Top hotels for spa and golf

Golf and spa have a long history of going hand in hand with one another - providing a combination of wellbeing, conviviality, exercise and relaxation, as well as different activities for different people and their respective interests. For that reason, many of the UK's top golf courses are located alongside some of the top spa hotels as well.

For those eager to enjoy the great outdoors with friends, partners or on a solo getaway, here our very own golf pro turned spa expert, Chris Beeson, recommends some of our top, luxury spa and golf destinations...

The Belfry, Birmingham

The Belfry is a well known name in the world of golf and it has a superb reputation as a spa as well. The hotel is large and has a range of different room types and dining options available.

Simply THE Spa is a dedicated space complete with a superb gym and fitness studio as well as a thermal suite which offers 90-minutes of muscle-relaxing time out. The experience is complete with 12 treatment rooms and a menu of different face and body therapies, from wraps and facials to microsclerotherapy.

When it comes to golf, there are three renowned courses at The Belfry. It has hosted the Ryder Cup four times and has state-of-the-art golfing facilities. The three courses include The Brabazon, the PGA National and The Derby, each with their own unique features to enjoy and explore. They also have a PGA National Academy complete with lessons, coaching and a driving range with Toptracer.

East Sussex National Golf Resort and Spa, Uckfield

East Sussex National Golf Resort and Spa is another modern hotel and golf destination, where contemporary rooms look out over an 18-hole championship course as well as 1000 acres of South Downs countryside. The hotel is large and contemporary; rooms let in lots of natural light, and there's a welcoming atmosphere. There are three restaurants at the hotel, so there's something for every mood whether it's fine dining or a Sunday roast. Then there's a hotel bar as well as the Ryder Bar and Terrace.

The spa and leisure experiences cater to those who want to work out as well as wind down. There's a gym and plenty of classes available, then The Horsted Spa has a pool, sauna, steam room, Jacuzzi and a collection of ESPA treatments.

The hotel has two unique championship golf courses, played by the likes of Sir Nick Faldo and Colin Montgomerie. The East Course is a 7,081 yard stadium layout, designed for tournament play. The par 72 West Course meanders through ancient oak trees, alongside quiet pools, and rippling streams. They also have a pro shop, clubhouse and golf academy with two PGA professionals on hand.

Rockliffe Hall, County Durham

Rockliffe Hall is a magnificent luxury hotel and spa with five-star facilities and beautiful surroundings. The hotel itself sits in 375 acres on the banks of the River Tees, in a building that dates to 1774. It retains many original features but leaves no stone unturned when it comes to modern hospitality. Dining at the hotel is a treat, whether it's in their flagship Orangery restaurant with its walk-in wine cellar, the spa's own Nu Sana restaurant, or the Clubhouse overlooking the golf course.

The adult-only spa at Rockliffe Hall is a jewel offering 50,000 square feet of wellness, from Nordic walking lessons to pampering. There's a beautiful spa garden, a range of fitness facilities, a complete thermal suite from the hydropool to the tropicarium, and even an igloo. There's an outdoor hot tub and sauna, an infinity pool and mud rasuls, as well as treatments using the beautiful NEOM Organics and [comfort zone] products.

Golf at Rockliffe Hall is no less scintillating. Designed by the world-renowned Hawtree, the 18-hole course takes you on a tour of the natural surroundings via immaculate greens and fairways. There's also a Golf Academy complete with a state-of-the-art teaching bay with a Trackman Launch Monitor, that helps to analyse and improve your swing.

The Mere Golf Resort & Spa, Cheshire

An impressive hotel to arrive at, The Mere Golf Resort & Spa is surrounded by mature grounds and is a grand red brick building. Inside, rooms are contemporary and the atmosphere is convivial. Food is served in either Browns at The Mere or the Club Lounge and Bar - there is also a dedicated Spa and Lounge Health Club and the 11th Green snack and drinks bar.

The spa and leisure facilities are located in a separate building to the bedrooms, complete with award-winning experienced ranging from technology led fitness to space to relax and unwind. There's a 20-metre pool, a five-room Thermal Zone, and a full collection of face and body treatments from Natura Bisse and Aromatherapy Associates.

The 18-hole, 6,882 -yard, par-71 championship golf course at The Mere covers 150 acres and was created in 1934. It has a wonderful reputation and as you go you will enjoy views of mature trees, flowering banks and the Mere Lake. Once again, they offer tuition at The Mere Academy.

The Oxfordshire Golf & Spa Hotel, Oxford

This Chiltern-based hotel opened in 2010 and is an elegant retreat in the countryside outside Oxford. With 50 rooms it's a great size without being overwhelming, and it has two dining options - the Sakura restaurant for Mediterranean fare, as well as The Spike Bar for more relaxed food and drink.

The Tempus Spa is a welcoming place to unwind, particularly after a fay on the golf course, complete with a range of face and body treatments to experience.

The golf course is very much the focal point of this hotel. A former European Tour venue, it hosted the Benson & Hedges International for four years, the Andersen Consulting World Championships as well as the Ladies English Open. Designed by course architect Rees Jones, it has 135 bunkers and four lakes, even attracting the likes of Seve Ballesteros and Darren Clarke.