Tag Archives: piran meadows

News

Holiday park operator sparkles with seven Diamond awards at major national prizegiving

A LEADING holiday park operator sparkled at a prestigious national prizegiving.

Darwin Escapes won a staggering seven Diamond Awards at the illustrious Hoseasons Awards, held at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole Hotel.

Hosted by TV presenter and broadcaster Dermot O’Leary, the ceremony was attended by companies from across the industry UK-wide.

Among the accolades received by Darwin Escapes, based in Talacre, Flintshire, was the Best in Britain Holiday Park title for its stunning Piran Meadows Retreat in Newquay.

The resort also won a Diamond Award for Relax and Explore Cornwall Large Park, while Beach Cove Coastal Retreat in Ilfracombe received the prize for Devon, Somerset and Dorset Small Park.

Norfolk Woods Resort and Spa in Kings Lynn picked up the title for East of England Large Park, Woodside Bay Lodge Retreat in Ryde, Isle of Wight, for South of England Large Park, and Heart of England Large Park went to Rivendale Lodge Retreat in Ashbourne, Peak District.

Finally, Mullion Cove Coastal Retreat in Cornwall emerged victorious in the Cornwall Lodge Escapes category.

Group Operations Director Drew Campbell thanked staff for their hard work and dedication throughout the year.

“We are so grateful to our amazing teams across the country, and of course our loyal visitors and owners as they too play an important role in us winning these incredible Diamond Awards,” said Drew.

“We are privileged to be in the running every year due to the high standards of Darwin Escapes, but to win seven titles is just incredible, especially given these accolades are based on customer reviews and experience.”

He added: “For Piran Meadows to be named Best in Britain is especially heartening it is one of the jewels in the crown and has been attracting holidaymakers to the north coast of Cornwall for more than a decade.

“It is a first-class site in a unique location so congratulations to the team there and thank you again to everyone who had a hand in this success.”

Employing more than 30 staff, Piran Meadows unveiled high-quality facilities following an initial £8m acquisition, including a complete overhaul and extension of the 33-acre park.

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

“This is a resort like no other,” said Gavin.

“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.

“There is a real community feel and many of the owners have been here for years – we have all grown together and are excited for the next chapter.”

For more information and to register your interest in holiday home ownership, visit Holiday Park Resorts UK | Ownership & Short Breaks Resorts – Darwin Escapes.

You can follow Darwin Escapes on social media at @darwinescapes. 

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.