Souillac Golf & Country Club ★★★★

“We’re all going on a – family – holiday! No more working for a week (or two)!”

These were the happy chants that were sung in the car all the way to the Dordogne. After endless comments of “are we there yet?” we were finally nearing the Souillac Golf & Country club after one ferry, one mandatory stopover in the city of lights, Paris and a whole lot of driving later!  My husband and I sat in the front, it being our turn to drive, my brother-in law and his wife sat just behind, with their kids just behind them, excited to get to our Dordogne lodge. Two days later the grandparents would join for the ultimate family holiday and our itinerary was already packed with all the brilliant activities this region of France has to offer. The in-laws were looking forward to market day in Sarlat, whilst the kids were excitedly anticipating the falconry show in Rocamadour. My husband and I couldn’t wait to get on the Dordogne for some canoeing past coves, caves and beautiful verdant fields.

But the real reason why we had come here was for the divine lodge – approved by all the women – and the 18-hole pristine and challenging golf course – approved by all the men. We parked up the car and wandered into the stone finished reception to deal with the check-in process. The staff were friendly and efficient and we were soon settling into the Dordogne lodge, eager to take a quick nap and to freshen up. The lodge was lovely and homely, decorated with traditional upholstered furniture and glossy, fine quality wood. The ground floor was decorated in lovely bright beiges with a spacious open plan layout with living room, kitchen and dining area that faced French doors which displayed the verdant trees just outside. Our bedroom was clad in shiny wood with a large, antique bed in the centre. On one side, there were French sliding doors which opened to reveal a small balcony on which to step out. I was sure we’d be admiring the stars there that evening.

On the patio outside our lodge there were tables and chairs, plus a green lawn for the kids to run about and play in. This holiday was going to be one to remember! Once we were ready we set off to the hotel “bar et brasserie” for a well-deserved meal. French food never disappoints; we had scrumptious meals and succulent wine and ate away the evening. Back at the lodge we encouraged the kids to go to bed early, and then enjoyed our complimentary bottle of champagne between four in the fresh, spring air, gazing upon the stars that revealed themselves in the clear night sky.

The next day we were surprised by fresh croissants and pain au chocolats for which the husbands had driven out to Souillac especially. We ate breakfast with the French doors wide open to let in the fresh morning air and hear the sound of the tweeting birds. Then, it was time for the sports to commence! The husbands hit the golf course whilst we took the kids for around of tennis, followed by a cool off in the pool. Which one of the nine pools we would choose we didn’t know! We also inspected the other activities that the Country club organises such as treasure hunts, bouncy castles and challenges for the children. And just in case the kids felt left out, there was a crazy golf course for them (and us) too!

Midday we all met up for a snack on the terrace of the snack bar, overlooking the verdant countryside that surrounded us. We adults indulged in some cool afternoon beers, whilst the children were keen to get playing some crazy golf. Tomorrow my in-laws would join us, and we would take a trip around the enchanting Rocamadour, less than an hour away! But for today we would rest in the comfort of this exquisite resort…