Kayaking

PLANS TO DEVELOP DEVON LAKES

Posted on August 6, 2021

PLANS TO DEVELOP DEVON LAKES

CLAWFORD LAKES RESORT and Spa in Devon is scheduled to open this Autumn

Private equity-backed holiday operator Lakeshore Leisure Group has secured planning permission to develop Clawford Lakes, a stunning 80-acre property in Devon that is set to open this Autumn. Lakeshore Leisure Group is a UK leisure brand offering high quality holiday accommodation including self-catering rental cottages and lodges, hotel accommodation and privately owned lodges across three Devon locations; Otter Falls, Lakeview Manor and Clawford Lakes.

Acquired in 2019 with initial investment from Kings Park Capital, Clawford Lakes in Holsworthy, north west Devon is an holiday resort comprising of 17 man-made fishing and recreation lakes and 24 self- catering units, as well as a large bar and restaurant. With planning permission now approved, work is now underway on the major redevelopment which will include the build of 144 luxury lodges, 13 bespoke angling pods, seven unique luxury cocoons, nine floating lodges, and a Scandinavian- inspired spa with swimming pool and treatment rooms, set aside a stunning central lake. Lakeshore Leisure Group has also secured exclusive rights to the luxury cocoon units in the UK.

The new luxury holiday lodges will be available for both holiday rentals and for purchase as pre-furnished holiday homes, available to use year-round and with the option of subletting on a managed site. The refurbished Apple and Grape bar and restaurant will showcase dishes created using a variety of local produce and will also welcome local visitors. There will be a small provisions and fishing tackle shop on site, to support the high-quality fishing lakes, which have been invested in and restocked. In addition, leisure water sports will be added in 2022 including paddle boarding, kayaking, open water swimming and canoeing, and the new swimming pool and spa will open, all forming part of the visitor experience.

SELF-CARE IS THE NEW HEALTH CARE

Posted on May 5, 2021

SELF-CARE IS THE NEW HEALTH CARE

CAPTION: Self-care is the new Health care

The UK wellness retreat industry is predicted to boom following the relaxation of Lockdown restrictions, according to experts. Demand for wellness retreats has steadily been on the rise over the past decade, with a 1605% increase in online searches for the term since 2015, including an 81% increase from 2019 to 2020. The Health Retreat growth has been seriously on the rise for the last 20 years and these are now taking over from classic holiday destinations. Almost all countries which usually invite the family holiday groups will offer a health and wellness retreat.

“Self-care is the new health care,” says Yvonne Wake, a wellbeing and lifestyle consultant who hosts her own retreats. “I don’t see how the industry cannot continue to grow. There’s absolutely no reason to stop an industry where the earning capacity is getting higher by the year.” “Healthwise it’s important to just stop, which is what wellness retreats provide.” Activity retreats are among the fastest-growing in the industry after having experienced a 928% increase in online searches from 2019 to 2020.

Camptoo’s Head of Wanderlust, Ed Bassett, is expecting a similar uptake in interest this year as the UK gradually begins to ease out of lockdown. “Activity-based holidays are among the fastest-growing in the industry, and there’s never been a more exciting time to be involved. “The benefits of a wellness retreat are endless, but we really believe that adding something activity-based in the UK - whether it be kayaking, hiking, surfing, wild swimming, climbing, mountain biking - will take that experience to the next level.” He added: “The industry was booming prior to lockdown last year and despite being locked away, we can see that enthusiasm has not dropped and with everyone desperate to get out of their homes, it’s the perfect time to get out and explore the great British outdoors.”

NORFOLK WELLNESS RESORT PROPOSED

Posted on September 3, 2020

NORFOLK WELLNESS RESORT PROPOSED

Consultation has begun on a proposed 200 acre ecowellness resort in Ashwicken, Norfolk, comprising of 154 floating and lakeside holiday lodges including treehouse accommodation, a clubhouse on the water and associated boat house.

There will be a specialised focused on water-based pursuits including rowing, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, fishing and open water swimming.

Developer Norfolk Farm Leisure wants to transform Ashwicken Lake near East Winch, with 154 floating and waterside holiday lodges with a £35m investment. The resort has been designed by London-based Baca Architects, which specialises in building on or near water.

The resort will lead to an estimated £8m (£6m in King’s Lynn & West Norfolk, and the remaining £2m in Norfolk) boost to the local economy and the creation of 340 jobs.

Life’s A Beach

Posted on November 18, 2015

Life’s A Beach

Ideally located next to its own privately owned sandy beach on Cornwall’s south coast, Pentewan Sands Holiday Park offers guests a host of accommodation options.

Ideally located next to its own privately owned sandy beach on Cornwall’s south coast, Pentewan Sands Holiday Park offers guests a host of accommodation options.

Boasting a unique beachside location, Pentewan Sands Holiday Park near St Austell in Cornwall, does to coin a popular phrase, exactly what it says on the tin. Guests are able to step straight from their caravans or tents on to the sand of a privately-owned beach – a luxury enjoyed by only a handful of UK holiday parks. Welcoming around 25,000 guests per year, Pentewan Sands’ offers 120 holiday homes, ranging from entry level to luxury standards - most of which enjoy sea views. There are also well-maintained grass pitches available on site for camping, caravans and motor homes. “Pentewan Sands is a truly unique site thanks to its enviable location right beside its own private beach. This, coupled with the wide variety of accommodation and entertainment on offer really makes our park stand out from the crowd. We like to think that we offer something for everyone,” says general manager Graham Brown. Celebrating its 70th anniversary this year, Pentewan Sands was first opened in 1945 and has recently been awarded the coveted five star Quality in Tourism award from VisitEngland, which recognises the best holiday parks in the UK. Open from March through to November, the park is owned and managed by the Tremayne family, while general manager Graham oversees the dayto- day running of the site.

Graham explains: “We attract a diverse range of guests at the park and appeal to families, couples and friends alike. Many of our guests choose to return each year, but we also see high numbers of new guests visiting every year so it’s a real mixture.” Keeping the guests entertained is a top priority for the park and there’s no shortage of leisure activities on site. The park features two indoor swimming pools with a lap pool for serious swimmers and a play pool with a water flume for the family. There are also tennis courts that are free to use for guests plus a brand new children’s play area on the beach.

BEACH ACTIVITIES

On site catering includes the recently opened on-site pub, the Jolly Roger pub and the Sea Horse restaurant, pictured.

On site catering includes the recently opened on-site pub, the Jolly Roger pub and the Sea Horse restaurant, pictured.

If the sun is shining then guests can head to the beach to enjoy a variety of water sports including sailing, water skiing, wakeboarding, windsurfing, kayaking and paddleboarding. In terms of catering amenities, there’s an American diner style burger restaurant called the HUBBOX, which is new for 2015, plus the recently built traditional Cornish Pub the Jolly Roger. A takeaway option is covered by Pentewan Plaice and guests can make use of the on-site supermarket, which provides all the essentials. “We aim to deliver the most fun, most relaxing and the most memorable traditional camping experience in one of the best locations in England,” says Graham. “We achieve this by listening to our customers and remembering what makes us special; quality facilities, a warm friendly welcome, five star quality and continual investment.” Pentewan Sands responds to guests’ needs and suggestions by continuously upgrading and replacing the facilities on-site.

Ahead of summer 2015, the park underwent major refurbishment which saw new accommodation including 17 new holiday homes in the diamond and platinum ranges. The bathroom facilities also received a major refurbishment, as did the play area on the beach and the tennis courts. “Due to our ongoing investment in staff and facilities, one of our best marketing tools is word of mouth, which attracts both repeat and recommended business,” Graham comments. He adds: “We invest heavily in maintaining strong relationships with our customers through brochures, mail-outs, e-newsletters and social media.”

Pentewan Sands Holiday Park
Tel. 01726 843 485
www.pentewan.co.uk