It's fair to say that Cliff at Lyons is far from a traditional hotel and therein the beauty lies.

The layout of picturesque cottages adorned with greenery puts you in mind of a small village, where you have space to unwind without being disturbed. Aside from its aesthetically pleasing appearance, the unique setting offers a relaxing experience - ideal when you want to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life. The Kildare-based property occupies a former mill, barracks and forge which have been renovated with the objective of creating a tranquil and serene atmosphere. All of the main buildings have individual names and on arrival, guests are presented with a map in an effort to avoid newcomers losing their bearings. I may have taken a wrong turn (or two) but welcomed the opportunity to explore. Here are just some of the delights I encountered during my one night stay...can you tell I'm already plotting a return visit?

The Orangery

Fairy lights and foliage please me greatly so dinner in this exquisite space was a dream. An aesthetically pleasing mix of mint green, white and gold, it's fair to say that fellow decor enthusiasts will be in their element. Aside from the atmosphere, service and food here are also worth noting. Smoked haddock risotto with celery changed my views on the virtues of this particular vegetable and I may actually be a convert, a big statement I know. The organic chocolate dessert offered another highlight. With ceramic shells serving as plates and gold cutlery, Cliff at Lyons is a true treat for Instagram addicts amongst us.

The Well

I believe a test of a good massage is how likely you are to fall asleep and I reached that perfect state of relaxation, where if I had allowed myself to snooze, it would have been the best nap of my life. The decor of the relaxation room is an interior enthusiast's dream with muted greens, pinks and beiges creating a chilled out vibe. Add a crackling fire, cosy chairs, windows overlooking open green fields and you have the perfect equation, where you'll actually manage to switch off and forget the real world, for an hour or two at least. I'm usually itching to leave the relaxation room and move onto the next thing, no matter how enjoyable the treatments are. However, The Well is aesthetically perfect and on this occasion, I had to peel myself from the chair, secure in the knowledge that my stay in this beautiful village had only started. The Cliff at Lyons spa uses a custom-made range of botanical products that include herbs, moss and peat from the gardens of the establishment in keeping with a sustainable way of life. This goes hand in hand with the spa's ethos, encouraging guests to reconnect with nature while relaxing the mind, body and soul.

The Trellis

I didn't have the chance to check this out but would definitely plan on getting back for either brunch or afternoon tea. Given that the restored 18th-century village scores ten out of ten on the peaceful front, a lazy weekend lunch here is definitely on my radar. Again, the decor is welcoming and the Trellis is yet another string to the bow of an already well-established venue. It looks out onto a cobbled courtyard and while this is a perfect situation on a miserable day, you can also see how perfect it would be during summer too.

Lily Pond Rooms

Cliff at Lyons has undergone significant renovation in recent times but it maintains the elegance of its original structure. In terms of design, I'm a minimalist creature who adores statement pieces and that's why the Lily Pond rooms appealed. Think regency mirrors, velvet covered Louis XIII chairs, love seats and chaises longues teamed with white walls, floor to ceiling windows, four-poster beds and a rather delightful outsized rainfall shower. Whether you choose a Lily Pond room, an Estate room, an apartment or cottage accommodation, the interiors are beautiful and you'll find new photo opportunities around every corner. There are a couple of offers at the moment including A Picnic and a Paddle. This one-night stay includes breakfast, €15 spa credit per person, a three-hour SUP boarding session using a tandem paddleboard and a gourmet picnic in a deluxe hamper, this is available from €409 for two people staying in a Lilypond or Estate room. However, if that's not for you, there's also a Stretch and Spa option, a must for yoga lovers which includes a seven-piece yoga kit for the duration of your stay. This together with a three-course dinner, €15 spa credit for both guests is €255 per person sharing for a one night stay.