Resort review: Stoke Park Club, England
Key Information
For a taste of luxury and pristine tennis facilities try this exclusive hideaway in leafy Buckinghamshire. There’s even a helipad.
- Address: Park Road, Stoke Poges, Buckinghamshire, Great Britain, SL2 4PG
- Phone: + 44 (0) 1753 717171
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Location: The sprawling 350-acre hotel complex can be found on the outskirts of the historic village of Stoke Poges in the south of Buckinghamshire. London’s Hyde Park Corner lies only 23 miles to the east.
Getting there: If you’re arriving by car on either the M4 or M40 head for Slough. Take the A355 into the town centre, then the B416 and Stoke Park is just a mile further on. In close proximity to London, so air links are good. Nearby Slough also has regular London Midland and First Great Western rail services from London and the north. Oh, and if you fancy zipping over in your chopper the club’s helipad grid reference is O/S SU 970827.
Tennis facilities: Stoke Park’s six immaculate grass courts attract leading players such as Andy Roddick, Andy Murray and Mark Philippoussis at the annual Champions Challenge tournament held at the club each June. Set in peaceful grounds at the front of the dominating hotel building, add three indoor and four all-weather courts and you’ve got a surface to suit every player’s tastes. Equipment can be hired from the club for a small fee.
Coaching: The coaches here pride themselves on their personal tuition programmes to suit individual skill levels. Group sessions can also be organised. It’s advised that all coaching is booked prior to a visit to avoid disappointment.
Eating: The restaurants at Stoke Park Club endeavour to make your stay memorable. In addition to the relaxing Orangery and the lively San Marco, there is the chic Dining Room which offers British cuisine with a twist. The latter is open for residents, members and their guests only. Executive Head Chef Chris Wheeler has created an all-day dining menu to be enjoyed alongside the panoramic views of the golf course and lakes.
Drinking: Stoke Park offers a luxury 5-star stay and that stretches to its watering holes too. Make the most of the surroundings by sticking to the cosy lounges, beautifully relaxed private bars and secluded terraces overlooking the Italian fountain gardens. The village of Stoke Poges also has some high-quality venues such as the Red Lion and the Rose and Crown, both on the village green.
Sleeping: 49 exquisitely designed bedrooms are open to members and non-members alike. In the Mansion House many of the rooms open onto balconies overlooking 350 acres of parkland. The further 28 bedrooms above the Pavilion also have magnificent views of the grass courts and nearby Windsor Castle. Each bedroom and suite is individually decorated with elegant antiques, paintings and original prints.
What else? In 2005 Golf World Magazine named the course at Stoke Park in the top 100 in the world. High praise indeed for a total of 27 holes that have featured in two classic Bond movies. If golf isn’t your bag, there’s an award-winning Spa that even has its own skin care range – SPC. Deep relaxation rooms, an indoor pool complete with an in-built, hydro-seat Jacuzzi and a private atrium with a stunning five-metre tropical aquarium all combine to create an ambience of luxurious indulgence. Both Windsor and the vast array of activities available in London are just 20 minutes away by train.
