Golf and spa hotels for group getaways

One of the things that we love most about a round of golf and a spa break is the opportunity that both things offer for quality time with friends and loved ones. Both activities lend themselves to conversation whilst also working towards common goals, they are brimming with feel-good-factor, but they provide plenty of indulgence and luxury experiences too.

Whether it's simply time together or celebrating a special occasion, there aren't many places where it's easy to get a group of people together whilst catering to individual preferences. However, golf and spa destinations tick all the boxes and with spacious lodge, apartment or even pod accommodation here are some of our favourite golf and spa hotels for group getaways.

Golf and spa lodges

Eco pods and apartments at Old Thorns Hotel & Resort, Hampshire

Old Thorns Hotel & Resort is widely recognised as an exceptional, four-star spa hotel. Located in the South Downs National Park, it's just a hour from London by car, but offers all the peace and tranquility of protected countryside. The hotel is surrounded by its own golf course, and offers a variety of leisure activities as well thanks to the 26,000 sq foot Elevation Health and Fitness Club complete with a dedicated Wellness Suite and 15 spa treatment rooms.

The hotel itself has a variety of room options, while within the grounds you can also choose to stay in one of their eco pods or apartments. The eco pods each sleep two people and are cosy wooden huts complete with a double/twin bed, TV, heater and tea/coffee facilities. There are also two-bedroom, self-catering apartments available - all modern and with impressive views as well as ample social space including a kitchen, living and dining area.

The surrounding 18-hole golf course was officially opened in 1982 by Jack Nicklaus, Seve Ballesteros, Isao Aoki and Bill Rogers. Suffice to say it has an illustrious pedigree. Designed by Peter Alliss, the championship course features woodland, moorland, parkland and challenging hazards - it will put you through your paces, but you will have fun doing it.

'Swedish' lodges at Cottesmore, West Sussex

Set in the Sussex countryside, Cottesmore is a welcoming converted farm turned hotel and spa within the Cottesmore Estate, just a stone's throw from the Golf Course and Club House. Offering something for every occasion, guests can stay in the main house, but for groups of friend the self-catering lodges in the grounds are the ideal place to relax and spend time together.

There are seven lodges within the grounds, each with two bedrooms, underfloor heating, an open-plan living room and a fully equipped kitchen. There's a dining area for up to six people as well as BBQs in the summer. Guests can choose to dine in or head to the clubhouse for meals. The health club is set within the purpose-built clubhouse within the grounds, complete with a range of facilities and fitness classes as well as offering holistic therapies from Elemis and Decleor.

Meanwhile, there are two golf courses - one is nine holes, the other 18, enjoying views of the countryside and lakes. The Griffin Course is the 18-hole course, which features plenty of water challenges. The Phoenix Course on the other hand is a great introduction to golf - with fewer hazards it’s more forgiving than the the 18-hole Griffin.