REVIEW: Stoke by Nayland Hotel Golf and Spa

Our first family trip was spent with friends at the Stoke by Nayland Hotel making use of the spa facilities and the two championship golf courses.

Location: Stoke by Nayland Hotel, Golf, Spa & Lodges, Keepers Lane,

Leavenheath, Colchester, Essex CO6 4PZ

How to get there: Being based in Surrey it was so much closer than I thought

and only took us about 2 hrs by car. The award-winning hotel is located in the

Dedham Vale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the easiest way to reach the

hotel is by car, which is just a short distance from Colchester and about a 1.5hr

drive from London or 45 minutes by train.

Accommodation: Our accommodation for the weekend was in one of the

fantastic lodges located on the golf course just a short drive from the main hotel

(there is a 24hr shuttle service so you do not need to drive) or a few minutes

walk. The lodge was amazing, a cosy electric fireplace in the lounge/kitchen, 2

bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. There was plenty of space for two couples and their

babies with added amenities of high chairs and travel cots available at an

additional charge.

The lodge also had a lovely terrace area, dining table and fully equipped kitchen

which allowed us to cook for ourselves on one of the nights we were there. The

lodges have won several green awards for being self-sustainable through

investing in renewable sources of energy and providing their own power and

were nice and cosy with under-floor heating during the cold November nights.

Although we did not stay in the main hotel they have plenty of suites and rooms

available with views of the lake and the golf course, for all the details visit here.

Food: Stoke by Nayland has a number of dining options with Sports Bar in the

golf area, The Gallery Grill which has just had a makeover, a lounge bar area

with the most amazing fire and the Lakes Restaurant which is where we ate on

several occasions. They also have The Peake Bistro down in the spa.

On the nights we were not cooking for ourselves we had dinner in the main

Lakes Restaurant, which offers AA Two Rosette dining. They offer classic, locally

sourced dishes such as steak, pork belly, tuna steak and trout. During the day,

they offer an amazing afternoon tea which we got to enjoy whilst the husbands

were off playing golf for £19.95. The friend I was dining with was dairy free and

the restaurant was so accommodating. With a wide array of teas beautifully

presented, mini rolls, scones with local clotted cream and cakes.

Golf: Whilst I am not a golfer my husband is a keen player and enjoyed a round

on the Gainsborough course on the Friday. Both the Gainsborough and Constable courses are championship ones and have hosted some very prestigious televised tournaments including the European Senior Tour. As you can see the views from around the course are amazing and the 4 different lakes and multiple bunkers make for an enjoyable but challenging round.

Spa Facilities: Whilst the boys were on the course, we were in the spa. We also

had several spa treatments including:

 Eyebrow Re-shape £17

 Hot Stone Massage 55 mins £62

 Crystal Clear Frozen Facial Elite 70 mins £115 or £570 for a course of 6.

My skin after the Crystal Clear facial was literally glowing, I think it was at its

peak about 48 hours after the treatment. Hailed as groundbreaking; with the unique microchannelling roller to really get deep into the skin and help to rejuvenate I can see why, it’s also very relaxing pumping the skin full of oxygen

and hydration.

The spa itself was a hotbed, make sure you book up not to disappoint there are

lots of Spa Day experiences to choose from with a spot of afternoon tea or lunch

as part of the package where you get a fluffy robe, towels and flip flops and

unlimited access to the pool which also has special family times so we could take Winston for a dip. There is also a sanarium, steam room and Jacuzzi to enjoy.