Adored by golf fans all over the world, it's not hard to see why The Celtic Manor Resort is the perfect destination for sporty types and their other halves! Despite being littered with golf courses across the resort, the venue - which once played home to the Ryder Cup in 2010 - certainly provides an idyllic oasis for a romantic weekend getaway. But for golf virgins like me, there are plenty of other outdoor activities to pick from including tennis, mountain biking, clay pigeon shooting and fishing - you are spoilt for choice!
The Celtic Manor Resort is the perfect destination for sporty types
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On first impressions, the five star resort looks very spacious. But it's the vast atrium and the gigantic sculpture of a Celtic dragon which dominates the interior. Built in 1999, the hotel was reminiscent of the nineties as the rooms and corridors were carpeted and decorated with wooden panels and various plants. The finest collection of golfing memorabilia - trophies and paintings of influential golf figures - gave the place an extra sporting feel. Our suite was fabulous, furnished with a king-size bed and en-suite bath, with an extra guest toilet room. The communal areas of the suite were cozy, with cushion-filled sofas and elegant chairs, propped up against a wooden bar and plasma television as well as a family-style dining room adjacent to it. After a long day, we were able to relax on the deck out front and take in the beautiful forestry view.
Rooms were rich in colour and cosy
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For food there were plenty of choices, I particularly enjoyed my dinner at Steak on Six. In terms of cuisine, service and atmosphere, it was all perfect. There were plenty of succulent steaks, grilled to perfection, on offer. I was treated to cured beef with homemade herb butter and creamy potato gratin. This was all topped off with chocolate fondant, teamed with pistachio ice cream, honeycomb and sweet raspberries. Another place to try, just a few miles away from the resort, is The Newbridge on Usk. Located inside a beautiful boutique hotel, this south Wales eatery was fabulous. I tried the roasted lamb rump, finished off with wild garlic, quinoa, shallots and black olive. To round off the splendid meal, I had the Newbridge 'Apple Crumble' - although it wasn't warm, the dessert was marvellous. For details and reservations at The Celtic Manor Resort, click here.
