Just minutes from the congested lanes of the M25 and half an hour from the hustle and bustle of the West End is an idyllic retreat designed to calm and soothe the stressed, and provide rest and recuperation for the overworked.

The Grove in Chandlers Cross is just minutes from junction 19 of the M25 and is famous as being a one-time weekend retreat of Queen Victoria and home to a World Championship golf course.

But it does not just attract golfers and romantic weekenders - newly opened this summer is The Beach at The Grove to add a more family-friendly aspect to the already broad appeal of this luxury establishment.

With two young daughters on board we were interested to see whether a five-star retreat in this country could keep them entertained while providing sufficient much needed downtime for ourselves.

We were not to be disappointed, after valet parking had taken care of the car, check in was quick and friendly.

The guest reception is adjoined to the main house which contains unique themed mansion rooms overlooking 300 acres of parkland and championship golf course but most families opt for the West Wing where adjoining contemporary luxury rooms are most suitable.

Our rooms had their own individual private terraces looking out over the golf course and our girls were most impressed with their own big plasma screen and the box of toys provided.

Adults will be more impressed with the spacious light and airy enviroment, beautifully coordinated rooms, large well-equipped bathrooms and imaginatively stocked mini-bars.

We headed for hot stone treatments and massage as the little ones made their way to the award-winning Anouska's Kids Club for well-timed indoor entertainment as the heavens opened.

This was the first real test. The vast grounds of The Grove ensure outdoor activities are well catered for with cycling, golf, tennis, the aformentioned beach or just simply walking and taking in the scenery.

But could they provide stress free entertainment and relaxation when the weather wasn't so favourable?

We needn't have worried - Anouska's is a five-star creche for children of three months upwards, where a range of daily activities take place including dance workshops, tennis and treasure hunts.

Well staffed and friendly, I and more importantly my children immediately felt at ease leaving us to relax at the Sequoia Spa.

Leading down the steps to its own independent entrance the Sequoia is every inch the upmarket leisure facility.

The black' pool is housed in a collonaded oak barn structure giving an ambience so different to regular hotel pools, there is a private dining area, a sunken ornamental garden and of course the obligitary well equipped fitness studio.

Located alongside the outdoor heated pool and pavilion bar are four pastel coloured beach huts, decorated to a high specification and themed with guitars, buckets and spades or chandeliers. Paul Collins

The attention to detail is summed up by the two and a half years it took the designers to find the perfect non-slip non-porous stone for the wet area.

The treatment rooms are reached from the cocoon-like space of the relaxation area where comfortable beds are laid out within the deep claret velvet panelled walls, after being suitably chilled out from the professional and friendly spa treatment we were encouraged to further wind down in this subdued quiet and luxurious environment to take time out before picking up the freshly face-painted tiger and panda from the kids' club.

The Grove has three main restaurants and after dressing for dinner and turning panda and tiger back into young ladies we made our way to The Glasshouse.

Described as a Theatre of Cooking' The Glasshouse takes pride in the variety of the menu.

Unusually for a high-class eating establishment it operates on a buffet system with a set childrens' menu, a joy for us as we sampled everything from rib of beef, curry and braised duck to wok fried prawns, salmon in brik pastry and hake, but also for the children with generous portions of pasta and the biggest child-sized burger I've ever seen.

Finishing off with an equally varied selection of desserts I'd recommend starting with an empty stomach!

The following morning the sun came out after breakfast giving us opportunity to enter the walled garden, home of the new Beach at the Grove.

Located alongside the outdoor heated pool and pavilion bar are four pastel coloured beach huts, decorated to a high specification and themed with guitars, buckets and spades or chandeliers.

Each one comes with its own private sandy veranda overlooking the beach, volleyball court and children's play area.

We took lunch at The Stables which serves all day family-friendly food in rustic stylish surroundings and had superbly cooked and well priced fish and steak meals, with the friendly and attentive staff happy to divide an enormous adult's portion to keep our children happy with their favourite fish and chips.

Before reluctantly heading for home we took time out at the outdoor pool - complete with lifeguard for added peace of mind.

It is more aimed for fun with children's inflatable toys available and combined with the indoor children's pool at Annouska's it means the main pool at Sequoia Spa can remain a peaceful haven for adults.

The Grove has successfully combined the attributes of a luxury resort hotel in the Hertfordshire countryside and while having top-class golf, conferencing and spa facilities has also given great thought to the needs of adults and children alike.

3:17pm Thursday 11th October 2007

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