An adventure in Bluestone Pembrokeshire National Park Resort West Wales. - A gem of a weekend.
- Wednesday, 18 July 2012
“Bluestone boasts it‘s an all weather resort” I read from the brochure on our way to West Wales as the rain bucketed down in our supposed summer. “Well we will really test that out this weekend!” my husband replied.
We were heading for a short break in a lodge at the 5 star village of Bluestone, located in the heart of Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.
On arrival, we were given details of activities to suit everyone – ranging from history and nature trails for the active people, survival skill training for the adventurous and for those who prefer a more sedate life you could just relax and unwind at their luxury holistic spa or enjoy the spectacular surroundings.
Our first impressions were of the resort were excellent. The lodges, set on a hillside in five hundred acres, have views towards the Preseli hills. We were given a fully accessible lodge which overlooked a small lake. It was spacious, very well equipped and spotlessly clean.
The resort has a car free policy, so after unpacking we drove back to the main car park where the car remained until we were ready to go home. We chose the 10 minute walk downhill to our lodge, as the rain was easing, although we had the option to hire a golf buggy or cycles.
We were keen to try out the village hospitality during our stay. We loved the lively atmosphere in the village pub where there were many family gatherings of three or more generations. The freshly cooked local food and cheerful service made a good evening despite the weather. On Saturday, the treat was the fine dining restaurant Carreg Las, which delighted us with an artistically presented scrumptious three course dinner.
In the interest of trying something different, I had asked Bluestone to book me a horse riding lesson at the Marros Riding Centre, situated in a nearby village. I was given friendly and professional beginners instruction by Becky and a very patient horse called Lady. Every moment was an exciting new experience as we walked through the woods and crossed running streams.
The highlight of the visit was being pampered at the Well Spa – “Amazing” exclaimed a party of mature ladies as they enjoyed the after effects of their massage treatments. The excellent spa with its different sauna and steam facilities proved a real holiday treat.
The resort opened in 2008 and is ideal for couples, grandparents and their family for a short-break. Bluestone not only boasts some of the most spectacular countryside and woodland, it has its very own water park, Blue Lagoon and a myriad of other water-based fun for the young and young at heart.
They also offer a range of special interest packages that include golf, fishing, garden visits, wildlife tours and even boat trips to nearby nature reserves with professional guides and instructors.
Accessibility is very and all facilities have been developed with this in mind – from the village amenities to the Blue Lagoon water park.
So as the weather brightened over up the next few days we found there was so much to offer that was difficult to choose what not to do.
For more information visit www.bluestonewales.com
A four night midweek or three night weekend break starts from £240 for a Caldey lodge sleeping up to four people. Visit www.bluestonewales.com or call 01834 862 400.
Bluestone is launching a Celtic Ale Festival including woodcraft, willow weaving, wood crafting, blacksmith re-enactments, clay shooting and crossbow training - taking place 29 & 30 September 2012.
