It was a very grand entrance, leading up to Stoke Park. The long road swept ahead in front of us, a golf course and glorious English countryside flanked the route; then on to the magnificent house in all its imposing splendour.

You’ll know the building from a quick glance. It has been used as the backdrop for various Hollywood blockbusters, including James Bond movies Tomorrow Never Dies and Goldfinger, also for Bridget Jones’ Diary, Layer Cake and Wimbledon.

And it truly has it all. This five star hotel is set among 300 acres of parkland and gardens, has restaurants, bars and lounges, a golf course, gym and fitness studios, a spa, pool and steam rooms, tennis courts, crèche, games room and playground, plus conference rooms. And it is also beautifully and tastefully done.

But despite this incredible hotel being a feast for the eyes in every way – it was the service which really made it head and shoulders above other hotels.

The attention to detail from the staff was just jaw-dropping. As we pulled up in the car, a member of staff, who was already carrying a giant bundle of golfing umbrellas, tried to stop us from the inconvenience of pulling along our own cases and literally tried to juggle the umbrellas and pick up our (large) bags all at the same time.

We politely told him that we could manage, yet we were so impressed with the effort – and that impeccable service just continued throughout the stay.

The rooms were like something out of Downton. Although they were traditional and classic, they also exuded charm and cosiness. It was more than just a bedroom – more like an apartment. A sofa and coffee table was placed in the centre of the room, which included a lit fire. The bathroom featured a wonderful roll-top bath, a drench shower and marble surrounds, which gave it the perfect modern/traditional twist, along with the posh products and fluffy towels.

It would be the ultimate Christmas stay to get toasty in front of the fire and have drinks.

On to the dining: We felt lucky to dine at Humphry’s, a three AA Rosette restaurant, which offers modern British cuisine in a tranquil, pretty setting.

My friend started with the Dorset crab, avocado tian with cucumber jelly, soft boiled quail’s egg and pink grapefruit. She said the crab was so succulent with a strong flavour and she devoured it in seconds.

I chose the pan-fried scallops with celeriac puree and crispy pancetta, which was heavenly. The scallops were so soft, the knife just glided through. The puree was extra tangy which really made the dish.

Onto the mains and there was a bit of a story... My dining companion had recently suffered a bug and was still under the weather before the stay. We asked for a substitute dinner off another menu, and they, of course, sorted this within seconds.

My friend chose a beef burger (don’t laugh), from another menu, but it wasn’t an ordinary one. This was a super-swish gourmet burger which was served with chunky chips in skins. Her words were: "If I were to dream of a handburger, I would dream of that." Says it all.

And all the time the dishes were served with drama and flair from the team – even when it was a humble burger.

Back to me, and the Humphry’s menu; I chose the roast supreme of duck, with seared foie gras escalope, parsnip puree, green beans and blackberry jus. Alongside it, the chef made me a small pot of dauphinoise potatoes, that were just the best.

They were creamy, yummy and went perfectly with the main. The combination of the duck and the puree was magical.

I would love to go back to experience that dish once again, and have thought about it since.

Alongside this, we shared a bottle of Cloudy Bay, a New Zealand wine, which was so fruity and possibly too drinkable for its own good.

I’m usually sensible with sweets, but this time I caved and had to try the Humphry’s Snickers – milk chocolate and peanut mousse, salted chocolate caramel, caramel foam and peanut tuile.

I must admit that although I was full, I had to eat the entire plate. It was way too tasty to put the spoon down… The flavours mixed to give a taste of dessert version of the real chocolate bar. Great fun.

The whole experience, the food, the service, the facilities, the views.. it was really in another class. The trouble is, I’m not sure anything can ever match up to this.

Stoke Park: Park Road, Stoke Poges, SL2 4PG. Call 01753 717171 www.stokepark.com