HOTEL of the week
THE BELFRY HOTEL AND RESORT, WISHAW, WARKS
WHERE AND WHY Even non-golfers will feel a sense of occasion at The Belfry, which has hosted some momentous sporting moments. The 319-bedroom luxury golf resort is an established weekend spa destination in the North Warwickshire countryside, with easy access to the M6 and a 20-minute taxi ride from Birmingham city centre. Golfers are spoilt for choice with its three world-class courses, including the Brabazon, which hosted Europe’s momentous 2002 Ryder Cup triumph. The modern reception retains a sense of tradition, and its Brabazon Bar is an excellent location for pre-dinner cocktails. We stayed in a spacious two-room suite, with a view on to the 10th tee of the Brabazon.
ON THE MENU The Ryder Grill is a large, trendy bistro overlooking the Brabazon course. I opted for the White Onion and Cider soup starter (€9) and Cote de Boeuf (€42) as my main course. My vegan companion was well catered for and opted for a curried lentil soup starter, and butternut squash risotto with sage and chestnuts (€39, à la carte vegan menu).
WHILE YOU’RE THERE The top-notch facilities include a spa, swimming pool, fitness studio and gym. There is both a sauna and a steam room. Adventurous guests will be tempted by the 90-minute Fire and Ice spa treatment. Drayton Manor theme park is just five miles away and is ideal for small kids. Ash End House Children’s Farm is also close.
WAKE-UP CALL Prices from €133 a night for a classic room including full English breakfast. thebelfry.com
Coronavirus restrictions mean the hotel is currently closed
Follow in the footsteps of one of the world’s greatest explorers on the Shackleton Finse Polar Experience. Led by record-breaking polar adventurer Louis Rudd MBE, the expedition kicks off at a hotel in Finse in Finland before you head to a vast frozen lake to learn how to set up camp, cook rations, and navigate. Then you put it all into practice on a two-day trek, which includes a visit to the replica of Amundsen’s hut and a day husky-sledding. From €4,195, flights extra. shackletonlondon.com