PA Life Editor spent a fantastic weekend taking in the reimagined Belfry Hotel & Resort, fresh after the multi-million pound expansion project which was completed early September. Known for its world-class golf courses, including the renowned Brabazon, a host of the Ryder Cup and the British Masters, but as we discovered, the independent Midlands based hotel has plenty to offer for non-golfers too…
We arrived on a Saturday afternoon at the hotel lobby which felt immediately like a social hub of the resort, with families and groups gathering at the Brabazon Bar. The drive in through the greens – there are three golf courses at The Belfry, including two championship courses – set the scene perfectly for this beautiful resort.
If, like me, you don’t play golf, you won’t be short of other activities to enjoy. Whilst my partner teed off, I headed to The Club – the new facility for all things fitness.ย With a sleek design, the very latest facilities and natural light in abundance, highlights include a vast Technogym with views over the resortโs PGA National golf course. There are also four spacious studios including dedicated yoga, reformer Pilates and spin studios perfect for an array of virtual and live-led classes, and an extensive multipurpose sports hall.
Make sure to enjoy the state-of-the-art leisure and spa facilities at The Belfry
The Club offers much more than training facilities, guests will also discover a dedicated 25-metre lap pool, relaxing sauna, indoor and outdoor bubble pools, a revitalising steam room, and feature showers. And there is also plenty on offer to entertain younger guests. The large family-friendly swimming pool with flume, a childrenโs boulder wall, and a lively cafรฉ with picturesque outdoor terrace will offer hours of fun on a family break.
The Belfry Spa is a fantastic pampering option if you prefer to recharge and relax. I spent close to couple hours enjoying an invigorating Fire & Ice journey through 12 hot and cold Biothermal rooms. The hot rooms included a Finnish sauna, steam and salt rooms and hot foot baths. The ice room and cold showers were a great way to cool off when the going got a bit too hot, as were the pool and hydro pools. Even on a busy Saturday the spa felt very relaxing and the staff were attentive.
The Spa also offers an impressive list of treatments from different massages to Dermalogica and ESPA facials, manicures and pedicures.
The Masters Suite at the Belfry Hotel & Resort
A stunning, brand new, and very versatile events venue The Masters is also part of the redevelopment. I was lucky to be given a tour of the spaces, that include an impressive covered entrance, lobby that serves as a perfect area for drinks receptions or smaller fairs. The largest events space in the resort with a capacity of 920 A temporary conservatory had been erected at the back of the venue which is a good option should you need an extra space for your event.
A destination designed for unforgettable events, The Masters Suite is a beacon of style and flexibility. receiving over ยฃ80m in enquiries and securing ยฃ10m in confirmed business before its much-anticipated opening. With sweeping floor-to-ceiling views, The Masters Suite is a breathtaking backdrop for everything from banquets and conferences to mini expos and weddings and is already the first choice for high-profile clients including DP World Tour and Teams Europe. It has received incredible support from industry associations such as the Meetings Industry Association, BEAM and 59club, all of whom are set to host their flagship events there.
Stylish new accommodation for conference and event guests
Almost doubling The Belfry in size, its brand-new Brabazon House wing features 149 stylish bedrooms, including the resortโs first-ever two-bedroom suite, and balcony rooms with unbeatable views over The Belfryโs legendary Brabazon golf course.
What was our bedroom like
We stayed at the main hotel at a newly renovated ground floor Superior terrace room with amazing views of the iconic Brabazon course. You can literally step out of your room straight onto the green. It was a spacious room, with a muted and contemporary dรฉcor and a super comfortable king size bed. The fresh bathroom had a walk-in shower, no bath, which is fairly standard today, and we didn’t miss it after the wonderful saunas we’ve enjoyed earlier. The only thing I would like to add to the rooms is conditioner – there was lovely Espa shampoo and shower gel in the shower though so it must have been designed with the male golfers in mind, although I was glad to find a hairdryer. And the Nespresso maker was a pleasant add on too.
There are 468 luxurious bedrooms and suites, including the hotelโs first-ever two-bedroom suite in its brand-new Brabazon House wing.
Prices start from ยฃ169 for a signature room including full English breakfast.
Eating and drinking at The Belfry
The Brabazon Bar turned out to be an unexpected discovery for us. There is live music on Friday and Saturday evenings, and the party doesn’t die down until the early hours we were told.
If you are after more of a quiet drink whilst watching your favourite sport head over to Sam’s Bar, a sport bar which also serves great food whenever you feel peckish.
We dined at the Ryder restaurant and chose the buffet option. I must admit I was pleasantly surprised of the wide choice of dishes, catering for lovers of different cuisines from Indian to Asian, and pizza to wonderful fish, meat and vegetarian/vegan options. And that was for just main courses. But, what I loved most, were the starters; a lot of cold options including smoked salmon – cold and hot smoked, rollmops, different salads, spicy marinated chicken and roasted vegetables, as well as a soup of the day.
The dessert selection was extensive and luckily served in small portions so we could sample several treats without feeling too guilty. The cheesecake with forest berries, tiramisu, chocolate brownies and macarons were all delicious.
Breakfast was also served at the Ryder restaurant and that was truly a delicious spread despite the hotel catering for such a large number of guests. It was a full house on Sunday morning yet the service was swift and the food freshly prepared.
More about The Belfry Hotel & Resort
Chris Eigelaar, Managing Director at The Belfry Hotel & Resort, said: “This has been a passion project for us all, and itโs incredible that the day has finally arrived when guests can enjoy the complete Belfry Resort experience. For the past two years, weโve dedicated ourselves to bringing this vision to life. Our guests have been the driving force behind every decision, and everything weโve done has been with their enjoyment and experience in mind. To do all of this ahead of schedule shows trust and credibility from our clients, our guests and the industry, which is outstandingโ.
Renowned for its world-class facilities, vibrant atmosphere and heartfelt hospitality, The Belfry has something for everyone. From its award-winning restaurants and bars to its thrilling Woodland Adventures, from its relaxing Spa to its three elite golf courses, and from its versatile meetings spaces to its Toptracer Driving Range. Today, The Belfry proudly secures its position as Englandโs Leading Resort and a world-class destination of choice.
For more information, please visit www.thebelfry.com
Telephone: +44 (0) 1675 238600 | Email: enquiries@thebelfry.com
The Belfry is also included in our autumn issue’s Spotlight on the Midlands feature which you can read in PA Life magazine’s digital edition.
