Park life

FOR many people, holidaying in a park resort conjures up images of Red Coats and Butlins, but having never enjoyed such a holiday myself I packed my bags for an overnight stay at Slaley Hall determined to forget everything I had been told and make up my own mind.

Even though Slaley Hall is categorised as a park resort, it couldn't be further from those images. Situated in beautiful Northumbrian countryside six miles south of Hexham, about an hour's drive away from Darlington, Slaley Hall belongs to the De Vere group of luxury hotels, along with similar leisure resorts in Lincolnshire and Scotland. Surrounded by 1,000 acres of forest and moorland, Slaley Hall not only comprises a 139-bed hotel, two world-class golf courses and two restaurants, but also 37 elegant self-catering lodges.

It was in one of those lodges that we stayed on a beautiful sunny weekend away from the hustle and bustle of our working lives. Located in a picturesque village-style cluster away from the main hotel, the lodges are all five-star quality, sleeping either six or eight people. On the outside they are Scandinavian in appearance, with plenty of exposed natural wood and enormous windows that open out onto large wrap-around balconies and patios. And despite the relatively close proximity to neighbouring lodges, they are cleverly positioned as to afford the most privacy - none of the lodges were overlooked.

As to the inside, everything is geared towards luxury. Decorated in a style that will appeal to most tastes, our lodge had three large bedrooms. Both the doubles were en-suite and the twin room had the use of the main bathroom that also included a Jacuzzi and a sauna, which, along with under-floor heating, come as standard in all lodges.

However, it was the master bedroom on the mezzanine level which was the most impressive. It afforded an amazing view straight through the floor-to-ceiling French doors and boasted a sleigh bed which could have easily accommodated a family of four.

Also standard in all lodges are ultra-modern Siemens kitchen appliances, including dishwasher and washing machine, high tech Bang & Olufson entertainment systems and an electric golf buggy, with its own parking bay and charging point.

When we arrived we were pleasantly surprised to find our fridge stocked with all the things necessary for a proper breakfast for our first morning in the lodge. A thoughtful gesture which made us feel really welcome.

And as if these luxurious surroundings were not enough to tempt just about anyone to lounge around in their dressing gown and slippers all day, there are plenty of exciting things to do in and around the resort to drive out the stress demons. For those who relax by being active, Slaley Hall has so much to offer to divert the busy mind that it would take a three-week stay to try it all. Apart from its two championship golf courses and driving range, the resort also has a fishing pond, two play areas and a football pitch. Outdoor activities are designed to include all the family and range from archery, paintballing, clay pigeon shooting, orienteering, quizzes and treasure hunts, to 4x4 off-road driving, pony trekking and quad biking. And for those who want to indulge in the great British pastime of rambling, Slaley Hall has five colour-coded walks of different lengths which take in the natural beauty of the whole of the park. More challenging walks can be found in Kielder Forest or in the Northumberland National Park.

We were happy to explore the countryside in the immediate vicinity of the lodges and hotel which took us a good hour and which we rounded off with the biggest club sandwich at the clubhouse bar and grill.

And at the resort's leisure club and spa, which are situated at the main hotel, a five-minute walk or two-minute buggy ride from the lodges, the staff are experts at pampering away any last remains of everyday worries. I tried a Jessica System manicure, which lasted a blissful 45 minutes and only cost £25, money well spent as the treatment included everything from exfoliation and massaging to moisturising and varnishing. I was lucky to book an appointment at a day's notice as all the beauty and therapy sessions are extremely popular.

Gym classes, like circuit training, yoga, ballroom and Latin dance, aerobics, as well as special play times for the children in the pool, are also available and, by the sounds of the whoops coming from that area, they certainly seemed like a lot of fun.

Further afield, the resort is ideally situated for visits to all the region's favourite attractions. Newcastle and the MetroCentre, for instance, are only a 30-minute drive away and other sights such as Hadrian's Wall, Alnwick Castle or Beamish Open Air Museum within easy driving distance.

As our visit at Slaley Hall came to an end and we decided to treat ourselves to an a la carte meal at The Restaurant, we felt that after all that sitting in saunas, lounging in the Jacuzzis and indulging in massages, we had deserved the luxury of our queen-sized bed. It really had been an exhausting day.

TREVEL FACTS

Slaley Hall resort is just off the A68 between Hexham and Kiln Pit Hill. For further information, ring the hotel on 01434-673350.

All luxury lodges are available either within a time share scheme or for week-long breaks through Slaley Hall Resort Ownership. The Northern Echo has teamed up with the resort to offer our readers the chance to enjoy a luxury self-catering lodge break with up to 20 per cent off the normal rental tariff. You can choose from the lodges at Slaley Hall or Cameron House and The Carrick on the bank of Loch Lomond or Belton Woods in Lincolnshire.

To check availablity or make reservations, ring 0845-402-8402, quoting NE07 or visit www. devereresortholidays.co.uk for further information.

This offer is available on new reservations only for stays taken between this month and February 8, 2008. Subject to availability and excludes Christmas, New Year and school holidays.