###Home to an award winning spa, championship golf course and mouth-watering restaurants, The Grove is the ultimate five star retreat.*By Dermot Synnott*
Destination Golf’s Dermot Synnott kicks back for a few days in this luxury country retreat, set in 300 acres of historic Hertfordshire parkland. Only 18 miles from central London, The Grove, London’s country estate, is the former home of the Earls Clarendon was used by Queen Victoria as her country retreat. The original house on the site dates back since the 1400s and among others, has been home to Earls, Ambassadors, a girls’ boarding school, and even WW II wartime headquarters for the LMS Railway staff with raid shelters still visible to this day by the side of the onsite football facilities.
The hotel which in opened in 2003 and was recognised as the AA Hotel of the year within 12 months of opening and now is a member of the Leading Hotels of the World, a collection of the world’s most distinguished properties. The hotel provides the perfect blend of old world charm, the comfort and style of a country estate and the contemporary luxury design of a hotel of this stature.
The hotel has 217 well-appointed rooms many with private terraces, working fireplaces, original artwork and all with spectacular views over the estate. The Mansion House dates back to the 18 century and offers 26 historic suites with original period architecture.
In addition, the resort also features a Kyle Phillips-designed 18-hole course, designed to test every aspect of a golfer’s game as they weave between a beautiful lake and mature woodland. An incredible English parkland golf course, respectfully established in historic landscape, combining modern strategy with Britain’s golfing traditions. Kept in Championship condition year round, the reputation and high quality of the 7152 year course ensures the course is a venue of choice for many celebrities from the world of sport, entertainment and show business.
Many of the world’s most renowned players have graced its fairways and greens, with four‐time major champion Ernie Els commenting: *“I loved The Grove. Let me tell you, it is very impressive. I would say it’s the best conditioned golf course in Europe, certainly in my experience. Everything was perfect; the course is great, the tees, fairways and greens were incredibly manicured and practice facilities were amazing.”*
>New to The Grove for 2018, step inside their very own Tour Truck and allow one of the PGA qualified custom fit technicians to guide you through a complete custom fitting solution.
The course remains the only venue in the UK to have hosted a World Golf Championship event, won by Tiger Woods in 2006, and was also the venue for the British Masters in 2016.
In addition, the estate is home to three restaurants in the heart of the 18th Century mansion including the 33 AA Rosette fine dining restaurants, Colette’s, formal gardens with walled garden with an open-air pool and urban beach. As one of Hertfordshire’s finest dining destinations with over 70 chefs over three unique restaurants, The Grove caters for all tastes.
Produce comes from the venue’s own fruit and vegetable gardens, so freshness is guaranteed. The Glasshouse restaurant overlooking the formal gardens. Alternatively, go for gourmet pub-‐style dishes at The Stables, where there is no better place to finish the day after a round of golf.
Guests at The Grove can indulge in the award winning Sequoia Spa, an exclusive retreat with tranquil indoor pool, sauna, steam-room and vitality pool, all perfect for unwinding after 18 holes on the golf course.
With its convenient access to major motorways, rail networks and international airports, London’s five star golf resort is uniquely positioned to welcome and cater for UK and international visitors.
**TOP 5 TIPS:**
1.Try their Scotch Eggs, typically English and simply delicious.
2.Take time to walk around the estates colourful gardens.
3.Book in a fitting from the Tour truck, such an experience.
4.Check out Tiger’s plaques on the 18th, how did he make eagle from there?
5.Bring extra golf balls – the water and fescue gobble them up.
**GET IN TOUCH !**
Web: https://www.thegrove.co.uk/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheGroveHotel
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheGroveHotel