CELTIC MANOR RESORT 5*

The Roman Road was the resort's first, opened in 1995, and was then ranked as Wales' best inland layout. Since then, intensive investment has drastically improved the drainage, ensuring that the course can handle the demands of resort golf. Robert Trent Jones had to build around the many ancient Roman roads that traverse the land, and his work was so good that it played host to the Welsh Open in 2005 and 2006.

The recently opened Montgomerie Course has been built using the land that formerly hosted the Coldra academy course, and Monty has used some of the original holes from the former Wentwood Hills Course, which played host to the Welsh Open from 2000 to 2004. The hilly layout will be a challenge for the best ball-strikers, and is a welcome addition to the Celtic Manor's golfing repertoire.

The impending Ryder Cup Course has been built at the bottom of the valley, and as a result the surrounding hills serve as natural amphitheatres; the atmosphere at the 2010 matches promises to be scintillating. Early predictions estimate that 50,000 people will follow each encounter when the Europeans and Americans lock horns around the 7,469-yard stadium course. Early visitors will have a chance to experience a slice of Ryder Cup action when the course opens in late 2007.

The Celtic Manor's practice and teaching facilities have made it the ideal home for Team Faldo and the Faldo Series. Notable features include the two-tiered driving range, whose purpose-built tuition bays utilise the latest in technology.

The magnificent Celtic Manor resort is host to two hotels, and as a result can cater to the demands of all those who visit for a golf break.

The luxurious Resort Hotel is a top-class modern facility, whose 330 guest rooms are elegantly appointed and tastefully decorated, and the modern amenities are well complemented by traditional comfort. For a special occasion, choose one of the individually designed suites, or even a Presidential Suite, one of which boasts a baby grand piano. The Resort is home to an array of restaurants, including the superb Owens for fine dining, the Olive Tree and Merlins Bar.

The nearby Manor House is the perfect complement to the new hotel; since the early 1980s it has been recognised as one of Wales' finest places to stay, and was awarded Egon Ronay's top prize for five consecutive years. The 70 guest rooms and suites have retained the character of the 19^th century property itself, which sits amidst beautifully manicured gardens. Inside the Manor, guests can choose to drink or dine in The Patio Restaurant, the Cellar Bar or Hedley's, the Manor Bar.

The Forum Health Club and Spa is an extremely exclusive facility, which offers the best in luxury leisure. The superb changing rooms each include their own steam room, jacuzzi, sauna and plunge pool, while the gym has 54 workstations, a dance studio, 20-metre infinity pool and a specialised children's club. The award-winning Forum Spa offers the latest in health and beauty therapy in its 16 treatment rooms, including Rasul Mud Ritual and hot stone massage.

The menu in Owens fine dining restaurant is so impressive that Michelin star chef Jean-Christophe Novelli has endorsed it.

Merlins Bar boasts a full-size snooker table, and is just the place for some relaxation after your round.

Meetings/Conferences

The Celtic Manor positions itself as the United Kingdom’s top conference event, providing an unrivalled business complex that is supported by first class leisure and accommodation facilities. Just two hours from London, the resort offers the versatility required to meet the requirements of every event, ranging from meetings for 2 people to conferences of 1,500 delegates. Outstanding levels of service are embellished by the three first class championship golf courses, sealing a package that is among the most attractive for corporate golf events and business requirements.