EVERYONE needs a little rest and relaxation from time to time, and two burnt out journalists enjoying their first full week off of the year were definitely no exception.

An easy two-hour drive from Manchester meant we had a couple of hours spare for a meander around Scarborough’s postcard-perfect Victorian seafront.

Then it was time to find our peaceful getaway for the next 24 hours – Ox Pasture Hall, a luxury country house hotel nestled in the North York Moors National Park.

The former farm is just a few miles out of Scarborough town centre but could be a million away – as we arrived, the sense of peace and quiet was palpable.

We checked into one of Ox Pasture Hall’s new luxury suites, a simple but sumptuous space with a modern rustic vibe and fantastic views of the manicured gardens.

Mid-afternoon and with rumbling stomachs, we settled into squishy sofas in the informal Bistro (a complement to the fine dining experience of The Courtyard restaurant) for afternoon tea.

After almost-too-cute-to-eat finger sandwiches, cherry scones heralded a brief interlude while we debated the relative merits of jam then cream versus cream before jam.

Either way they tasted delicious, and it wasn’t long before eight beautifully-presented cakes and biscuits were also reduced to little more than sticky crumbs and guilty expressions.

A much-needed leg stretch gave us a chance to explore Ox Pasture Hall’s outdoor spaces, a winding collection of hidden outdoor terraces, suntrap courtyards and thatched verandas.

Ideal spots for reading a book and taking in the picturesque pastoral setting, at a function (the hotel has an outbuilding for weddings and parties) they’d be the perfect place to sneak away to for a gossip and tipple.

This is undoubtedly a couples retreat, although with a pet-friendly policy the friendly staff ensure four-legged travelling companions are made just as welcome as those who walk on two.

Back in the suite, and the r&r continued as I donned a white waffle rob (stopping only for an obligatory robe selfie) before sinking into a blissful bathtime reverie.

Feeling thoroughly recuperated, as sunshine made way to dark skies and the charming glow of twinkling fairy lights, we hurried to dinner.

The Courtyard was the perfect end to the evening – impeccable service, delicious prosecco from a varied wine list and a faultless three-courses-plus-tasters menu.

Inspired presentation turned the earthy simplicity and sweetness of my starter, salt-baked beetroot, from humble root vegetable into work of art.

Ordering from a separate vegetarian menu (a rare luxury), two delicate wild mushroom and pea tarts and a scattering of truffle gnocchi didn’t disappoint for the main course.

The other half had initiated the fungal theme with posh mushrooms on toast to start before dissolving into ecstasy at his beef cooked two ways – a bouncily tender fillet and complex, meaty brisket.

A lesser sweet tooth may have balked at pudding considering the volume of cake we’d consumed just hours earlier, but in the name of a well-rounded review we dove headfirst into our assiette of desserts.

They were lovely, albeit unfinishable, the sweet-sour tang of a raspberry crème brulee and retro kitsch of a chocolate arctic roll my pick of the six-strong collection.

A few swigs more bubbly and a blissful sleep in the huge bed later, these two frazzled hacks were feeling a lot more human.

After a full English breakfast, the hustle and bustle of York (a 45 minute car journey) awaited us.

Difficult though it was, somehow I managed to pull myself away from this little pocket of peace and return to civilisation.

■ Ox Pasture Hall Country House Hotel, Scarborough, North York Moors National Park, North Yorkshire, YO12 5TD Tel: 01723 365 295; email info@oxpasturehallhotel.com; www.oxpasturehallhotel.com