A socially distanced food lover's break at the Four Seasons Hotel, Hampshire

We’d booked the new private dining experience for 8pm and on arrival we were guided to bring our booking forward to 6:30pm.

A little earlier than I’d usually head off for dinner, we were met at reception by Josh who drove us across the property onto the neighbouring field, down a slightly sloping hill, around a fishing pond and then we arrived at our destination.

After we’d both accepted a glass of champagne, we walked up a freshly mowed path to the top of a hill where we found a plush sofa, a roaring fire pit, a table for two and what turned out to be one of the most impressive sunsets we’d ever seen.

Something that would have been missed had we stuck with our initial plans for a later meal. Your dedicated private server will ensure you have everything you need, leaving between courses so you’re able to enjoy the three-course meal in total isolation – Burrata, Dover crab cavatelli and a fig and honey desert for me, a seasonal roasted parsnips soup, followed by a Rib-Eye steak and a Peach Melba for my husband.

Then, you can move onto the sofa with a couple of blankets and toast marshmallows while enjoying a bottle of wine. If panoramic views, a fire pit and sunsets really aren’t your thing, the new private dining experience extends to other areas of the property too, with another option being the beautiful tiled alcove in the historic walled garden and even the small but incredibly charming rustic fishing lodge.

The spa

After breakfast, I would recommend setting some time aside to take in the spa.

Another beautifully airy glass corridor leads to the reception area where you can choose to book treatments (Neom and Espa products are used here), visit the pools or those with children can try out the family adventure area, Sharkie’s Reef.

Treatments in the spa are understandably limited but back up and running – a 60 minute Neom de-stress massage starts at £130.

Or, if you simply fancy some time to unwind, head for the star-attraction, the indoor conservatory-style pool, where floor to ceiling glass creates an incredibly peaceful setting. Outside, there’s a vitality pool that takes in the view of the converted stable block which is the perfect spot for a mid-morning coffee.

Really though, the most enjoyable thing to do (weather permitting, of course) would be to take in the surrounds as there’s plenty of walking and outdoor activities to be done. Start with a turn around the walled gardens, then explore the extensive 500-acre grounds. If you’re feeling really active, on-site activities include croquet, tennis, cycling, fishing, canal boating and horseback riding, all of which can be arranged on request.

This hotel is for everyone; families, couples, individuals looking for the ultimate country escape. Restrictions are in place but not so much that you can’t enjoy the very best of this beautiful hotel’s facilities.

Rooms start at £320 for a Mews room on the Escape to the Country rate, suits start at £970 including breakfast. Private dining starts at £400 for two guests, for a three-course menu with private dedicated server.