Exercising
There’s no excuse to be lazy when visiting The Grove. As well as the championship standard 7,152-yard golf course, the award-winning Sequoia Spa is the main fitness hub at The Grove.
Located at the eastern end of the hotel, it boasts a 22-metre black mosaic-tiled pool where you can put in a few lengths beneath the wooden beams or climb into the Jacuzzi which lies at the foot of the pool by the steam room and sauna. There’s also a fully-equipped fitness studio to help burn off the calories or to put in a few miles, and although we didn’t have the opportunity to sample them during our stay, there are various spa treatments and experiences available thanks to its comprehensive menu of luxury packages.
When the weather’s nice, it’s also worth having a meander around the grounds which feature a plethora of interesting and artistic sculptures to peer at and giant deck chairs to sit in.
The Walled Garden, accessible via your room card, includes a “beach” area, plus an outdoor pool for those feeling brave enough to put in some lengths beneath the sky. Alternatively, there’s giant chess, badminton, football and table tennis to get into the competitive spirit. The Walled Garden is also where you will find the outdoor cinema experience which is running for the whole of the month of August in conjunction with Everyman. Tickets will be available for hotel residents and guests on cinema dining packages only.
Whilst you’re there enjoying the various facilities on offer, it’s also worth taking a walk around the kitchen garden which has been populated with a fascinating array of different vegetables and herbs that are used by The Grove’s numerous chefs. During our visit, we bumped into one of them energetically cutting thyme sprigs for use in fish and meat marinades, before disappearing to a more secluded spot of the Walled Garden to collect his rosemary.
The Grove has always been one of the sparkling jewels in Hertfordshire’s hospitality crown. Although there’s room for improvement, this five-star hotel still has plenty going for it and is definitely a special venue to get away from the daily grind. If it’s just to relax and do nothing or to put in a few lengths, miles or yards to keep fit, The Grove certainly has it covered.
The Grove and The Glasshouse – Where and How?
The Grove is located at Chandler’s Cross, Watford, Hertfordshire WD3 4TG, United Kingdom. For more information about The Grove and The Glasshouse restaurant, visit: www.thegrove.co.uk or call 01923 296010.
Check out images from our stay at The Grove on the Luxurious Magazine Instagram page.