Bowood Spa, Hotel and Golf Resort is set in the heart of Wiltshire and surrounded by stunning parkland. Jeff Bolitho enjoyed an overnight stay at its boutique-style luxury hotel.

ON arrival at Bowood, you are immediately struck by the beautiful scenery that welcomes visitors.

A journey through some woodland takes you to the entrance to the hotel and nearby golf course and the sight of its renowned parkland cannot fail to catch your eye.

On arrival at the 43-bedroom hotel in Calne my wife and I were greeted by the friendly team of reception staff.

Our room was splendid in every respect – very spacious, stunning bathroom with walk-in shower, delightfully furnished with a contemporary feel and boasting a magnificent view over the golf course.

We enjoyed some relaxing drinks in the bar area before dining. It is set in a relaxing atmosphere next to the Shelburne Restaurant and a comprehensive menu of beverages offers something for everyone, from raspberry vodka to a pint of Rucking Mole from Moles Brewery, as well as a wide range of cocktails.

On being shown to our table in the restaurant we were dazzled by the choice on the sumptuous menu.

A varied selection of offerings is available to keep your appetite at bay while you are choosing your dishes, such as potted ham hock or grilled prawn skewers.

My wife and I opted to go straight for the starters and I chose the scallop, cauliflower and leek gratin, which was delicious and beautifully presented.

My wife selected the wild mushrooms and sherry with toasted brioche, parmesan and truffle, which was equally satisfying and tasty.

Other starter options included oak smoked salmon, smoked chicken and bacon terrine or carpaccio of beef on black pepper.

I was spoilt for choice when considering which main dish to go for. The plate of lamb was tempting, with loin, glazed neck, crispy shoulder, sweetbread, celeriac gratin and turnips. A steak from the grill was also jumping out from the mouth-watering menu, with an 8oz dry aged sirloin or a 4oz fillet steak looking like appetising options.

The roasted hake, with merguez sausage and white bean cassoulet and chorizo veloute, could also not be ignored.

But I could not resist the catch of the day when I was informed it was sea bream. Coming with charred greens and dill potatoes, it was a truly delicious, boneless, piece of fish that satisfied every taste bud. The greens and potatoes were the perfect accompaniments and the whole dish melted in the mouth.

My wife was equally enthused by her choice of daube of beef, with horseradish mash and honey-glazed Bromham carrots.

It was a dish to savour, particularly as the beef was so tender and simply fell apart when cutting. The mash was lovely and soft and the carrots rounded off the meal perfectly. Both of our dishes were to be savoured and beautifully cooked.

A range of salads and Bowood classics are also offered, along with various side dishes.

The dessert menu offered a tantalising choice, namely Malibu panna cotta with pineapple and chilli salsa; warm chocolate fondant with caramelised banana and rum and raisin ice cream; peanut butter macaroon with raspberry ripple and raspberry sherbert; mango torte with passion fruit sorbet with mango tuile; a selection of ice creams and sorbets or a selection of cheeses.

We both could not resist the chocolate fondant and it was as glorious as we had hoped. The chocolate sauce oozed from the middle and the caramalised banana and rum and raisin ice cream complemented the dessert perfectly.

All of our dishes were wonderfully presented and the taste of each could not be faulted. The empty plates confirmed our enjoyment of a fantastic dining experience at Bowood.

The atmosphere in the restaurant is warm and friendly and there is enough space between tables so it is not crowded.

After a comfortable and restful night’s sleep we were back in the restaurant the next morning for breakfast.

I found that the quality of the offerings had not diminished since dinner as I made my way to the self-service area for a range of items for a full English breakfast.

My wife opted for waffles with bacon and maple syrup which was thoroughly satisfying and appetising.

Both our breakfasts were delicious and allowed us another chance to savour the tasty delights of the restaurant.

Anyone booking a table at the Sherburne Restaurant will not be disappointed by the high quality of food on offer.

A trip to Bowood is not all about the luxurious four-star hotel and excellent restaurant, however.

The award-winning spa is part of the hotel complex and offers the perfect chance to unwind with a swimming pool, gym and luxury spa treatments.

The majestic house and gardens also offer a captivating day out or can be combined with a stay at the hotel.

A trip to Bowood House and Gardens, owned by the Marquis and Marchioness of Lansdowne, offers an opportunity to discover its fascinating history.

Open from late March until early November each year, it is set within 100 acres of beautifully landscaped parkland.

The Italian-inspired Terrace Garden and the Private Walled Gardens radiate colour throughout the seasons. Visitors can also explore the arboretum with its vast collection of trees leading down to the magnificent mile long lake.

Children can also be entertained for hours, as the grounds feature an adventure playground featuring a life-size pirate ship and a soft play area. The chance to meet some friendly farm animals at the Tractor Ted Little Farm completes the fun-filled family experience.

There is also an outstanding variety of attractions and things to do near Bowood, from a visit to Caen Hill Locks to the National Trust village of Lacock, where you can step back in time, to Avebury Stone Circle and the UNESCO World-Heritage City of Bath.

So anyone wishing to discover everything that Wiltshire and beyond have to offer do not have to travel far.

The grounds and accommodation at Bowood offer the perfect place for a weekend retreat, golf break or a family holiday.

My wife and I enjoyed a perfect overnight getaway in luxurious accommodation and a stay at Bowood comes highly recommended.

Prices for rooms at the Bowood Hotel, Spa and Golf Resort are from £110.

For more information visit www.bowood.org, call 01249 822 228 or email resort@bowood.org