From the moment we arrive at Rockcliffe Hall we’re struck by one thing – attention to detail. One of the newest 5-star resorts in the region, Rockliffe Hall only opened in November 2009 but it has already developed a big reputation and many guests keep coming back time after time for another taste of the unique elegant charm and hospitality of the place.
This is a true 5-star establishment and everything is geared towards making you feel special – from the concierge that greets us straight from the car and insists on helping us unload our luggage to the warm and friendly reception staff who can’t do enough to help us with all of our arrangements, we’re treated to an exceptional experience that creates a real sense of ‘escapism’ and it’s easy to see why so many people come back for more. Nothing is too much trouble and all of the staff go about their business with a disarming smile and a chatty manner that removes any hint of the stuffiness that can sometimes infect high-end hotels.
Visually Rockcliffe Hall is stunning. Set on the grounds of a restored 18th century estate on the River Tees the Old Hall has been tastefully restored with a new wing added, which blends perfectly into the original building. The hotel is actually owned by the proprietor of Middlesburgh Football Club and the team’s training ground is tucked away in one corner of the Estate. On arrival we’re taken up a grand winding staircase and shown to our room which is a triumph in design its chic, modern styling, and all the amenities associated with a 5-star hotel fitting seamlessly in to the more traditional appearance of the building’s exterior. Large French-doors open out onto a lovely balcony which provides an idyllic relaxing spot with stunning views across the golf course.
The hotel has a choice three restaurants – the Clubhouse, the Waterhouse Bistro and the Orangery whose head chef is the Michelin starred Kenny Atkinson. We’re following the culinary path taken most often by golfers so first up is a sampling of the delights the Clubhouse has to offer. Due to the biting North East wind the reception staff insist on getting a chauffeur to drive us the short distance to the restaurant – standard practice for all guests with dining reservations at the Clubhouse we’re told. Nice touch! The Clubhouse restaurant has lovely informal buzz about it with a wonderful menu of British classics and a more than ample wine list. After a tasty meal of beer battered king prawns followed by an 8oz rib eye steak it’s back to the main hotel building for a quick night cap in the grand old oak clad Cocktail Lounge before bed.
First up in the morning is a trip to the hotel’s state-of-the-art Spa, which is one of Rockliffe Hall’s big attractions. I’ve never before seen a country manor style hotel with such a large and well decked out facility as this – it really is exceptional. There’s a large 20-metre pool, a separate hydropool with the whole gambit of sauna, steam room, ice room, foot spa – you name it, they’ve got it. There’s also a full array of treatment rooms where a team of skilled professionals await to cater for your every whim. For the athletically inclined there is a fully equipped gym while for those who prefer a bit more serenity the pool area provides relaxing haven where you can while away the hours sipping fresh fruit smoothies with a good book. After a wonderful lazy English breakfast (there’s a mind boggling choice of breakfast options to suit every palate) it’s time to check out the golf course.
Designed by Marc Westenborg and set in 350 acres of stunning countryside the Championship course at Rockliffe Hall is | immaculate. Measuring 7,879 yards off the back tees the 18-hole layout is among the longest and most challenging in Europe yet the choice of five well thought out tee positions make it highly playable for golfers of all standards. Beautiful meandering fairways give way to well maintained greens of true championship quality. Water comes into play on several holes while a healthy smattering of trees and bunkers as well as some unforgiving rough help make this a stern yet enjoyable challenge. The practice facilities at the course are second to none; with a state of the art Academy and practice range complete with every gadget imaginable as well as a great chipping and putting area. After an up and down day on the golf course (my scorecard is remaining secret) I’ve built up quite an appetite so I head back to freshen up for our evening meal. For the second night’s dinner we try the Waterhouse Bistro which is a stylish and vibrant setting in which to enjoy a delicious menu of modern offerings such as the delicious sweet pea and lettuce soup we tried followed by a beautifully cooked Gressingham duck breast with a pistachio flapjack, spinach and juniper and blackberry sauce. The food is delicious and as with the rest of the hotel, the staff at the Waterhouse go above and beyond to ensure that our meal is enjoyed to our utmost satisfaction.
All in all it’s difficult to find fault in a resort that has obviously put so much effort into ensuring the little details all add to provide an unforgettable 5-star experience.
Hunley Hall Golf Club
On day three we set off for windswept Saltburn-by-the-Sea in North Yorkshire and the dramatic coastal views of Hunley Hall Golf Club.
Perched atop some imposing cliffs overlooking the furious North Sea and Hummersea Bay, Hunley has been described as having one of the top 10 views of any golf course in Britain and it really is a breathtaking place to play the game.
There are 29 holes making up a choice of four different courses all bringing their own unique charm and challenge. We play the par-72 Imperial course which at 6,232 yards is a tough but still very playable layout. The wind is blowing hard which along with the autumn Yorkshire drizzle makes things very interesting indeed and keeping the ball in play is essential if you want to keep your scorecard clean as the Imperial course is framed by some decidedly unforgiving rough. The course is in excellent condition while the views across the bay are picture-book perfect. One key tip to remember when playing at Hunley – make sure you follow your hole guide carefully as with four courses utilising the same 29 holes it’s easy to accidently stray onto the wrong track!
The club also features a decent driving range and while the hotel offers a highly regarded restaurant for more formal lunches and dinners we opt for the more relaxed environment of the Clubhouse where it would be remiss of us – being so close to the sea – not to finish off our trip with some wonderful hearty British fish and chips.
For more information about Tees Valley please visit: www.visitteesvalley.co.uk |
