This four-star hotel, on the outskirts of the town of Dunboyne looks beautiful when you approach it along its winding drive way. A restored Georgian house, set on 21 acres of green countryside, Dunboyne Castle Hotel is where old charm meets contemporary style.

Originally home to the Butlers of Dunboyne, the original castle was destroyed during the Cromwellian invasion of Ireland. The Georgian house that we see today was completed in 1764 and has passed through many families since. It was in need of much repair in 1999 when its present owners bought it. After years of renovation, it opened as Dunboyne Castle Hotel and Spa in 2006.

We arrived here at around 5pm on a Saturday evening and were greeted by a bright and spacious reception area that had plenty of places to sit and relax while reading a book or catching up with friends.

We checked in and relaxed in our room before heading for dinner. A welcome note and camomile tea greeted us in our room, which certainly marked a relaxing start to our time here.

Dinner was served in the Ivy Restaurant, which was bustling with people for Saturday-night dinner. We had quail for starters. It was battered and deep fried – and disappeared in moments. For dinner, we had the duck, which tasted very gamey - just the way we like it. We finished with the mouthwatering Oreo cheesecake for desert.

Head chef John Nagle previously worked in the Westbury and the food presentation was immaculate. At the end of the meal we got to taste some of the chocolates he makes, which normally accompany the hotel’s afternoon tea.

Our meal was from the á la carte menu, but the restaurant also offers a table d’hote menu, with a two-course meal priced at €27.00 and three courses at €30.00.

We certainly fell asleep on a full tummy that night. The lavender scent on our pillow and eye mask may have helped somewhat.

When we awoke the following morning, we went straight for breakfast, once again in the Ivy Restaurant. The best part was yet to come, however.

After our breakfast, we headed straight for our treatments in the Seoid Spa. The spa facilities at Dunboyne are impressive, with a bright and spacious hydrotherapy pool, crystal steam room, herb sauna and laconium. Sadly, it was a little chilly to use the outdoor jacuzzi, situated on a balcony overlooking the rolling Meath fields, on the day we were there.

However, the restorative sleep ritual treatment – which was completely relaxing and took us to heaven for a full 85 minutes – completely made up for it.

We totally relaxed while our therapist used Hawaiian and Balinese massage techniques for a full body massage. This treatment also incorporates an energising facial cleanse and massage, which leaves your face bright and fresh.

The therapist also uses rose quartz crystals with organic products, making you truly unwind and forget where you are – we almost fell asleep.

There are lots of other treatments available at the Seoid Spa, but we really recommend this one.

Dunboyne Castle Hotel and Spa’s Bedtime Bliss package is available from €175 per person and includes overnight accommodation with eye mask, lavender bath salts, Voya chamomile tea, in a luxurious room and the Restorative Sleep Ritual treatment with complimentary access to the thermal suite.

For more information, see www.dunboynecastlehotel.com.