The top golf and spa hotels for groups

A round of golf getting lost in your own thoughts and perfecting your swing is a joy, but for lots of people golf is a convivial sport that allows you to spend quality time with a group of friends.

Far from ruining a good walk, it adds a new (sometimes competitive) dimension, and combined with a spa experience at the end of the day it gives new meaning to the term 'good clean fun'.

Whether you're planning a stag party, a work trip or a simple get together with friends, these are our top recommended golf and spa hotels for groups.

Macdonald Portal, Cheshire

This countryside hotel is within easy reach of Chester, so if you want to combine your getaway with a night out, it's all within easy reach. The hotel itself is modern, with 85 bedrooms and a popular restaurant with two AA Rosettes. The spa also has everything you need to rest those aching muscles at the end of the day, including a gym, 18-metre pool, aroma steam room, infra red sauna, rock sauna, two experience showers and an ice room.

The golf courses at Macdonald Portal is a prize feature, setting the scene from all areas of the property. There are in fact three excellent courses - 18-hole Championship and Premier Golf Courses and nine-hole Arderne course. An exclusive private function venue is also available within our Clubhouse if you're going all out.

Macdonald Linden Hall, Northumberland

Macdonald Linden Hall is a hotel within a historic property, dating back to 1812 when it was built as a private home. Surrounded by 450 acres, it's got a real sense of tranquility and luxury whilst also being welcoming. The Dobson Restaurant has two AA Rosettes, and the property is also home to the Linden Tree Pub and Monck cocktail bar. The spa meanwhile is a modern addition to the hotel, complete with a gym, 12-metre pool, sauna and steam room.

The course at Macdonald Linden Hall is an 18 hole, par 72 parkland course. They describe the signature 13th being 'a real risk and reward par 5'. There's also a pro shop with everything you need if you don't bring it with you.

Macdonald Hill Valley Hotel, Golf & Spa, Shropshire

Within easy reach of Chester and Shrewsbury, Macdonald Hill Valley Hotel, Golf & Spa feels a million miles from anywhere, but is with easy reach of lots of attractions, including horse racing in the summer. The hotel is modern, in true Macdonald style. The restaurant is popular, and the spa is fully equipped with leisure and wellness facilities including a 20-metre pool, a sauna, steam room, experience shower, mud rasul and spa lounge.

The golf courses at Macdonald Hill Valley are perennial favourites. Designed by TV golfing stars Peter Alliss and Dave Thomas in 1975, the 18-hole Emerald and Sapphire golf courses have seen the property previously named one of the Top 10 golf venues in the UK.

Macdonald Cardrona Hotel, Near Edinburgh

An impressive hotel set against the Scottish countryside, Macdonald Cardrona is blessed with tranquil surroundings and plenty to do, as well as being just 40 minutes from Edinburgh city centre. Play golf, go salmon fishing, hike or simply enjoy the view. The hotel itself is four-star and has 99 rooms and suites overlooking the River Tweed. The hotel has three restaurant and bar areas, and the spa looks out over 200 acres, inviting you to work out and wind down with a pool, a gym, a sauna and steam room as well as therapies from Elemis.

The championship golf course rests amongst the beautiful Borders Hills, designed by course architect Dave Thomas it has a reputation for being one of Scotland's finest courses, attracting golfers from around the world. They are environmentally aware, taking steps to protect local wildlife, and have been awarded the Scottish Award for Environmental Excellence in Golf. The course measures 7010 yards from the championship tees and has hosted the 2004 and 2007 Euro Pro Tour and the 2007 European Challenge Tour.

Bryn Meadows Golf, Hotel and Spa, South Wales

Set within 100 acres of meadowland in the Brecon Beacons, Bryn Meadows Golf, Hotel and Spa is an ideal setting for group getaways, from the spa to the golf course. The hotel is contemporary and welcoming, complete with 42 stylish rooms and suites as well as a popular restaurant looking out across the Five Valleys. The spa is known for innovative therapies as well as its hydro spa and Jacuzzi, sauna, steam room, aromatherapy suite and gym, as well as four treatment rooms and a mud rasul.

The tree-lined, 18-hole golf course was established in 1973 and is a wonderful way to explore the undulating countryside. Multi award-winning, it's a great place for all skill sets, complete with a golf simulator, coaches, a pro shop and a First Swing Academy.

The Abbey, Worcestershire

The Abbey Hotel is a welcoming, contemporary hotel that's ideal for group getaways. Surrounded by 175 acres of countryside in Redditch, it remains conveniently close to Birmingham for those who want to head into the city. The health club is fully equipped with a pool, gym, sauna, steam room and spa bath - perfect for unwinding after a day on the golf course.

The 18-hole, parkland golf course, was designed by leading golf course architect Donald Steel and has matured over the years to become a favourite within the Midlands. The par 72 course is accompanied by a putting green, pro shop and custom fit centre with TrackMan technology and a two-storey floodlit driving range.