By award-winning writer and author Tony Flood.
The East Sussex National Hotel, Golf Resort and Spa provide fabulous facilities in superb surroundings, set in 1100 acres of beautiful countryside. Yet to many people it is a gem still to be discovered!
This is an ideal retreat for both business and leisure guests to seek relaxation or be invigorated in luxury accommodation, with stunning views of two championship golf courses at Little Horsted, on the outskirts of Uckfield and very near to Glyndebourne. And it is all affordable.
Playing a round of golf at ‘The National’ is a wonderful experience, and the packages available include Ladies’ Golf Taster Sessions, with free informal introduction sessions hosted by Golf Operations Manager Steve Graham and PGA Professional Jack Budgen.
For those who prefer indoor activities, there is a 20m heated swimming pool and a luxurious health club that can boast of a state of the art 50-station gym, Jacuzzi, steam room, sauna and nine individual treatment rooms.
My wife Heather and I enjoyed a delightful two-night stay in one of the four-star hotel’s 104 spacious bedrooms and appreciated the personal touch offered by General Manager Russell Lines, Health Club Manager Matt Goodwin and Spa Manager Carol Lord.
These three charming people arranged for Heather and I to be pampered by the Horsted Spa staff, with Lauren and Sam giving us each 55-minute full body massages, using the excellent ESPA product range. We both chose the restorative oil – palmarosa, rose geranium and sweet orange – which was calming, comforting and uplifting.
I found this expertly applied massage relieved the tension in my muscles and soothed my arthritic aches and pains. And I was able to fully chill out because the setting, background music, aroma and dim lighting contributed to a tranquil ambience.
There are a host of other treatments available, specialising in using natural resources and essential oils. Treatments include an aromatherapy massage, facials, indian head massage, reflexology, body envelopments, hot stone massage and manicures/pedicures.
Horsted Health Club has two fully equipped aerobics studios, offering a range of classes such as Yoga, Pilates, Studio Cycle, Body Pump. We settled for taking a swim, followed by visits to the Jacuzzi, steam room and sauna.
My wife and I are authors, Heather having written the Mousey Mousey series for children and I penning fantasy adventure The Secret Potion and celebrity book My Life With The Stars. So we spent time in the comfortable lounge and elegant bar area editing our new books while enjoying the splendid surroundings.
There is a full calendar of events at the East Sussex National Resort, including a forthcoming open-air performance of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice by the Chapterhouse Theatre Company on Monday August 31st.
Mr Lines points out that the resort caters for a wide variety of guests, from those on business, leisure, spa breaks and golfers to those attending a wedding.
He told me: “Guests can enjoy a variety of recently developed menus in one of our two restaurants or lounges. Our open-plan Pavilion restaurant has two AA rosettes and offers the perfect environment to relax and enjoy the excellent cuisine.”
This grand hotel, with its imposing entrance, is prepared to go out of its way to please, including the provision of free newspapers. There are a variety of offers available, including bed and breakfast for two for less than a hundred pounds.
To find out about treatments, golf and breaks or to make a reservation you should telephone 01825 880088.