Why families have fallen for responsible and luxurious lodge holidays in Devon

Looking for an easy weekend holiday in Devon, Natasha Harding discovered The Mole Resort and fell for lodges with hot tubs, and sensational views.

The Mole Resort, North Devon

When travelling with children, staying in self catering accommodation is often easier, and if it’s a luxurious eco-lodge then so much the better.

The Mole Resort offers family lodges set in 125 acres of countryside, so it was perfect for a short holiday in Devon with my husband Paul, 17 year old son Zak and ten-year-old daughter Lexi.

The perfect setting for a holiday in Devon

The Mole Resort brings sustainable luxury to a lodge holiday in Devon

It was sunny Friday afternoon when we arrived, straight from the school run as we were determined to make the most of our trip.

We were booked into a three bedroom Valley View lodge which sleeps up to six. It’s one of the 58 eco-conscious lodges available, and all are fairly new additions to the resort and created with sustainable tourism in mind, so there’s energy efficient lighting, triple glazed windows and a heat pump, just for starters.

Also, everything that can be recycled is, and the resort uses the most eco-friendly cleaning and hygiene products too.

All the fixtures and fittings in the lodge were high-end but comfortable, from big squishy sofas and a wall-mounted TV to a super-sized fridge complete with ice maker, large kitchen table and large, comfortable beds.

Remembering our love of lodges with hot tubs

We’re reminded how much we love lodges with hot tubs

Everything we needed for a short holiday in Devon had been thought, right down to super-soft towels, robes and slippers. As well as toiletries in the bathrooms, there were cleaning products in the kitchen and even umbrellas on the porch, which luckily didn’t get an outing.
Although, I was particularly pleased with the welcome bottle of Prosecco and chocolates that had been thoughtfully left on the side.

The living space was impressive with huge glass doors and windows overlooking our wraparound balcony and the valley.

Once we’d decided who was sleeping where we had our first dip in our private hot tub.

Lodges with hot tubs are the last word as far as I’m concerned. But this one was particularly soothing, and as I enjoyed the silence, sunshine and a sneaky glass of fizz, I can confirm it as a definite highlight of the year. If only every Friday was like that.

The Mole Resort thinks of everything, even luxe bathrobes

You can pack as light as you like for this holiday in Devon

If you don’t want to bring loads of supplies with you, there’s an option to pre-book different ‘packs’. We had ordered a breakfast pack and roast pack both of which were left in the fridge, and very generous, with enough to feed the four of us – and then some.

However, before we did any cooking, we went for a walk around the grounds and had a drink in Cellars Bar, one of the bars and restaurants on site.  Then dinner at the lodge was a perfect way to end the first night of our holiday in Devon. Though, of course, we couldn’t resist another dip in the hot tub.

Painting pottery on holiday in Devon

Sunshine and a pottery painting workshop

The sun was shining again on Saturday morning and we were all up early to make the most of the day. Our full English made from our breakfast pack was delicious and as the sun continued to shine, we were lucky enough to be able to eat outside.

There’s a huge array of things to do on site and for children (and adults) who like to be busy, you couldn’t ask for more. Highlights include; axe-throwing, adventure trails, nerf wars, mini archery as well as bushcraft and survival skills.

There’s also a park and trim trail on site – just in case you need it.

Lexi and I visited the on site craft workshop and enjoyed a lovely hour painting some pottery. We left our creations to be glazed in the kiln and were promised they’d be ready before checking out the following day.

Indoor pool, The Mole Resort, Devon

Some healthy competition before a dip in the pool

There’s a games room next to the Hub full of everything you can imagine; jigsaw puzzles, a table tennis table, shuffleboard, table football, air hockey – and Paul’s all time favourite a retro video games table which took him back to his childhood.

Once I eventually tore him away, we had a go at foot golf and then Attack Sense.  A shooting game might not be first thought on a peaceful countryside holiday in Devon, but this turned out to be great fun.  The aim was to hit as many targets as possible within a set time and compete against each other, our 90 minutes flew by, and it might have got a bit competitive.

Lexi was a bit unsure at first, but with some reassurance she ended up having ‘the best time’ and didn’t want it to end.

We’d opted for the Hero’s Pass which entitled us to three activities as well as unlimited foot and disc golf. Otherwise, activities are £20 per person and suitable for over 10s.

We were champing at the bit to try out the indoor pool so we cooled off there after all the shooting. The pool is housed in the Pavilion where there is also a sauna, jacuzzi and sauna.

Lexi at home at The Mole Resort, Devon

Treat yourself to dinner at the Mole Resort Restaurant

By the time we had dinner at the Mole Resort Restaurant, we were all famished after a day of constant movement. The food is locally sourced and the traditional, hearty dishes include Slow Cooked Beef Chilli, Homemade Shepherd’s Pie and Spinach & Ricotta Tortellini. The children’s menu is £12.50 for two courses.

The sun was shining again on Sunday morning, but as I’d booked a late check out, there wasn’t any need to rush.

We enjoyed a final swim in the pool before breakfast in the sunshine, because why not? Then, after a final relaxing dip in the hot tub. it was time to pack and go, which we did with heavy hearts.

We had an absolutely wonderful time and it was great to try new things as a family and a weekend of sunshine was the icing on our delightful holiday in Devon.