Hotel of the week

The Celtic Manor Resort Newport, South Wales WHERE AND WHY

Adored by golf fans all over the world, it’s not hard to see why The Celtic Manor Resort is regarded as the perfect venue for a getaway.

The five-star resort, which has three world-class championship courses, lies just off the M4 four miles from Newport in the beautiful Usk Valley – and the view from my signature room on the sixth floor was spectacular.

My spacious, bright double for adults only, had a calming and modern feel. It featured a king-size double bed, a sitting area, a marble bathroom and a balcony.

There plenty of dining options available but I headed to the AA Rosette-awarded Rafters, which required a short trip on a shuttle bus put on by the hotel. Breakfast the next day was at the resort’s Steak on Six restaurant.

ON THE MENU

Set within the prestigious Twenty Ten Clubhouse, Rafters has stunning views over the Twenty Ten Course and the Usk Valley, with both outdoor and indoor tables available.

The food on offer is simple and elegant, with a true flavour of Wales. From locally reared beef and lamb to fresh fish and seafood, there is plenty to choose from.

I opted for the Pembrokeshire leek and potato veloute (£7) as a starter, followed by the 8oz Welsh sirloin steak main, which comes with salted chunky chips, roasted tomato and watercress (£33), and a side of cognac peppercorn sauce (£3.50).

There was just enough room for coffee creme brulee (£8.50) for dessert.

WHILE YOU’RE THERE

As well as hosting those three world-class golf courses, the resort also has two ritzy spas, a gym, a hair salon, a beauty bar and a shopping mall. The Forum Spa is the perfect place to head to feel your stresses ease away as you relax and unwind in a world of luxury and indulgence.

And if that isn’t enough to calm the stress levels, then guests also have access to Europe’s largest freeform spa bath and luxurious changing rooms, each with their own spa bath, sauna and steam room.

For golf virgins like me, there are plenty of other outdoor activities to pick from, including archery and the Forest Jump exhilarating treetop adventure.

WAKE-UP CALL

A one-night stay in a signature room at The Celtic Manor Resort starts at £157, room only. celtic-manor.com