Everything you could want from a holiday at Bluestone

WE’RE in the business of changing lives, says the Bluestone website.

“At Bluestone National Park Resort we believe in deep breaths full of the scent of pine, in muddy boots and free-range kids.

“We believe in giving you the space to be you again.”

With that in mind my family and I set off for a weekend break a couple of hours down the road in Pembrokeshire.

It is not hard to see why Bluestone has become one of the UK’s premier holiday resorts.

Surrounded by 500 acres of rambling woodland, the resort falls partly within the boundaries of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park – the only coastal park in the UK.

The serenity of the site is further fostered in the expansive wood lodges, which have all the amenities to keep you connected to the outside world, while immersing you in quiet comfort.

It would not be unfair to call them luxurious, especially the wet-room style bathrooms which feature underfloor heating, and huge bath tubs, as well as showers.

We arrived late on a Friday evening, and were immediately impressed by an extremely polite and cheerful attendant who greeted us on our arrival.

She handed us our cabin keys, a site map, and pointed us on our way down the park’s winding one-way system.

As we cleared a corner, the park’s size and beauty both greet you. You can’t help but be impressed, and I immediately felt more relaxed.

We were also a mere two hours from home, but it felt like we could have been a million miles away.

I had set my alarm for early the next morning, fully committed to an early start to watch the middle-of-the-series test in the Lions v All Blacks showdown. Any chance of this evaporated as soon as my head hit the pillow of the beyond-comfortable king bed.

My wife later told me there was plenty of atmosphere in the village square, with cheers from the Knights Tafarn pub, which was already serving beer, while the bakery next door served up breakfast rolls.

At the request of our children, following some food, we made our first proper stop the Blue Lagoon water park, entry to which comes complimentary with your stay.

Boasting a wave machine, water flumes that meander outside before returning with a splash, and a lazy river with access to a warm, bubbling outdoor pool, it was packed.

There is also a separate pirate splash pool for toddlers toddlers, and an adult-only outside Jacuzzi.

Poolside beach loungers provide the perfect excuse to watch the fun from a little further afar if you don’t fancy getting wet, and you can buy food and drink from the Fish Shack or Blue Lagoon Café which overlooks the pool.

After several hours there, we retreated back to our lodge for some rest and relaxation, and then, with the weather taking a turn for the worse, we headed for the Adventure Centre.

Featuring a Sky Trail, climbing wall, crazy golf, soft play area and bouncy castle, a Circus Zone and messy play sessions for little ones, it is not exaggeration to call it every child’s dream.

Aside from a few pit stops for drinks and crisps from the themed WildWood Cafe above, we barely saw the children for well over an hour, and it gave us the opportunity to use the free Wi-Fi and catch up on some emails.

Needless to say the kids slept well that night.

The next morning, bathed in glorious sunshine, we hired some bikes and took our troop to see some of the spectacular Pembrokeshire countryside surrounding the site. There are literally miles and miles of bike trails to enjoy, including woodland routes.

There are also numerous activities on the lake to enjoy, including kayaking, and rafting.

If that is not your thing, you could always kick back and relax in the Well Spa Retreat in Bluestone Village – previously named Wales' Spa of the Year.

There is a hydrotherapy pool, hot brick sauna, herbal steam room, marine steam room, and ice room, among others. You can also have a massage and relax in the Sanctuary Relaxation Room - a darkened room with hanging seats dedicated to silence.

Either way, you are bound to work up an appetite, and with six different eateries to choose from you won’t be short of choice.

Smokey Joe’s shindig is the most popular. Set in the heart of the Steep Ravine, entertainer Smokey Joe involved all in wild dancing and foot stomping, against a back drop of towering pine trees and smells of freshly grilled Pembrokeshire produce for dinner.

Fully booked, we opted to go to one of the dinner shows on offer at the Farmhouse Grill where we were entertained by Hayley Bale and her side-kick scarecrow.

The children loved singing along with the characters and enjoyed taking part in a fun ‘crunch-o-meter’ vegetable test.

The big platters of roast chicken, potatoes, and sweetcorn were also a big hit. But my personal favourite were delicious brownies and ice cream for dessert.

All-in-all, it was a weekend thoroughly well spent.

We did suffer somewhat with limited-Wi-fi syndrome in our lodge, but increased speed, to 5Mbs, is available for £15, on two devices, for a weekend. This is fast enough to stream on demand TV and films in HD, if you fancy a cosy night in.

It might not have changed my life, but would I go back? Absolutely.

What is not to love about rest and relaxation in a fun-filled escape with the family.

Bluestone offers a lowest price guarantee (www.bluestonewales.com/privacy-and-security/lowest-price-guarantee), so whenever you make an accommodation booking through the website they guarantee that you will receive the lowest rate possible.

Visit www.bluestonewales.com for a full list of lodges and prices.

Bluestone top 10 tips

• Bluestones St David’s Lodges have their own play room for the kids

• Book early and take advantage of Bluestones Lowest Price Guarantee

• Although Bluestone has a complimentary Land Train, pre book a buggy as they always sell out and the kids will love them

• Make sure you book one of Bluestones famous Dinner Shows

• You can arrive from 11am and use the Blue Lagoon and all of Bluestones facilities

• You get unlimited, complimentary use of the Blue Lagoon

• Standard Wi-Fi, bed linen, towels and all heating are included as standard

• Plan Your Stay early, with up to 1600 guests on resort at any one time, pre-book the things you really want to do as early as possible to make sure you get to do exactly what you want to do during your break.

• Check out the brand new play area in the Village

• Don’t miss the Greenman Parade after the dinner show on a Thursday and Sunday