Our Estate

Our History

We’re proud to be one of the most cherished hotels and leisure destinations in South Wales - renowned for our luxurious touches, world-class facilities and warm Welsh welcome. But don’t take our word for it; come and see for yourself.

1992 - 2001

1992

  • The Leeke family, of the JH Leeke and Sons group purchased Hensol Golf Club.

1992 - 2001

1994

  • Our championship Lake Golf Course opened.

1992 - 2001

1998

  • Our (titled at the time) Herons Spa opened under the expert guidance of British brand, Sanctuary Spa.
  • Vale Health and Racquets Club was opened with over 2,200 members by Ron Davies (Then Secretary of State for Wales).

1992 - 2001

1999

  • The Vale Hotel opened in time for the Rugby World Cup, with the Welsh squad being our very first guests.

1992 - 2001

2001

  • The Vale indoor arena was opened - a 60 x 50 meter training facility with artificial surface.
  • The Vale Clinic Opened - A medical facility at the resort specialising in injury rehabilitation.

2002 - 2007

2002

  • Vale Spa added 7 additional treatment rooms to keep up with demand.
  • A victorian style conservatory was added to the hotel to offer food with a view.
  • A successful year for celebrity visitors. Some names included Henry Cooper, Ian Bothan, Catherine Zeta Jones, Bishop Desmond Tutu, Ian Rush, Chris de Burgh and Michael Owen.

2002 - 2007

2003

  • The Wales National Golf Course opened, celebrated with a charity event hosted by Sir Steve Redgrave.
  • The hotel established itself as “the lucky hotel” when Liverpool won the Worthington Cup and FA Cup, having stayed with us.

2002 - 2007

2004

  • There was a £500k golf club redevelopment. Investment was spend on a new clubhouse, spike bar, outdoor patio, putting area, refurbished and extended locker rooms and pro-shop.
  • The Leeke family purchased Hensol Castle, located on the estate.

2002 - 2007

2005

  • The British and Irish Lions stayed with us in preparation for the New Zealand tour. At the same time, the Wales rugby team were in house, going on to win the Grand Slam.
  • Our Mediterranean brasserie called La Cucina opened, hosting the Firstplus challenge to celebrate.

2002 - 2007

2007

  • A £1 million development of our Castle Suite was undertaken. At 12,000 square feet, this is now our largest conference and wedding space.
  • There was a spa treatment and relaxation room refurbishment.

2009 - 2015

2009

  • The Football Association of Wales centre of excellence opened by Sepp Blatter.
  • A new academy and pavilion opened as the home to Cardiff City and the Cardiff Blues.
  • We developed 59 two and three bedroom luxury apartments at Hensol Castle Park.

2009 - 2015

2010

  • Our hotel was rated 4*, the highest rated hotel in Wales.

2009 - 2015

2011

  • We refurbished our spa relaxation room and treatment rooms.

2009 - 2015

2014

  • Read Madrid stayed with us for the EUFA Super Cup Final.
  • Our Cwtch relaxation room was added to our spa, along with a double suite.

2009 - 2015

2015

  • Hensol Castle was officially opened by Ken Skates as a wedding and conference venue.
  • Our Salamanza bar was refurbished.
  • Our bedroom suites were refurbished.

2016 - 2021

2016

  • Our Vale Bar & Grill was refurbished.
  • Our Vale Grill had a new glass extension to meet demand.
  • The conservatory had a new roof and refurbishment.

2016 - 2021

2017

  • Our Health Club had a complete gym refurbishment with new equipment.

2016 - 2021

2018

  • We received a double award. One for our spa as Wales’ leading resort spa, and another for Wales’ top golf hotel.
  • All bedrooms and corridors were refurbished.
  • Invested in a new GPS fleet of buggies.

2016 - 2021

2021

  • Officially opened the first full scale distillery in a castle in a castle, Hensol Castle Distillery.
A row of copper distillation equipment on a wooden counter, with a beaker, a jar, a metal bowl, and a clipboard with papers in the foreground.

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