A staycation now in the UK is the safest and most fun and exciting way to explore our beautiful country, we have it all, well almost, weather permitting.

When I was offered the wonderful opportunity to check out the Away Resorts Sandy Balls Park in the New Forest, it could not have come at a more opportune time, I was exhausted, I’m an athlete and train in the gym and on a tennis court six days out of seven. So I invited a good friend to join me, who was also in need of a break.

The New Forest is an escape destination, full of wonder, whether you need to just chill out or fancy getting that adrenalin pumping, it’s all there.

As we approached the holiday village we could already feel our shoulders easing, surrounded by ancient woodlands with glorious views. We checked-in to our Zen Cabin which included our own private jacuzzi. A jacuzzi! Perfect for my aching muscles and believe me we used this every day, what a treat!

The Zen Cabin is top of the range accommodation in the park, but there are plenty of choices to fit all budgets, and we could see why families return time and again.

The cabin was huge, well appointed and designed with comfort in mind. With scandi style furniture throughout, 2 bedrooms, an en-suite and most importantly that jacuzzi.

The Zen Cabin features all of these:

Hot Tub options available
King size bed with posh Fogarty duvets & bounce back pillows
His and her basins and a double shower
Welcome pack with drinks & goodies
Park information pack
55″ TV with Freeview & DVD Player
Sound Bar with Bluetooth
Decking OR Patio & Outdoor furniture
TV’s in all bedrooms
Complimentary toiletries & towels included
Guaranteed allocated parking
Heated and double glazing
Included as standard

Crockery, Cutlery, Glasses & Utensils
Microwave, Kettle & Toaster
Oven & Hob
Fridge with Freezer compartment
Pillows & Linen included
Beds made on arrival
Bathroom & En-Suite

It really is a cliche, but it’s a home-away-from-home, every conceivable comfort is included. It’s a stylish and comfortable cabin.

The holiday park includes a stay-of-the-art gym and spa, an indoor and outdoor pool, soft play areas, several great restaurants,  a well stocked village store, a cycle centre, private dining pods for that romantic experience and an arcade for fun and games.

The park also offers a variety of other activities such as pottery painting, making your own tie-dye t/shirt,  there are resident alpacas, a bush-craft school and forest laser tag. If you feel the need to just relax, that’s not a problem, but when you’re fully done with just enjoying the scenery and feel fully rested, there is plenty to choose from.

Dining is great in the park there are several eateries, ranging from low budget to the real deal. We enjoyed a delicious meal in the gastro-style dog friendly Woodside Inn, we both chose a classic burger and a beer, superb, delicious, hot and served with fab service. Since we were only visiting for a short but really super three night stay we decided to treat ourselves to breakfast every morning. Aubrey’s Forest Kitchen served a stunning and hearty full English breakfast which set us both up for the activities of the day ahead.

We did a lot of walking, eating and chilling, but we also did use the gym and pool. We took some bikes out to explore a little further and found some great local pubs for lunch. The bikes were great quality and well looked after.

There is so much to do in the local area, from Pepa Pig World for the little ones and Adventure Wonderland to Hurst Castle, Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary, New Forest Water Park, Ringwood Brewery and Go Ape to mention just a few. There are beautiful gardens and castles to visit, zoos and even an oceanarium. You could stay for a month not see all that this stunning part of the country has to offer, no wonder guests return again and again.

We also will be back, the cabin was perfect, as were the restaurants, the little store was also handy, the grounds stunning and maintenance spot-on. Next time we come back I will make sure we stay a little longer and try a Segway tour, we simply ran out of time. We both left the park feeling totally revived and refreshed.

Away Resorts have numerous locations in Lincolnshire, Essex, The New Forest, Hayling Island Cornwall and North Wales. The parks all vary but offer all of the fantastic facilities we experienced at Sandy Balls, ensuring every member of the family enjoys the most exciting and exhilarating break.

W: Away Resorts
E: Enquiries
T: 0330 053 7000

Social media

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Written by Joshua Aaron for Luxuria Lifestyle London and International