We all love to escape for a well deserved weekend of golf, pampering and over indulgence but for those with “a better half” it can often be difficult to drop everything and leave them in the lurch for the weekend without incurring some serious “I owe you points”! Thankfully, there are plenty of places in the UK & Ireland where golfers and non golfers alike can enjoy a few days of peace and quiet. With such venues in mind we thought we would ask a guy from yourgolftravel.com and a gal from Spabreaks.com for their take on the Marriott Breadsall Priory Resort in the Midlands. Read on to see what they had to say…

What did you like the most about Breadsall Priory?

He Says: I would say the wealth of facilities and services on resort is the biggest plus point. Not only do you have two golf courses but the practice facilities are of a decent standard and on top of that, the leisure facilities including the spa are excellent. There is certainly plenty to fill your time on a weekend break!

She Says: The grounds are amazing – you come up to the hotel via a massive driveway so by the time you are greeted by the stately home that is Marriott Breadsall Priory you already feel enveloped in the Derbyshire countryside … in short, it appears idyllic.

What did you think of the spa?

He Says: I usually don’t go in for treatments – I would rather just chill out in the sauna, Jacuzzi etc etc… – but this time I booked a massage which was actually a great way of recharging the batteries for not only the night ahead but the next day’s golf. I am giving my masseuse some credit for me playing so well on day two compared with day one. I was nice and relaxed from start to finish.


breadsall-priory-spa

The Breadsall Priory Spa is a great place to relax and recharge the batteries for an evening on over indulgence in the restaurants and bars!


She Says: The Priory Retreat is very small and intimate in a courtyard space within the hotel, so you do have to go outside to get to it.  Being part of the Marriott brand, it has all the leisure facilities you could ask for, but from an exercise front I always like to get outside, so the jogging trail and tennis courts in the grounds are a great addition.  On a more decadent note, the spa’s manicure stations are a particular asset.

How was the golf course?

He Says: Neither course (the Priory Course and the Moorland Course) is particularly long but both are tricky enough (a little fiddly in places but fun all the same!) to pose a good test for the majority of golfers. Straight hitting is a must as is good course management and club selection as there are plenty of undulations and elevation changes to negotiate. They are both what I would call thinking man’s courses!


breadsall-priory-golf

Both courses at Breadsall Priory are tight and tricky. Patience is the key here.


She Says: The golf courses really makes up the whole modern character of the hotel, adding to the spa and general escapist element by providing something beautiful to look at!

What’s the restaurant like?

He Says: The Clubhouse is of a good standard and serves typical pub type grub which is just what you want when you come off the golf course. The Priory Restaurant on the other hand serves more sophisticated food and is a great shout for a romantic meal for two. I think I heard someone say it had been awarded a AA Rosette which wouldn’t surprise me in the slightest.


breadsall-priory-restaurant

The Priory Restaurant is the dining highlight of the resort and a great place to sample some fine dining.


She Says: I ate in the Tempo Restaurant which overlooks the pool and is a very casual environment.  The food is excellent quality and there are different seating areas that will suit different guests whether you are here with a group of friends or as a couple.  In the summer time there is space to sit outside as well.

What else is there to do at Marriott Breadsall Priory?

He Says: Well outside of the golf I didn’t have tom for much apart from a quick trip to the spa and evening entertainment in the restaurants and bars! Next time I return though I will take the kids and make the trip to Alton Towers which is just a short drive away.

She Says: On site, if the weather suits (or if you are feeling brave) the jogging trail is an alternative way to explore the grounds or get a bit of exercise.  If you fancy venturing a little further however, Chatsworth House – home of the Duke of Devonshire – is nearby, surrounded of course, by the Peak District.

Who would you recommend it for?

He Says: Anyone really…Thanks to the two golf courses it is ideal for a “lads” golf trip but I enjoyed a lovely weekend break with my other half and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it for short breaks with the nippers…although I would probably stop short of taking kids for more than one or two nights.

She Says:  I would recommend it mostly for couples – the hotel caters to a lot of weddings and that is very much thanks to the scenery and architecture.  It’s also a good escape for mother/daughter breaks.

What is your top tip for visiting …?

He Says: I would say to golfers to be patient around the courses. As I said they are both pretty short but they can be testing. Don’t lick your lips when you see the yardages on the scorecard because, as with many a golf course, it isn’t a simple case of brawn over brains!

She Says: Take yourself for a walk around the grounds – they are really impressive and will certainly add to your spa experience.

Rory

Rory

The resident golf geek at Your Golf Travel. Have been lucky enough to have travelled far and wide playing golf and if I’m not writing about it at work, you will probably find me hacking it around my local course. Owner of 2 holes in one and some of the most crooked drives you have ever seen!

What's in my bag?
Srixon ZX5 Driver
Srixon ZX7 irons
Srixon ZX 2 iron
Cleveland RTX Zipcore 52 & 56
Cleveland Fullface 60
Odyssey O Works Red #7 putter

www.yourgolftravel.com/ygt-rory

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.