Five Lakes Golf & Country Club, Essex

With two courses on offer alongside an outstanding leisure complex, it is easy to see why the Five Lakes resort, run by world renowned hotel company Crowne Plaza, is a popular hot-spot for golfing aficionados and those looking to get away for a relaxing break in the South East of England. The premier course at the resort is the Lakes. Measuring 6,751 yards, the course is a parkland layout that, as the name would suggest, contains many water hazards. In fact, over half of the holes on the Lakes Course feature water in some capacity. The course also features USGA-approved tees and greens, which makes for a terrific test and a high-quality round regardless of weather or season. By contrast, the Links course has an altogether different feel. Playing to a par of 71, the course features tight tree-lined fairways and well-manicured greens. There is less overt trouble on this layout, but the course still demands high levels of precision if you wish to score well. Five Lakes also features a 9-hole academy course which is perfect for beginners or those looking to hone their skills ahead of a round on one of the full layouts.  Alongside the two courses, Five Lakes boasts a 194-room hotel which is of the highest class, with each room is furnished exquisitely. The hotel also has a range of executive rooms and suites. There are also two bars of contrasting styles and a restaurant which serves a wide range of British- and international-inspired food using local ingredients, and makes for a classy yet informal place to dine on your stay here. The on-site spa is yet another feature of this outstanding resort, and offers many treatments from tanning to full-body massages.  The venue also has a great offer which is available now. Get a one-night, two-round stay including free range balls for £99pp Mon-Thu and £124pp Fri-Sun.