As anyone who has holidayed enough will know, not everything always goes to plan.
But when I ambitiously weaselled a round of golf into a weekend getaway with my non-golfing girlfriend for Valentine’s Day, perhaps I was pushing my luck. Mother Nature sounded out my devious scheme, dumping almost 100mm of rain upon the south east of England to rule out any hope of golf.
So we set off from London for East Sussex National: my spirit slightly dampened, hers perhaps even more upbeat.
However, I’m pleased to say I returned rather pleasantly surprised.
There are always two sides to every story; here are both of our lasting impressions of East Sussex National.
GOLF
He says: While I was crushed not to be playing them, I couldn’t complete the trip to East Sussex without at least walking one of its two championship courses. We chose the East, which measures 7,138 yards from the gold tees and boasts some serious tournament pedigree, having previously hosted two European Opens, five European Challenge Tour events and four Q Schools. Four sets of tees make the East accessible to all standards of golfers. Personally, I would have tackled the blues which bring the course to a slightly less ambitious 6,760 yards.
The opening hole on the East Course; a 361-yard par 4 that makes you think right from the opening whistle.
The course is laid out across the rolling hills of the South Downs, providing a real sense of isolation as you wind your way across the picturesque countryside. The fairways are wide and undulating, allowing you to really open up the shoulders and let rip off the tee. But stray from the short stuff at your own peril, with an army of strategically placed bunkers ready to swallow any errant drives or approaches. The East course really grabbed right from the opening hole: a risk/reward type downhill par 4, where a creek separating fairway from green demands a correct assessment between laying up with an iron or pulling the driver.
Other highlights included the 7th; a long par 5 with a shallow green that is beautifully framed by the surrounding mounds and trees, while the back nine is a terrific stretch of holes capped by the 17th, which is well guarded by a creek that runs from tee to green. All in all, both courses look spectacular and I’m itching to go back and tackle them.
Panoramic finish … the East Course’s 18th hole.
She says: I’m certainly no golfer (I’m usually the designated cart driver), but I was taken by how beautiful the courses were. Even without the golf, they made for a lovely Sunday morning walk.
ROOM AND FACILITIES
She says: With it raining and windy outside, there really is no greater feeling than walking into a guestroom that is spacious, warm and inviting. The entire hotel was pleasantly heated, so it was nice to leave our jackets and jumpers in the suitcase for most of the weekend. We woke to gorgeous views overlooking the golf course and South Downs. I was kicking myself for not bringing gym clothes as the Horsted Health Club is extremely well-equipped, but I certainly won’t complain with the time we spent relaxing in the pool and spa.
He says: You couldn’t ask for more from a four star hotel room. After the trip down, I was able to kick back on the enormous bed and enjoy a coffee (tea and coffee facilities in the room) while watching the Saturday afternoon football on an LCD wall mounted TV. The pool and spa facilities were terrific. After a few pool-Jacuzzi-sauna-steam room rotations and a stint on the lounge beds, you emerge feeling a sense of unbelievable relaxation. Both the Hotel Lounge and Ryder Bar were terrific spots for an afternoon drink. After a strenuous round I could think of few better places to enjoy a cold beverage than the outdoor terrace overlooking the East course.
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FOOD
He says: We opted for the special Valentine’s Day set dinner menu at the Pavilion, a stylish open-plan restaurant overlooking the golf course. The four-course a la carte menu offered a good variety of dishes. I began with a creamy lobster bisque which was packed with flavour, cleansing that off with some strawberry and mint sorbet before our main meal. I chose seared chicken for the main which combined beautifully with a red cabbage puree and truffle mash. When it comes to food, I’m typically in the “bigger is better camp”, but by the time I’d swallowed my final bite of chocolate fondant for dessert, I was completely satisfied.
She says: The Pavilion Restaurant was the perfect venue for a romantic dinner. It started on the right note with a complimentary glass of bubbly each, followed by a roasted beetroot, Golden Cross goat’s cheese, rocket and walnut salad for me. My seared sea trout tasted light and fresh and was perfectly seasoned, while the warm chocolate fondant with glazed bananas and banoffee parfait was a fitting ending to a wonderful meal. Breakfast the following morning was delicious buffet and offered a selection of fruit and pastries complimented by all your full English staples. For a stylish dining experience with a view, I wholeheartedly recommend the Pavilion Restaurant.
HEALTH AND SPA
She says: The Horsted Spa offers a range of indulgent treatments in one of nine treatment rooms which all have a relaxed ambience. I went for a facial and found the entire experience very pleasant and relaxing – I think at one point I may have even nodded off! The staff were very knowledgeable, asking all the right questions to tailor the treatment to meet your individual needs.
He says: With both golf courses closed for the weekend, the hotel was kind enough to offer me a treatment at the Horsted Spa. A facial… why not? As a first-timer, I entered the Spa with a few nerves but was made to feel very welcome and comfortable. Gents, simply choose your desired scent and lie back as your stresses are scrubbed and massaged away.
SERVICE
He says: Throughout the hotel, it was always a pleasure to deal with staff. The reception staff members were particularly helpful and operated with a great sense of humour. At dinner, the level of service was such that it felt as if we were the only people in the room.
She says: The hotel’s staff members were always friendly, helpful and went above and beyond to cater to our wishes. Whether providing direction or mixing a mean cocktail, they made our stay a delightful one.
OVERALL
She says: A romantic weekend getaway and a tranquil city break. East Sussex National proved to have everything to offer, except for, as luck would have it, golf. However it did not disappoint on its own with the friendliest service, excellent spa, pool and gym facilities, and delicious dining menu. To me, East Sussex National is a luxury hotel that just happens to be surrounded by championship golf courses.
He says: The fact that I left East Sussex without playing any golf, yet still thinking what a fantastic weekend I’d just had, is testament to the hotel, its staff and facilities. It is the perfect venue for a short getaway with your partner, with more than enough on offer to keep you both entertained and walking away feeling relaxed and rejuvenated. I’ll definitely be returning soon to take care of some unfinished business on the East and West courses.
