For those who want to take their game up a notch and combine their spa break with an exceptional round of golf, a spa hotel with its own championship golf course is hard to beat. Across the UK, spa hotels are blessed with some of the most famous courses to play on as well as adjacent facilities for those who want to learn, practice and improve their swing. Here are some of our favourite spa hotels with championship golf courses.
Golf and spa at The Belfry, Birmingham
The Belfry has a reputation that precedes it when it comes both to golf and hospitality. The hotel is five-star and expansive, which is one of the reasons people love it for group getaways, work trips and celebrations. It's got everything you could ask for food wise, from a pizza place to a healthy cafe and it is generally extremely welcoming.
The spa at The Belfry also has a reputation in its own right. The 90-minute thermal experience is like a therapy in its own right, and there are 12 treatment rooms - so once again, it's great for a group of friends.
Championship golf at The Belfry
The Belfry has not one but three famous golf courses and has hosted the Ryder Cup four times. The three courses include The Brabazon, the PGA National and The Derby. They all stand at 18 holes, and each has its own unique features to enjoy and explore.
Golf and spa at East Sussex National Golf Resort and Spa, Uckfield
An ultra modern hotel surrounded by rural vistas in the Sussex countryside, East Sussex National Golf Resort and Spa is spacious and welcoming. They have an award-winning restaurant and almost all aspects of the hotel are oriented towards views of the surrounding golf course.
The hotel's Horsted Spa has a wide range of facilities for working out and winding down, ranging from a 20-metre pool and thermal facilities to seven treatment rooms and two relaxation lounges. The spa even has its own dining area where you can tuck into healthy brunches or cream teas and champagne.
Championship golf at East Sussex National Golf Resort and Spa
Once again, this hotel has multiple golf courses to its name. In this case, there are two championship golf courses at East Sussex National. The East Course is a 7,081 yard stadium layout, designed for tournament play. The par 72 West Course meanders through ancient oak trees, alongside quiet pools, and rippling streams.
Golf and spa at St Mellion Estate, Cornwall
Amidst the beauty of Cornwall, The St Mellion Estate is a really special place to visit, offering all the benefits of a South West estate, from superb local food to total tranquility. Guests have the option of staying in the four-star hotel or self-catered cottages within the grounds. Dinner is a feast of local produce, whether you're in the mood for a West Country sirloin, fish and chips or a light salad.
Meanwhile, the health club and spa sits in its own building with the grounds of the hotel. It's a space that welcomes all guests, so there are three swimming pools including a 25-metre pool, a leisure pool and a baby pool. It's a family-friendly destination so there are children's swimming times. Adults can enjoy the gym, spa pool, sauna, steam room and a collection of Elemis treatments.
Championship golf at St Mellion Estate
The hotel has two world-famous golf courses, both with European Tour pedigree. They also have practice facilities including an indoor swing room with the latest technology. The Nicklaus Signature Course is designed to be a challenge, especially on the 18th green. In addition, The Kernow Course offers beautiful fairways, interesting water hazards and thoughtful design.
Golf and spa at Trump Turnberry, Ayrshire
Luxury all the way, Trump Turnberry has been welcoming guests since 1906, and sits proudly on the rugged west coast of Scotland. Rooms and suites are lavishly decorated (sparkling chandeliers, Italian marble bathrooms), and food and drink are widely recognised as superb.
The spa at Trump Turnberry follows suit, with the pool enjoying views of the Irish Sea and purpose-built facilities encouraging you to work out and wind down. Their treatments are particularly beautiful, using ishga's range of organic Scottish seaweed skincare products in a collection of face and body therapies.
Championship golf at Trump Turnberry
When it comes to golf, the Championship Ailsa links course is famously wonderful, complete with views towards the Isle of Arran. It was ranked one of Golf Digest's "World's 100 Greatest Golf Courses", and has been home to four Open Championships. It was updated in 2016 by renowned architect, Martin Ebert, and is named after the third Marquess of Ailsa, who owned the land on which it was built.