Get Into The Grove
Whether you’re celebrating a milestone event in style or are seeking an exceptional golf getaway, The Grove checks all the boxes — and adds a few you didn’t know you were missing. This sumptuous resort on 300 acres of rolling countryside, only 18 miles away from central London, is a favorite of international visitors looking for an active luxury escape.
With a five-star hotel, an elegant spa, four restaurants, and a reputation for exceptional customer service, The Grove offers a family-friendly experience that extends to furry family members with its dog-friendly rooms. Part historic charm and part modern luxury, the rooms include 12 recently renovated suites, each of which has a unique design to ensure a truly one-of-a-kind stay.
STAY TO PLAY
While it offers plenty of reasons to visit, golfers are excited to visit The Grove for a chance to play the Kyle Phillips-designed championship golf course, which opened in 2003. Using the natural contours of the countryside, Phillips created a golfing experience that is both challenging and fun. To cater to all skill levels, it features four large teeing areas on every hole. The Grove has hosted numerous prestigious tournaments, including the 2006 World Golf Championships, won by Tiger Woods,
and the 2016 British Masters. Despite its high-profile championship pedigree, it is surprisingly accessible to the public. Unlike many clubs, The Grove operates on a pay-and-play model, creating an inclusive experience for all golfers.
But that’s not all that makes it stand out from other courses. The Grove is home to several holes that provide golfers with a memorable experience. Hole 3, for example, is a par-4 known as “Hell’s Lake,” thanks to the over-the-water shot that’s required to make it to the well-guarded green.
Players may recognize Hole 9, which is the 567-yard hole where Tiger Woods famously eagled three days in a row during the 2006 championships. Even if you can’t pull off the same feat, there are bragging rights in playing the long, challenging hole.
At Hole 13, an elevated tee provides the perfect view of this picturesque downhill par-3. Don’t let the beauty fool you; this one demands lots of skill and strategy (and perhaps a stroke of luck) to find success.
As you wrap up the round, Hole 18 is both a challenge and a delight. The par-4 has a raised green that demands accuracy and rewards a strong finish. Then, to further reward a strong finish, head to the Sequoia Spa for an elevated relaxation experience.
REST AND REJUVENATE
The stand-out feature at the spa is its unique statement pool elegantly tiled in black mosaics. The Sequoia has earned a reputation as being a must-visit spa, landing at No. 8 in the Conde Nast Traveler’s 2023 Readers’ Choice Awards for the top spa hotels in the U.K.
Whether you want to unwind in the Jacuzzi, enjoy one of its nine signature massages, or treat yourself to a facial tailored to your specific needs, Sequoia offers a full menu of offerings that are designed to help guests relax and recharge. You can also select a special spa day that combines treatments to craft the exact relaxation experience you’re looking for.
Of course, there are other ways to recharge — such as exploring new areas or trying out a new skill, and The Grove has plenty options to choose from. Try out family golf lessons, pick up a bow and test your archery, or roll up your sleeves and try your hand at axe throwing! For nature lovers, there are bicycles to let you explore the area on two wheels, or if you’d rather do it on foot, there are plenty of nature trails to explore; just grab a map and go. The Grove has marked woodland trails created by The Wildlife Trust to create the perfect environment for family walks and to explore the estate’s natural beauty.
And, for a truly unique adventure, sign up for the Woodland Hawking experience, where all ages of family members can get up close and personal with birds of prey or enjoy a falconry demonstration.
Kids’ activities are well-planned and designed to ensure they have just as much fun as adults. The Anouska’s Kids Club, open to children between the ages of 2 and 9, offers a variety of indoor and outdoor activities to keep them happy and engaged. There’s also the Mini Landies experience, where children can explore part of the grounds in a miniature Land Rover replica.
For a luxury getaway, a dream golf vacation, or a family excursion that will never be forgotten, The Grove is a stand-out destination worth moving up a couple of spots on your bucket list.
The Grove, Chandler’s Cross, Hertfordshire, U.K., thegrove.co.uk