal Shakespeare Company for Henry IV Part I performed on the imposing “thrust stage”. We were so close to the action we could small the greasepaint.

One of our best loved actors Atony Sher is a tour de force as the fat fool Falstaff in a production crammed with talent.

The good news is that Henry IV Part I and II, starring Sher, will be at Canterbury’s Marlowe Theatre from November 11-15.

Back at the hotel we discovered the restaurant was more than deserving of its AA rosettes and other awards.

We also found time to chill out in the splendid spa for a massage and swim.

This hotel can Welcombe me back any time.