There are different types of accommodation from lodges to cottages to studios, we were given Ramsey Lodge as our place to stay for the week.
The kitchen had a full cooker, dishwasher and microwave
The two on-suite bathrooms are of a high standard, one with a bath/shower and the other with a wetroom
As you can see the lodge was furnished to a high standard. Besides a full kitchen it had a TV with DVD player, and free Wi-Fi. It is marketed as 'upside down' living and this was definitely a plus factor. As we came into the lodge the bedrooms are downstairs and the kitchen/living room/diner is upstairs. What you don't realise though is that this is a great way of organising the layout, as from the lounge you get a fabulous view over the park. When I rushed upstairs I actually said WOW, as the view was amazing!
The beautiful view from our lounge
When we are on holiday we like to eat out as much as we can, so we didn't use the kitchen much, however, you could have easily cooked full meals here, in fact it was almost better than my kitchen at home, with one exception it only had a small fridge/freezer.
We used the break to relax and visit local areas such as Narberth and Tenby. Due to the weather we decided not to do the paid for activities. It actually rained every day, and many of the activities were based outside like archery and bicycle hire, although some children's activities are indoors. They have a great pool area which we could use free of charge, and we did bring our swimming costumes but did not venture in, in the end.
We ate at The Tafarn pub on our first night. It was pub grub, nothing more, nothing less, however, my husband's pasta was a notch up from most pub food. The prices were more expensive than some pubs but not stupidly so. They provide entertainment a couple of times a week in the pub too, I think I saw a pub quiz and they had a live singer when we were there.
The Well Spa, one of the children's play areas and Carreg Las restaurant
The other place we ate on site was Carreg Las, the high end restaurant. They pride themselves on sourcing local produce and it showed in the quality of the food. The food itself was really tasty, and presented beautifully. However the meal wasn't without some niggles. After waiting 30 minutes for our starters they realised they had actually forgotten about us. A complementary glass of wine was greatfully received! Twice we were offered other peoples food. Our main courses arrived without the extra vegetables I ordered, and my husbands without mash. However another glass of wine was offered, so we were happy at the end of the day. The food was good, not overly expensive for this type of place, and they were busy so I hope it was just an off day.
I think it is a great holiday for those with families. The pool looked super and this is in with the price of the holiday. The list of activities include messy play and beast hunts for little ones and movie nights and safari driving for older ones. The adults are catered for with archery, bicycle hire, crossbow activities and a great spa. All of these are chargeable except the pool. I think it's a cool place to be in touch with nature. I took this photo below from the lodge window.
Some tips - After you unload on your first day, you need to move your car to the car park at the top of the resort. The resort is very hilly. If you have little ones you may want to rent a buggy for your stay, this is at the price of £25 a day, which isn't cheap. Bring a selection of essentials like tea, coffee and bread as prices are steep in the grocery shop. Booking is recommended in advance for Carreg Las, and I would pre-book activities in high season too.
The crunch question is - would I come again and pay for it next time? I would say yes, certainly I would. The lodge we stayed in was of a high standard, it was beautifully located in amazing scenery, and we felt it was a lovely relaxing holiday. At low season such as January when we went Monday to Friday our lodge was only £155, which I personally think is a steal! The activities are mostly chargeable - from around £10 upwards. You do need to price these up beforehand and budget for these in with the cost of the holiday.
So in summary - Bluestone Wales - is a lovely resort based in beautiful scenery. A great holiday for those who want to unwind or love an activity based outdoor break, but don't forget to budget for any activities.
Would you go to Bluestone or have you been? What do you think of my review?
What a fantastic surprise you must have had when you found out you won a trip to Bluestone in West Wales. Sounds like you had a wonderful time.
ReplyDeleteYes I was so delighted :D I wanted to go there for a long time.
DeleteWow lucky you, it looks beautiful! Great pictures x
ReplyDeleteThanks Charlotte,
DeleteLots of people I know rave about Bluestone and go year after year. It looks great for a family holiday and hopefully one day it might stop raining!
ReplyDeleteI think it's well priced for activities compared to other similar holidays.
DeleteNever been but it looks like my type of place... maybe i am lucky to visit it one day
ReplyDeleteyou should follow them on Twitter and Facebook as they run lots of competitions
DeleteIt looks like a lovely place and great price! Fab review x
ReplyDeleteThank you Lisa
DeleteWow, what a beautiful place. It really does look like a fab place for a holiday with or without kids.
ReplyDeleteAnd I absolutely love that last photo you took.
I think it caters for all ages, from those with little ones to older couples on their own.
DeleteI really wanted to visit here but sadly I have kids in school and couldn't enter. It looks beautiful - glad you had fun
ReplyDeleteMaybe one day you will be lucky enough to go.
DeleteNever been to Wales before, but would love to go. Sounds like a nice place to go, especially with the activities available.
ReplyDeleteI love living in Wales. West Wales is beautiful especially. I adore Tenby and the area around Bluestone. I used to visit Tenby when I was a child.
DeleteOh I so need a break!
ReplyDeleteLovely photos :)
Thank you. I think if you go out of season especially it is a cost effective break.
DeleteSchool Mums at school have raved about this place, and it is on our list of places to go to. Thanks for the tips!!
ReplyDeleteI think it is a great place for those with little ones, the pool and the activities make it a brilliant place to visit.
DeleteLucky you! That looks like a lovely place for a holiday.
ReplyDeleteThey run competitions often so keep a look out and you never know you could be lucky too.
DeleteWe loved our trip to Bluestone, despite the long drive, we would love to go back again!
ReplyDeleteAnother fan :)
DeleteThat looks lovely - I'd love to visit x
ReplyDeleteThe scenery and the setting of the lodges is beautiful.
DeleteThat looks like a beautiful place for a few days away. Pembrokeshire is on my 'to do' list, so will keep this in mind.
ReplyDeletePembrokeshire is a lovely place, I hope you get to visit one day.
DeleteIt looks great and that price is really reasonable! I would love to go some time!
ReplyDeleteWhen you think B and B's in Tenby start around £35 a night I think the price is very reasonable.
DeleteHow lovely - I'd definitely be up for a trip like this.
ReplyDeleteI think you would really enjoy Bluestone.
DeleteThanks so much for linking up to the #SundayTraveler this week. I WOULD SO go there, fo sure. I would be laying about on that comfy bed!
ReplyDeleteThe bed was very comfy too!
DeleteThis places looks great and great shot of the bird! Thanks for linking up to the #SundayTraveler :)
ReplyDeleteThank you for leaving a comment.
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