Windmill Village Hotel, Golf Club & Spa, BWSC

Robert made us lovely mocktails, and I’d come back for those. The food at the vault 52 restaurant wasn’t great, though. The flatbread was dry as cardboard, hummous was average, the chips were okay and the tar tar sauce was nice. Jaz was attentive and did try to sort out the food issue. Zahra on reception was so lovely, friendly and welcoming. Katarina, hope i spelt it right, gave me an amazing massage at just the right pressure, and the facial left my skin looking glowy. She was kind, made me feel comfortable and has a lovely aura. I’d come back for the massage, facial and spa, minus the food, though definitely for the mocktails.

Our room was clean and the bed was comfortable, and the staff seemed friendly in the little interaction we had. The location was handy for our plans, but the exit onto a very busy dual carriageway seemed a bit dangerous. I also thought £5 per night for parking was ridiculous given what we’d already paid and that the land belongs to the hotel. We hardly slept. Outside, we could hear people talking and walking past the room, doors opening and slamming shut throughout the night, and the neighbouring room’s TV. Most frustrating was a loud, regular pump that came on several times. We think it may have been a water pump that starts when water is needed, or perhaps something to do with the toilet. It kept disturbing us through the night and we didn’t get much sleep. The pool water was cloudy, with some clumps of hair floating in it, and it didn’t seem very clean. There wasn’t much privacy in the small changing area. I wouldn’t choose to stay here again.

The pool and whirlpool were cold, and the steam room was out of order. That left me choosing between a very hot sauna, a cold pool, or a lounger by the pool. I didn’t want to risk catching a cold, so I sat poolside instead. It wasn’t the birthday celebration I’d pictured, and I regret booking here for my 30th. The receptionist was lovely and the customer service was great throughout. Food at Loft 18 was delicious, though it took quite a while to arrive even with nobody else in the restaurant. The lovely service is the only reason I’ve given 3 stars.

The changing rooms were grimy and really need a full refurbishment, especially the showers. The spa treatment booking system also needs an upgrade. We had a few mix-ups with spa staff about booking dates and times, and different team members gave us different information. I don’t blame the staff, it seemed to be the system they use that confused everyone. On the plus side, the gym was the best hotel gym I’ve ever been to, with a variety of equipment for different kinds of training. The restaurant staff and food were great, and when a couple of meals were delayed, the supervisor or manager spotted it before we said anything. The rooms were clean, the location was perfect, and our window had a stunning view of the golf course. Reception staff were extremely professional and helpful. The women who did the treatments were all fantastic, and I had a wonderful chat with a couple of them. They all deserve a raise!