Tag Archives: newquay

News

Slice of luxury at leading holiday parks following major investment and redevelopment

LUXURY lodge owners and visitors can enjoy a slice of comfort and leisure at picturesque holiday resorts following multi-million pound investment in the South West.

Darwin Escapes’ five-star parks at Cheddar Woods Resort and Spa, Somerset, and Hawkchurch Resort and Spa in Axminster, Devon, have attracted thousands of people to the region over the last decade.

Employing up to 100 staff across the two sites, the company has pumped hundreds of thousands of pounds into the local economy and both are thriving as destinations popular with residents and tourists, according to Senior Sales Consultant Stacey Dabinett.

At Cheddar Woods in particular, which was sensitively built on the grounds of a much-loved former campsite and BMX track in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), there has been a major transformation since day one.

“Darwin Escapes enhanced the location with an emphasis on greenery and landscaping, so we can welcome many holiday-home owners every year without imposing on the natural surroundings,” said Stacey.

“There has been significant investment on-site, but our number one USP has to be this incredible setting, which is why so many families have bought lodges here, notably for the views across the Somerset Levels to Glastonbury Tor.

“We are surrounded by nature and one of our most beloved features is a series of woodland walks which take in the amazing wildlife right on our doorstep, from deer and birds of prey to rare plants and more.”

A range of holiday homes are spread across the park, complemented by facilities including a heated indoor swimming pool with mini jet ski, ‘water walkerz’ and sea scooter sessions, which are available at a discounted rate for owners.

There is also the bar and bistro, the Eden Spa, sauna and steam room and activities via the popular GoActive programme, including climbing, bowling and archery, also enjoyed by the local community.

Meanwhile, at Hawkchurch on the south coast – which has a population of less than 600 people – the scenes are equally idyllic.

At the core of the local community, Darwin Escapes has redeveloped its footprint to include 120 lodges – 40 for ownership – and high-quality features, notably the exclusive Ezina Spa, with its hydrotherapy suite and pool complete with water cannons, waterfall, loungers and soothing treatments.

“The Spa has been a major transformation in the last 12 months and proven to be a hit with owners, who are here for peace and tranquillity, to get away from it all,” said Stacey.

“Both parks are surrounded by beautiful countryside, and I think reflect the ethos of Darwin Escapes, embracing and enhancing the surroundings, providing employment, supporting regional economies while creating environments which appeal to different demographics.

“Whether you’re a family with young children or a couple looking for a perfect home from home, there is something for everyone, especially here in the South West, and both Cheddar Woods and Hawkchurch are testament to that.”

For more on Darwin Escapes Cheddar Woods, visit Holiday Breaks in Cheddar – Cheddar Woods (darwinescapes.co.uk).

Visit Holidays in Axminster & Devon – Hawkchurch Resort & Spa (darwinescapes.co.uk) for the latest on Darwin Escapes Hawkchurch.

News

£8m holiday resort celebrates 10 years, new attractions and significant investment

A LUXURY lodge park celebrating 10 years on the north coast of Cornwall will make a huge splash this summer.

Darwin Escapes’ Piran Meadows retreat in Newquay has been attracting visitors to the idyllic town for more than a decade.

Following an initial £8m acquisition and period of significant investment – which included a complete overhaul and extension of the 33-acre site – the 181-space resort has pumped hundreds of thousands of pounds into the local economy.

Employing more than 30 staff, the park unveiled high-quality facilities and now a series of events and attractions which will continue to entertain holiday homeowners from England and beyond over the coming months.

Sales manager Gavin Hewitt revealed activities including axe-throwing and rock climbing – as part of their popular GoActive programme – are creating a buzz locally and nationwide.

“This is a park like no other, it’s a unique location which appeals to all,” said Gavin, who previously served for more than a decade with the 7th Parachute Regiment, Royal Horse Artillery.

“While we have owners from as far away as Wales, the North West and all over the country, our presence in Cornwall continues to grow.

“We have 250 members from this area alone, and giving back to them and local businesses is important to us, as well as ensuring those from further afield are well catered for and looked after when using our facilities, from the bar and restaurant to the five-star gym, sauna, and steam room.

“Darwin Escapes has also introduced free site fees and energy bills for this year, so we can alleviate the pressure on park users given the cost-of-living challenges facing so many families today.”

He added: “There is a real community feel at Piran Meadows, and that goes for our team as well; many of the owners have been here for years and so have we. We have all grown together and are excited for the next chapter.”

With an upgrade in facilities featuring an indoor heated swimming pool, coffee shop, bar and bistro, bowling alley and sports complex, and so many things to do – from football, pool, and table tennis to body boarding, snorkelling and even ‘wizard workshops’ – Gavin is proud of the service they deliver.

However, he believes the “best-kept secret in Cornwall” has an even greater selling point.

“One thing we can’t take credit for is the amazing views we have here, and the most incredible sunset you will ever see,” he said.

“We will continue to improve our facilities, invest in the park and create opportunities for local people and the economy, but nothing can compare with that!”

Gavin added: “We are all so proud of the park, it’s a wonderful place to live and work in a wonderful part of the country – long may that continue.”

For more information and to register your interest in holiday home ownership at Piran Meadows, visit the website Lodge Breaks & Caravan Holidays in Newquay | Piran Meadows (darwinescapes.co.uk). You can follow Darwin Escapes on social media at @darwinescapes.