From Taylor Swift to Tommy Fleetwood: Inside Formby Hall Golf Resort and Spa

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From championship golf and a luxurious spa to fabulous food and a surprising celebrity connection, Formby Hall Golf Resort and Spa has plenty to offer. But it's the staff who really make this Merseyside hotel special.

The moment she discovered I was a Formby Hall first-timer, she launched into a glowing five-minute tribute to the hotel, the leisure centre and the fabulous staff. And that was before she knew I'd been invited to review it.

Over the next two days, I discovered that Eileen, a regular at the hotel's leisure centre for 15 years, was, of course, absolutely right.

From the impressive reception area and generously sized rooms to great food and a must-visit spa, it's easy to see why the four-star hotel, just a few miles from Formby Beach in Merseyside, is such a popular destination for couples, families and wedding parties.

And for me, there was one more rather irresistible attraction: an 18-hole championship golf course.

Championship golf with a Tommy Fleetwood connection

There's a notable reminder of Formby Hall's golf pedigree in the car park, where a space is reserved for local golfing superstar Tommy Fleetwood. The Southport-born golfer has a long association with the resort, having played here as a youngster, and recorded his first hole-in-one on the par-three 16th at the age of 12.

The 18-hole championship parkland course stretches more than 7,000 yards. Known as the Old Course, it's hosted professional tournaments including events on the European Seniors Tour and Challenge Tour. Tree-lined fairways, strategically placed bunkers and many, many water hazards make it a real test for golfers of all abilities. I won't tell you how many Pro V1s I lost...

There's also a nine-hole, par-three course called Woodhey Dunes, which offers a different challenge with its links-style layout, undulating greens and pot bunkers. Add in a Toptracer driving range, excellent practice facilities and the Tommy Fleetwood Academy and it's easy to see why Formby Hall is so popular with fans of the sport.

Spacious rooms and a celebrity guest

The hotel has 76 bedrooms and suites, and one thing that really stands out is the spaciousness. Even the standard Formby Double rooms come with king-size beds, large TVs and generously proportioned bathrooms with both a walk-in shower and separate bath. It's good to find a hotel where you don't have to book one of the most expensive rooms to enjoy a little extra space.

There are plenty of options if you fancy something more luxurious, from Superior and Deluxe rooms to Loft Suites and Junior Suites with doors opening onto private terraces overlooking the championship golf course. Even Taylor Swift has stayed in one of Formby Hall's lavish Loft Suites, I was told during a guided tour of the hotel’s accommodation.

A beautiful setting to say 'I do'

Formby Hall is also a popular wedding venue. Set within more than 200 acres of parkland, with sweeping views across the golf course, it offers a beautiful backdrop for wedding photographs and celebrations.

The hotel is licensed for civil ceremonies and can accommodate weddings of up to 250 guests. Its Ambassador Suite has a private bar and wraparound balcony overlooking the fairways, while the Diplomat Suite is particularly suited to smaller, more intimate celebrations.

And with 76 bedrooms, plus the spa and golf facilities on site, there's plenty of scope to turn the celebrations into an entire weekend.

Fabulous food and great people

A new head chef had joined Formby Hall just three months before our visit, and we had the pleasure of sampling her skills in the hotel's Fairway Grill restaurant. We started with crispy chicken wings and pâté, before moving on to a perfectly seasoned steak and beautifully cooked sea bass. Both mains were excellent. Sticky toffee pudding and a delicious cheesecake rounded off what was a thoroughly enjoyable meal and one of the highlights of our stay.

Breakfast was equally impressive, with a generous buffet offering everything from a traditional full English to a wide selection of cereals, granolas, fresh fruit, breads and pastries. There was certainly no shortage of choice to set us up for a day of golf.

Service was slick. Samia, who looked after us at dinner, was wonderful, and she was far from the only member of staff who made an impression.

There was Ray, who served our pre-dinner drinks and had a personality as sunny as her name. A second-year maritime law student, we laughed as she rolled down her sock to show us a small tattoo of a sun, hoisting her foot into the air from behind the bar so we could get a proper look!

And then there was the ever-smiling Mandy on reception and operations manager and golf pro Neal, over in the well-stocked pro shop, who worked hard to make guests and golfers feel welcome.

As Eileen had promised during our sauna chat, the staff really are one of Formby Hall's greatest assets. Warm, friendly and full of personality, they made us feel completely at home.

A massage worth coming back for

Over in the spa, 20-year-old Maddie delivered an outstanding back massage.

In the two years since her training, she's perfected her craft, applying just the right amount of pressure to work out every knot and niggle. Using a selection of luxurious ESPA products, it was a treat for the senses as well as my aching back. The treatment finished with a facial and I felt all aglow as I left.

The leisure facilities are another attraction, with a 20-metre heated indoor swimming pool, jacuzzi, steam room and sauna, where I met Eileen.

For those wanting a little extra indulgence, the spa also has a dedicated thermal suite, complete with a Himalayan salt sauna, ice fountain, experience showers and heated relaxation beds.

There are spa days and overnight breaks available too, making Formby Hall just as appealing for a pampering escape as it is for a golfing getaway.

And it sounds as though there's plenty more to come. I was told that the owners, who took over Formby Hall around 18 months ago, have ambitious plans to renovate the entire resort. Given how much the hotel already has going for it, it'll be interesting to see what they have in store.

Golden sands and red squirrels

If you decide to explore the area, the beautiful National Trust-managed Formby Beach is just a short drive away. With its vast stretches of golden sand, dunes and pinewoods, it's a wonderful spot for a coastal walk, with the added possibility of spotting one of the area's famous red squirrels.

I might have left a few golf balls behind in Formby Hall's water hazards, but I took away some wonderful memories. From the golf course to the spa, and especially the lovely people who work here, I can see what's been bringing Eileen back for the last 15 years.

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