A golf and spa break was an offer too good for Kim Wild to refuse, and she was certainly not disappointed after a relaxing trip to Glamorgan to play at the world-class Vale Resort.
A golf and spa break was an offer too good for Kim Wild to refuse, and she was certainly not disappointed after a relaxing visit to the world-class Vale Resort.
It’s not every day that you’re invited to sample the delights of a family- owned estate, which boasts a sprawling hotel complex, an award- winning restaurant and spa and two championship golf courses. Needless to say, yours truly was looking forward to making the journey along the M4 to the Vale of Glamorgan and the Vale Resort that has played host to European Senior Tour and Challenge Tour events.
Trundling down the motorway, (or should I say crawling) we were faced with the unwelcome glow of the oil light on my dashboard. The unplanned detour at the next junction to find a man with a can of oil sent SatNav Doris into a spin. However, nothing was lost. The rest of the journey was, thankfully, uneventful and when we finally drove through the entrance of the resort, we immediately felt that we were in the middle of something special.
The Sports Academy on the right-hand side of the driveway is home to the Welsh national rugby team, Cardiff Blues, and Cardiff City Football Club. It was such a shame that the players were not there to greet us; clearly they had not been of our arrival! The academy also provides elite training facilities to other well-known premier football clubs, so if it’s good enough for them, it was certainly going to be good enough for us!
And so it was. Nestled in 650 acres of beautiful Welsh countryside is one of Wales’ hidden gems. After checking- in with the friendly and efficient reception team, we were shown to one of the 143 bedrooms. The contemporary style bedroom, with a private balcony overlooking the resort’s Lake Course, was spacious and well equipped, and the ensuite bathroom included an assortment of lovely lotions and potions and fluffy towels.
The golf facilities are a short walk from the hotel reception and our first stop was the golf range where tuition is also on offer. After hitting some balls and enjoying a pre-golf bacon butty in the relaxing Golf Club Bar, we made our way to the large pro shop, but left empty-handed as the golf wear for ladies was limited.
Ready and raring to go, our first round was on the par-74, 5,760 yard Lake Course - aptly named, as it’s dominated by a 20-acre lake with water coming into play on 12 of its holes! But this shouldn’t put you off. Situated amongst some mature wooded areas with a mixture of wide and narrow fairways, and some delightful views on the front nine, it offers a decent challenge to the mid–high handicap golfer. Unusually it starts with a par-3 downhill, one of five par 3s off the red tees. Another is the very pretty par-3 8th which overlooks the largest heronry in Wales. But beware of the signature par-4 12th hole with its island green that resembles Sawgrass. It’s on occasions like this that you appreciate how pro golfers make it look so easy!
The par-75, 5,863 yard National Course is definitely more challenging but no less enjoyable for the mid-low handicap golfer. Opened in 2003, it looks as though it’s been around forever and features several bunkers, water features and undulating greens, all set amongst some stunning scenery. The tone of the course is set as early as the 1st hole with a long dog-leg par-4, followed by another long 545-yard par-5. It’s a great test of golf and a ‘must play’ for the proficient golfer, but remember to book a buggy if you’re not prepared for a long walk.
One of my better decisions was to have a massage after my round on the National Course. The design of the Vale Spa was inspired by the renowned Sanctuary Spa and provides a very welcoming area of R&R! The spa has 19 treatment rooms and there’s an extensive choice of treatments from massages to manicures, reflexology to facials, all provided by an expert team of spa therapists; six relaxation zones, including one with water beds; a sauna; steam room; whirlpool; and, for those with any energy left, a 20-metre swimming pool. Heaven on earth!
After an enjoyable day on the course and in the spa, there’s nothing better than a pleasant dinner. You shouldn’t be deceived by the café style of The Vale Grill. It was difficult to choose from the range of dishes, but the lure of the steaks from the open- plan kitchen was too much to resist! The quality of the food and service of the attentive waiting staff was equal to any good restaurant, and the wine was pretty good too.
So, if you’re looking for a great hotel with fabulous service and dining, a great golfing experience, luxurious spa facilities and the vibrant city of Cardiff that’s only a 20-minute drive away, then look no further. The Vale Resort and South Wales is waiting for you.
For more information visit www.vale-hotel.com
