When it comes to unwinding and switching off from the world, our spa and golf breaks in Wales are the perfect way to get away from it all and indulge yourself in a little bit of 'me time'. What could be better than a day out on the course followed by a soak in a hot hub?
If this sounds like the ultimate getaway for you, the golf and spa hotels Wales has to offer will be right up your street.
Here's some of the finest places Wales has to offer for being able to tee off in the morning, enjoy afternoon tea later and possibly a long-island iced tea in the evening!
The Celtic Manor Resort, Newport
Every golf fan knows The Celtic Manor Resort from its starring role in the 2010 Ryder Cup, but as one of Wales' premier golf and spa breaks hotels, it offers much more than just world-class golf.
Previously named the Ultimate Golf Resort at the 59Club Awards, the Celtic Manor boasts not one, but three championship courses. The par-71 Twenty Ten stretches for a challenging 7,493 yards off the back tees. With half the holes featuring water hazards and a famously tricky finishing stretch, you'll finish a round here with renewed respect for the pros who tackled it during the 2010 Ryder Cup.
Overlooking the Severn Estuary, the par-70 Roman Road course has also seen its fair share of competitions, including numerous European Tour and Senior Tour events. Don't let the long open fairways lull you into a false sense of security – there are plenty of twists and turns lying in wait for unwary players.
Designed by the Ryder Cup legend himself, the par-69 Montgomerie is a links-inspired course famous for its yawning pot bunkers. There are plenty of highlights along the way, not least the awesome third hole – featured in the book '1001 Golf Holes You Must Play Before You Die'.
Home to one of the best golf academies in Europe, there's something for all abilities at the Celtic Manor, including a 28-bay driving range, a short game practice area and their indoor putting laboratory. If you're looking to hone your skills like the pros, head to the Toptracer Range where you can practice your swing and use the virtual technology to tackle digital versions of world-famous golf courses.
And, when you're ready for a break, there are two luxurious golf clubhouses, or you can head to Monty's cafe for a tasty snack.
Keeping close to the action, escape from the everyday at the Ocius Spa Treatment Rooms, set within the Celtic Manor Golf Club - choose from one of their express services such as facials, massages and beauty therapies.
Alternatively, let yourself be truly tempted by the range of treatments at the indulgent Forum Spa, located within the main Resort Hotel. Enjoy hot stone and lava shell massages, nourishing body wrap and salt scrubs. This outstanding spa is the perfect place to refresh after heroics on the course. If you’re a team player, you can even enjoy the herbal steam temple treatment, a blissful experience for up to four people.
Serving up an array of overnight options including five star luxury hotels, secluded lodges and family friendly options, plus a range of gourmet restaurants, there really is something for everyone.
Choose from 14 restaurants, cafes and bars catering to any foodie desire. Winner of the National Chef of Wales title, Head Chef Simon Crockford has put together some scrumptious menus for your delectation.
Whether you want to while away an afternoon with friends over Sunday lunch, treat yourself at the gin parlour or choose from classic Welsh flavours, you will be sure of an unforgettable experience.
Machynys Peninsula Golf Club and Spa, Llanelli
We might be cheating a little bit including Machynys Peninsula Golf Club and Spa, as it doesn't offer accommodation, but with its fantastic golf, spa and restaurant, we simply couldn't leave it off the list!
While it may be one of the newest golf and spa breaks Wales can provide (it opened in 2005), it’s already known as a golfing heavyweight, with an equally impressive spa.
Boasting Wales’ first Nicklaus-designed course, Machynys has hosted an incredible 14 Championships, including two Royal & Ancient Championships and four Ryder Cup Wales LET Championships of Europe. This 18 hole, 7,121 yard modern links golf course is packed with challenges. Highlights include the par-four fourth, where water hazards and a narrow fairway complicate the approach to a shallow green, and the 481-yard 18th, which demands a powerful drive over a swan filled lake.
If you like to mix your game with a bit of bird spotting, Machynys has you covered. Depending on the time of year, you can spot little grebes in the ponds, see swallows, kites and buzzards overhead, and listen out for chiffchaffs and song thrushes in the wooded areas.
Settle into an ocean of serenity at Monks Premier Spa, where you can soothe your mind, body and soul, in the spa pool, sauna, ‘Monsoon’ showers, steam room and heated stone chairs. Alternatively, treat yourself to a fatigue-busting bamboo massage, put your feet up for some reflexology, or soak up the scents in the aromatherapy room.
Treat yourself to breakfast, lunch or dinner in the clubhouse. Situated on the first floor of the building, dining in Fredricks at Machynys, gives you a unique viewpoint across the course, Carmarthen Bay and the stunning Gower coastline. When the weather is on your side, head out to the wrap-around sundeck, or on those colder days warm up by the fire in the Brasserie Bar and Lounge.
If you want to stay overnight, there are plenty of options nearby, including the luxurious Gower View Penthouse (complete with sea view), or if you want to add more pampering to your trip, try the Diplomat Hotel Restaurant and Spa or Stradey Park Hotel and Spa.
Search for places to stay in Llanelli.
Delta Hotels St. Pierre Country Club, Chepstow
Just this side of the Severn Bridge, Delta Hotels St. Pierre Country Club is one of Wales' premium golf and spa resorts. A unique 4* resort, set in more than 100 acres of meadowland tucked into the breathtaking green valleys of south east Wales.
St Pierre offers two top parkland golf experiences to choose from. Dating back to 1962, the 7,028-yard, par-72 Championship Old Course is laid out around an 11-acre lake. It's played host to numerous competitions – including the Solheim Cup and the British Masters – and its tree-lined fairways provide plenty of challenge (watch out for the signature 18th hole which requires a precise shot over the lake to a raised green).
There's also the slightly more compact par-68 Mathern Course, which weighs in at 5,730 yards. Looping through a landscape of meadows and streams dotted with ponds and footbridges, it's a picturesque place to play. There's plenty of challenge too, particularly on the testing 14th hole which crosses two rivers from tee to hole.
You can also brush up on your skills at St Pierre's state of the art golf academy, complete with 12-bay driving range, putting and chipping greens and bunker area.
The onsite Beauty Rooms have just as much to offer. Take the opportunity to sit back and relax as you enjoy one of their many pampering treatments - choose from classic facials, invigorating body scrubs, or get ready for the evening with a manicure or pedicure.
Once you've checked into one of the relaxing hotel rooms or suites, many of which have picturesque views of the lake and golf courses, head for a dip in the indoor heated pool, before rounding off your evening with a meal in the Cast Iron Bar and Grill. Retaining many of the original features of the manor house, this opulent dining room sets the tone for the delicious dishes inspired by international cuisine.
Bryn Meadows Golf Hotel & Spa, Ystrad Mynach
The family-owned Bryn Meadows Golf Hotel & Spa is as challenging to golfers as it is luxurious to spa seekers.
Bryn Meadows’ par-71 parkland golf course packs plenty of challenge into its 6,156-yard length. Big hitters beware as a successful round requires precision over brute force. Highlights include the signature second hole, a 557-yard par-five with a tricky third shot over water.
Off the course, the Fusion Spa boasts a warm indoor pool, hydrospa, jacuzzi and several treatment rooms, including the Rasul Mud Room Chamber.
Take advantage of the Spa and Golf Experience Day package - after golf or spa time, you can both get together for a lazy lunch and enjoy full use of the hotel facilities.
Cwtch (the Welsh word for cuddle) up under pure cotton sheets in a king-size bed while looking out at the panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. When you're ready for refreshments, look no further than the Blas Restaurant where you can indulge in a range of options created using locally sourced ingredients. And with blas being the Welsh word for taste, you can be sure that the menu won't disappoint.
The Vale Resort, Vale of Glamorgan
Named Best Golf Hotel and Best Spa Resort in Wales, The Vale Resort, is situated just outside Cardiff. With world class golf, award winning spa and enviable hotel and restaurant, it delivers on every level.
Golf is taken care of by two championship courses. As you'd expect by the name, the 6,436-yard, par-72 Lake Course features water hazards galore (you'll have to avoid the wet stuff on 12 of its 18 holes). Watch out for the 12th, which requires an accurate shot onto a Sawgrass-style island green.
At 7,433 yards, the par-73 par Wales National Course is one of the longest courses outside the US. Its massive second hole is on a similarly epic scale. Measuring a whopping 607 yards from the back tee, it’s one of the longest par-fives in Wales and a real challenge for anyone who fancies themselves a big hitter.
Spa-wise, the Vale Spa's expanse of treatment rooms and bespoke relaxation zones are the last word in luxury. If you’re in the mood for some pampering, why not treat yourself to a ‘Champagne and Truffles Deluxe Treatment’? With products from the likes of Clarins and Temple Spa, rest and relaxation is a serious business here.
While you're in the mood for unwinding, there's nothing better than a restorative session in their whirlpool bath, sauna and steam rooms.
While all the rooms maintain the highest standards, featuring crisp white bed linen, contemporary bathrooms and The White Company toiletries, you an add an extra touch of class to your stay by upgrading to an executive room or junior suite.
After settling into your stylish living quarters, head on down to the Vale Bar to sample a gin made on their estate at Hensol Castle Distillery, before being spoilt for choice perusing the seasonal menu at the Vale Grill. End your evening on a high with a post-dinner drink in the plush surroundings of the Salamanza Bar.