Martin's Grand Hotel Waterloo ★★★★

Instead of joining my husband on his quest for the perfect putt, I prefer spending long quiet days in my own company during our golfing sojourns, with the rest and relaxation a hotel stay affords. So when my husband announced we were going to Belgium I gave a little gleeful squeal, which became silent intrigue when he specified Waterloo - this historically significant spot brought a new layer of interest to our trip. So while my husband was busy preparing his golf equipment, I was reading up on the Battle of Waterloo and musing over the spa time, café trips, and shopping fun ahead. What I hadn't anticipated was Martin's Grand Hotel having a colourful history of its own, and providing such perfect hospitality.

The hotel, which was originally purchased in 1863 to be part of the thriving sugar industry, is a grand white edifice set in quiet gardens, with the lions that have come to symbolise Waterloo adorning the façade. We chose one of the 'charming rooms' and had some time to settle in. Our modern and spacious room was in rich warm sandy tones, deep reds and ochre, complemented by honeyed ash furniture and sumptuous earthy fabrics. There were areas to sit and work, a flat-screen TV, and fast Wi-Fi, as well as a wonderful view from our window over the gardens. I took a hot shower in the deluxe bathroom and we rode on our second wind to the hotel's restaurant.

As I entered the dining hall, I was struck by its beauty; great stone columns reach up to the exposed brick vaulted ceiling, the tables were dressed in white linen and candlesticks and rich brocade drapes adorn the enormous windows. The restaurant served a neo-classical range of delicious food and the wine list kept the greatest connoisseurs among us happy. After such an impressive dinner, we were all willing to continue the evening and head to the bar-lounge for some comfortable armchairs and further sampling of the wine list.

I didn't envy my husband, being out all day every day, but the beauty of these golfing holidays is that we both get to do what we love. I don't think he could have tolerated as much time in the hotel's spa as I could, had as much stamina for visiting art galleries, or been able to handle such a quantity of coffee and Belgian chocolate as I. But he must have been a bit jealous that he didn't get to spend as much time in Martin's Grand Hotel as I did!