Holidaying at Newport's Celtic Manor

The Celtic Manor is a resort that does blue skies and green grass in ample measure It is no secret that I am a massive sports fan and my understanding wife fully accepts that now and again I will drag her to matches, shout at the television when the F1 is on and slope off for a game of football with my friends.
But when it comes to taking holidays there is a definite rule - no sport allowed. So I'm not quite sure what she will make of my anniversary idea to take her to Celtic Manor, the rather plush hotel that lives long in the memory of golf fans for its starring role in Europe's Ryder Cup win over America.
I decide to focus on the positives and woo her with talk of an award-winning restaurant, luxurious spa and romantic country walks. While this hotel embraces its starring role in the golfing competition, it is keen to prove there is more to enjoy there than 'a good walk spoiled', as Mark Twaein famously said.
Happy that my ploy has paid off, I arrive at the Newport resort, an expansive modern building stretched across a great chunk of lush Welsh land. All is well until my wife spots the portraits signed by the Ryder Cup golf stars in the foyer and the unmistakable undulation of a golf course beyond. Busted.
To be honest, there is no denying that golf is the signature theme of the resort. That's their primary market for customers. Groups from as far as America and Asia travel to Wales just so they can say they set foot on the same greens as Tiger Woods and co.
A Saab car - the former sponsors of the annually-held Wales Open on the world famous Twenty Ten course - is the showpiece attraction in the foyer.
There's even a European Tour magazine to read at your leisure in the room, not to mention the golf store inside the small shopping mall located beyond the grand reception area.
It all lends to the prestige of the place as an iconic sporting venue and there's definitely a tinge of excitement and intrigue that hangs in the air.
Peering across the bar, one wonders what it was like when the likes of Darren Clarke and gang toasted a celebratory pint of Guinness (and some) when they won last year's Ryder Cup.
Of course, it's a different matter for those who, like my wife, are not swayed by the swing of a club. Celtic Manor relies on its five-star spa and dining facilities to win over all non-sporting types.
Who didn't like sport? Matt Lawless enjoys a glass of bubbly while wife Aimee improves her golf swing
Non-golfers certainly seem to appreciate the hotel's striking luxurious quality. Fresh flowers provide a colourful trim to the lounge area, which is dominated by an impressive giant sculpture of a Celtic dragon - just one example of some of the interesting art the hotel boasts.
There's a soft, swelling jazz club-like ambience about the bar area, with the grand piano offering added elegance. The mood is friendly throughout, the staff are warm hosts and guests appear to be at ease. It all makes for a perfect blend for a romantic break.
Redeveloped in 1999 by local tycoon Sir Terry Matthews, the hotel maintains a contemporary feeling, but still has a hint of old-school tradition to it.
In our suite there are two large plasma televisions, for instance, but the decor is rich and luxurious as if it were merged with the study room in Cluedo and a lounge from The Only Way is Essex.
An interesting combination to say the least, but one that complements the other nicely without being tacky.
While my wife is particularly taken with the suite's giant jacuzzi bath (which is sadly not available in standard rooms), I am keen to tuck into some dinner at the three AA Rosette award-winning eatery on hand in The Crown.
A sibling of the nearby widely-acclaimed Michelin star restaurant, The Crown at Whitebrook, it is located in the heart of the resort hotel and the mood here is soft, if a tad formal. The private lounge is atmospheric with a range of modern lighting and the dining room is as luxurious as you might find in Mayfair.
Complimentary canapés are served on arrival for what marks the beginning of a culinary masterclass. For starters, I select the sumptuous wild sea bass, complete with Channel squid, broad bean puree and mint oil; a fantastic fusion of flavour that does not fail to disappoint.
Aimee tucks in to the hand-dived scallop, spice veal sweetbread, creamed lettuce and summer truffle to begin. Naturally, I sampled that too.
For the main course we choose a dish the locals would certainly appreciate: a rump of Welsh lamb packed with a potato terrine, cured breast and drizzled with tomato jus, which was as good as it sounds. Equally as appetising was the desert. We both settled for white chocolate mousse with raspberry jus, a helping of which I'm certain afters were made for.
And at a cost of £49.95 per person for three courses, it proves to be a reasonable price given the overall quality of the evening - and one fit to toast a first wedding anniversary.
For those who want more than golf and spas, the sleepy village of Newbridge nestles just nearby, where the Newbridge on Usk is a beautiful restaurant with a more casual feel. Swap the smart trousers for a pair of jeans and a shirt and find yourself relaxed in the confines of a stunning country inn situated on the rural banks of the River Usk.
Guests often choose to drink an aperitif outside, and even when it's chilly blankets are provided so the tradition can be upheld. Inside couldn't be cosier, all rustic old wooden floors, beams and fireplaces.
As glorious as our serving at The Crown was, the Newbridge on Usk feels how dining out should be: everything exquisite in its entirety. The service is second-to-none, the food mesmeric and the private atmosphere absolutely perfect to indulge in as a twosome.
While my wife certainly enjoys fine dining, she is most eager to try the much-vaunted spa, so much so that she even lets me slip off for a round of golf while she heads for a Forum Signature massage, which uses classic Swedish techniques and an Elemis modern skin facial.
On my return I worry that I may have lost her forever. 'Are you, Ok?' I asked. 'Yes. Ssshhh...,' is all she can reply.
While we enjoy our romantic escape, we can't help but feel a twinge when we think of our four-year-old son Freddie, who has been left behind with his grandparents. I had thought the hotel wouldn't be appropriate for him, but it seems in its bid to attract a different type of holidaymaker, Celtic Manor has been working on its family offerings.
The hotel's swimming pool holds separate family fun sessions so that couples not wanting to be disturbed by splashing over-zealous types can enjoy the water too at a different hour. There's also play areas, a babysitting service and crèche, which means Mum and Dad still get a bit of me-time too.
One thing that seemed to go down particularly well with families during my stay is the adventure golf zone - undoubtedly the best I've ever played. For serious types like me (I won't mention winning the Mr and Mrs Lawless challenge by two shots) there is the nine-hole legends course to take on, with each hole a miniature replica of some of the most famous in golf, like the 17th at Sawgrass and the
14th at Celtic Manor.
There's also a nine-hole Celtic dragon-themed course which includes an array of obstacles such as a drawbridge.
Adjacent to the adventure golf is the outdoor adventure playground where kids can do what kids to best: run around and have fun. For the bigger kids there is also a Go Ape-style Forest Jump facility where you can discover your crazy inner-daredevil and climb across the tops of the trees - with the appropriate safety support, of course.
While we certainly enjoyed our romantic stay, perhaps next time Freddie should come too.