Style of the City’s Rosie Harris visits the Celtic Manor resort, the ideal family getaway which offers something for everyone.
As a busy working mother with a young child, it can be a daunting prospect to even think about a holiday. With the amount of childcare that will inevitably take over instead of the relaxing leisure time that should be expected with taking a break from my overstretched schedule.
Newport’s Celtic Manor, however, ensured that I would be able to enjoy and relax with a short stay in their resort with my family where me and my child would be looked after with comfort and ease in equal measure.
With its reputation of opulence and luxury the resort boasts vast exterior and sprawling grounds which might seem intimidating to some – particularly to those with children! But my experience there was wholly down-to-earth, welcoming and family-friendly. Accompanied by the delicious food that was served, it’s accessible yet high-quality facilities create a warm, inviting atmosphere that is needed in a resort that hosts so much.
The Rooms
As well as being modern and stylishly decorated, Celtic Manor’s Resort Hotel offers rooms that are the perfect size for families as they are decked out with comfortable and accessible amenities with a great amount of space so you aren’t on top of each other.
The Food
The most important part of any getaway is, of course, the food! And the resort certainly delivers. Home to numerous restaurants, bars and cafés, the Celtic Manor offers guests a rich and vibrant culinary experience to complement their stay, and with various different menus especially for those with picky children or partners.
Our first night was spent eating at Newbridge on Usk, which delivered both in setting and substance. Nestled on the banks of the River Usk, Newbridge offered a cosy, intimate atmosphere and an exquisite menu of locally sourced and modern British fare. It also caters to the whole family, with a healthy and varied children’s menu alongside their delicious main offerings.
More of a fan of steak? The renowned and aptly named Steak on Six prides itself on offering succulent centrepieces, as well as a range of other meats, fish and fine wines to wash it all down. Steak on Six is perhaps a more formal, high-end dining experience than other restaurants on site, but this gave a luxurious flavour to my short stay there, and the food itself did not fail to impress.
Steak on Six
The breakfast options are aplenty if you are wishing to get your day off to a great start, with the Celtic Manor laying out an admirable spread of items in their breakfast buffet. This was ideal for my daughter as it gave her the opportunity to pick and choose what she wanted to eat, offering choice rather than them having restrictions.
Facilities
My stay would not be complete without a visit to Celtic Manor’s luxurious Forum Health Club leisure facilities, where I enjoyed the full body massage treatment. The staff at the spa were attentive and informative about treatments, as well as willing to offer advice on the types of treatments best for me.
Keeping with their appeal to encourage families to visit, the resort offers an accessible kids club – keeping children entertained and engaged with daily activities and a play area. Whilst indulging it gave a sense of ease knowing my daughter was looked after while I could indulge in so much needed ‘me time’.
Adventure golf, one of the many on-site family activities that Celtic Manor offers
All in all, the award-winning Celtic Manor offers opportunities for both playful fun, and relaxing bliss, against a stunning backdrop, with picturesque grounds and panoramic views of the Usk Valley.
The two nights we spent there lived up to the five-star standards that the resort is held to. The Celtic Manor delivers style and consistency with everything from food to facilities with both being excellently executed.
Style of the City highly recommends.
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