Nestled in the rolling hills of South Wales, the Celtic Manor Resort is a destination that promises luxury, leisure, and world-class golf – and it delivers on every front.
After hosting an event as grand and storied as the Ryder Cup, it would be somewhat exusable and expected for a venue to sit back on its laurels, bask in the accolades of yesteryear and live off recent legend. Not Celtic Manor.
Dropping into this opulent five-star retreat today, visitors are met by a decadent destination which has expertly kept up to pace in terms of both elite level golf and luxury vacationing.
From the plush, Signature Collection rooms to its acclaimed golf courses and exceptional dining, a no-stone-left-unturned mantra is apparent. Whether you’re a golf enthusiast, a foodie, or simply in search of indulgent escapism, Celtic Manor is a masterclass in modern resort living with an unmistakably Welsh charm.
The sense of scale and ambition at Celtic Manor is evident. The main hotel – perched high above the Usk Valley – exudes understated grandeur. Impeccably manicured grounds, sweeping driveways, and a warm but polished welcome set the tone for a stay where every detail is designed to impress.
Check-in is seamless and friendly, a hallmark of the resort’s reputation for service. Staff were quick to offer local insights and recommendations, and the welcome is genuinely personal.
The Signature Collection rooms, located on the exclusive sixth floor of the resort hotel, blend contemporary luxury with comfort: rich textures, neutral tones, and considered touches like plush robes, luxury toiletries, and a private balcony offering breathtaking views over the golf courses and Usk Valley.
Steak on Six, the resort’s flagship steakhouse on the sixth floor, is a standout. With dim lighting, stylish interiors, and sweeping views, it has the ambience of a London fine-dining restaurant – but with the charm and warmth of Welsh hospitality. The menu focuses on prime cuts cooked to perfection. Service is impeccable throughout: relaxed yet attentive, without being intrusive.
An alternative option for guests, who wish to dine away from the property but still want to maintain the high quality of service that Celtic Manor has to offer, is Newbridge on Usk; a rustic riverside inn a short drive away, by shuttle, that is part of the hotel collection but feels like a countryside escape in its own right. The setting – overlooking the gently flowing River Usk – is gentle and serene. The menu leans into seasonal Welsh produce, with each dish both hearty and refined.
Celtic Manor is, of course, synonymous with golf – and with good reason. The Roman Road track and the iconic Twenty Ten course each offered its own unique flavour.
Roman Road, designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr, is a wonderfully playable course with wide fairways, strategic bunkering, and sweeping views across the Severn Estuary. It’s a great warm-up for what’s to come – a scenic, enjoyable round that still asks questions of your game.
The Twenty Ten however is very much the real deal when it comes to elite tier golf. The first course ever built specifically to host the Ryder Cup (in 2010, as per the naming) – and the crown jewel of Celtic Manor. Walking onto the first tee knowing you’re following in the footsteps of golfing legends is a moment to savour. The course is visually spectacular, immaculately maintained, and full of drama: water hazards, bold bunkers, and risk-reward decisions on nearly every hole. Highlights include the par-3 10th over water, the demanding par-4 12th on which Tiger Woods produced his immortal long-range eagle to sink Francesco Molinari, and the unforgettable closing stretch, where matches have swung in Ryder Cup lore.
It’s not just the design that impresses – the whole experience is elevated. From personalised lockers and forecaddies to the striking clubhouse and post-round hospitality, it’s the full tour-level package.
While golf is a huge draw, Celtic Manor’s appeal extends well beyond the fairways. The resort boasts an award-winning spa, indoor pools, adventure activities, and woodland walks. It’s a destination that caters to couples, families, business guests, and sports enthusiasts with equal flair. The scale is impressive, yet the service remains personal and refined.
Celtic Manor strikes a rare balance – world-class in its facilities and ambition, yet it never feels twee or overly formal. It’s luxurious, yes, but also welcoming – a place where golf is revered, food is celebrated, and guests are genuinely looked after.
Whether you’re chasing birdies on the Twenty Ten, sipping wine on the Signature balcony, or soaking in the views over dinner by the river, Celtic Manor offers a kind of escapism that stays with you long after you’ve left.
