Travel: The Grove, Chandler’s Cross, Hertfordshire

DRIVING up the sweeping gravel drive to The Grove on a sunny morning, I was taken aback by spectacular views across manicured golf courses and 300 acres of rolling landscape.

Stunned by the sheer grandeur and natural beauty of the place, my attention was instantly drawn to the majestic 18th-century manor house, which today takes the form of a stylish five-star hotel.

In its hey day, The Grove was a venue for lavish house parties, attended by Queen Victoria and Edward VIII, but today it is more often frequented by top sports stars and avid golfers. It’s not just sportsmen and women who come here though; the resort, with its intriguing art collection, is popular with culture lovers too. n

Wining and dining?

There’s no shortage of places to eat and drink. Collette’s is an award-winning restaurant perfect for fine dining, a romantic meal or special celebration. Head chef Russell Bateman creates modern dishes from the finest organic produce and most of the vegetables are handpicked from The Grove’s walled garden. A vast selection of British, Mediterranean and Asian cuisine is served in The Glasshouse, a buffet-style eatery, where you can take your time and eat as much as you want.

For breakfast, head to The Stables, an informal restaurant that serves the best eggs Benedict you’ll ever eat. Located within the original stables block that artist George Stubbs often visited, the relaxed atmosphere and superb views make it a thoroughly enjoyable dining experience.

Room service?

The original Mansion House, with its sumptuous, velvet-draped corridors, houses 26 rooms and suites, each blending period style with the luxury of modern living – think dramatic four-poster beds, roll-top baths and opulent furnishings. In the West Wing, rooms are sleek with contemporary interiors and all the comforts you’d expect from a five-star hotel, including The White Company toiletries, plasma TV, iPod dock and wi-fi, not to mention the all-important king-size bed.

Worth getting out of bed for?

Just 20 minutes from London Euston and half an hour from Heathrow, The Grove makes the perfect base for sightseeing in the capital. For families, Whipsnade Zoo, Thorpe Park and Knebworth House are a short drive away. But there’s no reason to leave The Grove’s grounds; the adventurous can rent bikes and cycle the woodland trail, or take a boat along the Grand Union Canal. There’s also a championship golf course, tennis courts, a croquet lawn and an urban beach, complete with deckchairs. 

Budget or boutique?

Although this 227-room hotel is by no means a boutique property, with eclectic furnishings, unique sculptures and inspiring art adorning every corner, you’d be forgiven for thinking it was. The Grove stays true to its core values throughout, providing a relaxing stay in elegant surroundings, without the stuffy attitudes of other five-star resorts. Attention to detail is meticulous and service is always friendly and personalised.

Little extras?

Children will love the games room, with everything from retro arcade games and ping-pong to the latest Playstation and Wii consoles. And while the little ones are entertained, adults can enjoy a cosy night in with a good film and complimentary bowl of popcorn, delivered to your door. But the best extra, which is by no means ‘little’, is the magnificent Sequoia spa, with swimming pool, Jacuzzi, steam room, sauna and state-of-the-art gym. 

Guestbook comments?

The Grove provides the perfect retreat for a weekend away, combining rural relaxation with the lure of the bustling capital city. I was hard pushed to fit everything into a 24-hour stay, and with decadent interiors, excellent service and bundles of character, it’s a resort I’ll definitely be returning to in the future. Double rooms start from £295 on a bed and breakfast basis.

The Grove, Chandler’s Cross, Hertfordshire www.thegrove.co.uk