Tee Up and Check in For a Luxury Golfing Break
After another successful British Open 2017 at Royal Birkdale, golfing breaks are getting into full swing, get inspired to improve your game and enjoy a luxury golfing break with our round up of five of the best luxury golfing breaks in the UK. Stay and play at any of these fabulous hotels and outstanding golf courses – we’ve selected some very special places to indulge your love of golf and the finer things in life . . .
Donnington Valley Hotel & Spa | Donnington| Newbury| Berkshire
Located in Berkshire – in the heart of the home counties and just an hour from central London , this golf and spa retreat has a famous neighbour – Highclere House, or as you might know it, Downton Abbey, for it was here that the hugely popular drama series was filmed.
Donnington Valley Hotel itself has pretty impeccable credentials, with an award-winning restaurant, super wine list and beautiful grounds which include an 18 hole parkland golf course. For golfing widows or golfers who also like a bit of pampering, the spa here is second to none, with an 18 metre swimming pool, aromatherapy rooms and an alluring array of treatments.
Contemporary bedrooms and luxurious marble bathrooms as standard and a sleek, atmospheric bar make this a great option for those seeking a bit of pampering and that all important round of golf.
Bovey Castle | Moretonhampstead | Dartmoor |England
“Challenging and beautiful” is how the championship 18 hole course at Bovey Castle has been described, and you can’t get more spectacular than the rugged moorlands surrounding it. The wild ponies of Dartmoor National Park tend to steer clear of the course however, which was designed in 1926 by world renowned designer JF Abercromby, and which curves and winds its way through the hotel estate through some truly idyllic territory.
The hotel’s 66 rooms, all with splendid views, are lavish and very comfortable; we particularly like the welcoming touch of a decanter of estate-distilled sloe gin on the hospitality tray. For the non-golfer there is a lush spa, collection of vintage cars to admire, hikes on Dartmoor, riding, off road driving, even falconry. Quite simply, Bovey Castle is one of England’s most sumptuous hotels, with the very best kind of service: no pomp or ceremony, just sheer, warm, friendly professionalism. Hard to find, and impossible to fault.
The Celtic Manor Resort | Newport | Wales
The Celtic Manor Resort is a world-class destination for golf, with three championship courses, The Twenty Ten, Roman Road and The Montgomerie, plus state of the art Golf Academy and two luxury clubhouses. There are three hotels to match – all four and five star, from the modern Resort Hotel – all glass atrium and plush brasserie to the classic and elegant 19th century Manor House Hotel which is more country house in style and the stylish and family friendly Coldra Court Hotel.
The resort also offers lodges and a wide selection of leisure breaks, with as much golf as you can shake a club at. The fantastic swimming pool and spa, not to mention the inspired Champagne and Beauty Bar will appeal to those partners a little weary of the game, and there are endless outdoor activities to work off lunch at the steak house or grill or a fine dining dinner at Epicure restaurant.
Farnham Estate | Cavan | Ireland
“Relax, rest and renew” are the key words at this 1,300 acre estate which is located just south of the border with Northern Ireland in County Cavan, and it’s not hard to see why. Combining country charm and contemporary style this substantial estate includes a 400 year old manor house and contemporary wing, all of which are home to some stunning rooms including 12 magnificent suites.
The 18 hole golf course is considered the best in the county and was designed by Jeff Howes over 500 acres of rolling countryside and woodland which include lakes, ancient trees and even a wishing well.
For post-golfing relaxation have a rejuvenating cocktail in the Wine Goose Cellar Bar followed by a cracking dinner in the supremely elegant Botanical Restaurant, a vision in subtle olive and grey.
Balbirnie House | MarkInch |Fife | Scotland
Situated in a glorious 400 acre parkland estate in the heart of the Kingdom of Fife, between Edinburgh and St Andrews, Balbirnie House is a multi-award winning small luxury hotel. Surrounded by the immaculate greens of the 18 hole Balbirnie Park golf course, and crowned 2016 Hotel of the Year at the Scottish Hotel Awards, the sheer quality and style of Balbirnie House is immediately apparent as you swish up the tree lined drive and the Grade A Listed Georgian mansion comes into view.
Dine on the elegantly executed Scottish menu in The Orangery restaurant, enjoy afternoon tea alfresco or something authentic and homely at The Bistro – an atmospheric brasserie located in the old kitchens.
Balbirnie Park golf course is set over 140 acres of natural parkland, with tree-lined fairways and cleverly located bunkers adding to the pleasures of this enjoyable course.
Abigail Stubbs
Features Editor
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