FUN PAR FOR COURSE
The huge Welsh hotel estate with championship golf courses and the country’s largest spa
The highlight was the gin distillery housed in the castle
I LINE up my club, shuffling my feet a little so that I’m perfectly poised to ace the putt.
The pressure is on as golfing legends Ian Woosnam and Bernard Gallagher have both graced this green as well as other sporting heroes like football’s Gareth Bale.
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The Vale Resort in the beautiful Vale of Glamorgan countryside is home to not one but two championship 18-hole courses and has hosted several PGA and European Tour events over the years.
With views of vast lakes and thick woodland surrounding the greens, it’s surely got to be one of the most scenic places to play the game, too.
Golfing isn’t the only appeal of this 650-acre estate either. Sat next to 400-year-old Hensol Castle and 30 minutes outside of the city of Cardiff, the resort oozes rural charm.
Rooms have plush plump pillows and offer views of the rolling green hills while the grounds outside are a haven for nature lovers.
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There’s also tennis and squash courts and a well-equipped gym.
The highlight for me, though, was the gin distillery housed in the castle and part of the Vale estate.
And the great thing about a tour is, you can knock back as many G&Ts as you like without worrying about how to get home, as the hotel runs a shuttle service to and from the distillery.
Distilled on site, the Hensol Castle gin comes in plenty of flavours from strawberry and hibiscus to blood orange.
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Once you’ve sampled some tipples, a guided tour will take you through the gin-making process and you will even be able to produce your own bottle to take home.
I created my own 11-ingredient recipe which had a fruity flavour with notes of orange, elderflower and coconut.
Ancient UK spa inspired by Romans and Greeks
To make sure you are well-fed after an afternoon of boozing, swing by the Vale Grill for a slap-up dinner.
Expect freshly-made bread and locally sourced ingredients.
I kicked off with a lamb bon bons followed by a mouthwatering Welsh mixed grill and chargrilled rosemary and garlic chicken breast.
And to wash it all down, there is a large range of wine on the menu.
There are plenty of sticky, sweet treats for dessert and a great spread for brekkie, but what I really liked was the late night sandwich service – great for the midnight snackers.
Water beds
It’s safe to say that I left feeling at least a stone heavier.
But you can while away any feelings of guilt with a lazy morning at Wales’ largest spa (add that to the list of accolades this glorious resort has).
Here you can unwind in five relaxation rooms, with water beds, and indulge in a range of rejuvenating treatments.
I received some head-to-toe pampering with the Drift Away Massage using a dreamy blend of Temple Spa essential oils.
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And what better way to relax than with a leisurely dip in the 20-metre swimming pool or in the bubbling Jacuzzi?
This resort really is one to boast about – even if my golfing skills are not.
GO: THE VALE RESORT
A one-night special New Year break costs from £109 for two, including a full Welsh breakfast, a free bottle of wine in the room on arrival, full use of leisure facilities and complimentary car parking.
Gin tours take place every day for £99 per person. See.
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