BLUESTONE NATIONAL PARK RESORT, PEMBROKESHIRE
(feb 14) I won a weekend at Bluestone National Park Resort in a Gransnet competition. When I won the prize I expected DD might say "Oh, Mummy" rather disparagingly, but NO. "When are we going?" was the prompt reaction.
We went for the first weekend of February half-term. We travelled there on "Frightful Friday" which was difficult, [we being DD, GS1 (8), GS2 (6), and GD (3) and me] so it was lovely to be welcomed very pleasantly at the entrance and congratulated on my win!
The Resort is about six years old and built on farmland. At the centre of the village are stone-terraced cottages for guests, and shops, restaurants and a pub are scattered around a large area. There are about 300 dwellings, all spread out. We were in a two-bedroom "upside down" lodge. The two bedrooms downstairs both had en-suites - a wet room in one and a bath in the other. The boys shared the double bed and GD stayed in our room in a very large cot bed that came as standard. Upstairs the large living area was clean and well appointed. The three areas did not impinge on one another and the kitchen was so well equipped. I saw a dishwasher and was relieved to discover that the "welcome pack" contained three eco-friendly tablets! It is all very green.
The lodge was self catering and it was a joy to use the kitchen! The beds were comfortable and the linen (all provided) was lovely.
On the Saturday I had a two-hour session in the spa. I didn't opt for treatments, but used the two different heat saunas, two different steam rooms, the ice room and the salt room, the jacuzzis and the experiential showers! Bliss. Meanwhile the others were in the activity centre doing sky walks and playing indoors. It was a 12-minute walk there, which gives an indication of the size of the site.
The site is car free after unloading, apart from electric buggies. The children had a bike ride and then we went off to the Blue Lagoon. It had waves, three exciting slides, and a lazy river, and was a super place for under-fives. The sandy beach area had water just 20cm deep, which was surrounded by lots of wet sand to make castles with or just be messy with and enjoy!
On the Sunday tree climbing and messy play ensued (there are exciting activities for older children and adults too) and another visit to the pool. On Monday I came home after breakfast, but the family stayed and had another time indoors at the activity centre as one's stay can be enjoyed until 3.00pm.
It was all superb and I'm booking for next year's February half-term. It’s a very suitable holiday destination for a family group. We were blessed with dry (and sunny) weather for our days there, but as one can be indoors it does not really matter! A splendid safe environment for bike rides, walks in forests and by streams. All in all ********!
10/10 (from eGJ)