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Arguably one of the finest resorts in Wales is also one of the most family-centric. Designed with multi-generational travel in mind, it's has been named the top holiday park in Wales and third across the UK by Which? Magazine for the third consecutive year. But is Bluestone, the jewel in the crown of Welsh holiday parks, suitable for breaks just for adults? This 5-star luxury holiday destination, nestled in 500 acres of beautiful Welsh countryside in Narberth, Pembrokeshire, easily competes with Center Parcs for British getaways. It's a popular choice for summer holidays and weekend breaks, with families flocking to enjoy a wide range of facilities that includes a subtropical indoor water park and a pastel-hued village complete with a pub, playground, cafes, and a shop. It seemed idyllic, in a family-focused sort of way. I'd always wanted to visit, but there was one minor problem: I don't have children, writes Portia Jones for Wales Online . "Who goes to a holiday park without kids?" my perplexed parent friends wondered, whilst simultaneously trying to negotiate nap time with a toddler. "What's even there for you?" That's what I was about to discover, on what I convinced myself was a serious journalistic endeavour and not, in reality, an excuse for a weekend away in Pembs. Join the North Wales Live Whatsapp community now We visited during the off-season, when the unpredictable Welsh weather could swing either way, and the question was straightforward. Would Bluestone feel uncomfortable for adults on a child-free break, or could two grown-ups have a perfectly enjoyable time without a single Jellycat in sight? "Time to get to work". It's a phrase that invariably prompts an eye roll from my family, who firmly believe my job consists of little more than sipping wine in various postcodes. Following a swift two-hour journey from Cardiff, the drive-thru check-in was remarkably quick and efficient, defying my expectations of four-mile queues. From 11am, guests are free to make use of the site's amenities, a feature I suspect helps stagger arrivals and is a godsend for parents eager to deposit their children in the pool after a lengthy car journey. " No, we're not there yet, put another Bluey on." Meanwhile, my sole dependent, my husband, was primarily concerned with whether the pub had opened. We were directed to the "arrivals lodge", where a cheerful team handed us our key cards and digital welcome pack before sending us off for our golf cart briefing and collection. We were allocated one of the resort's more luxurious options, the Solva Lodge, nestled in a tranquil, suburban-like corner of the park peppered with vibrant cottages and sizeable cabin-style lodges. The resort's accommodation offerings cater to every group size and budget. Our sleek, single-storey lodge exceeded my expectations, boasting spacious open-plan living, bi-fold doors, a master bedroom with an en-suite, and a private patio. The accommodation also boasted a well-stocked kitchen, equipped with everything necessary for self-catering, from an abundance of plates and cooking utensils to a dishwasher and microwave. I was eager to put together a lavish charcuterie board. Honestly, it was far more luxurious than I had anticipated from a British holiday park. Well done, Bluestone. As an older millennial, my previous experiences of holiday parks were largely budget-friendly, caravan-style "sun holidays", paid for with newspaper tokens. But then again, the 90s were a different era. Before we could even begin to unpack, we needed a strategy. Where does one start in a sprawling holiday park brimming with family-friendly activities? Do you make a beeline for the waterpark? Or do you claim a spot at the spa for a soak and a glass of bubbly? We settled on a compromise: a leisurely reconnaissance lap around the resort in the golf buggy, waving at fellow guests like excited pensioners on a joyride. A buggy is essential for navigating the predominantly car-free site. Bluestone is vast, encompassing lakes, woodland, an activity 'hive', a tropical pool, and a charming pastel-coloured village. Just remember to adhere to the one-way system, or you'll find yourself reversing uphill at a snail's pace, as we did. After unpacking, we decided to take the plunge and head to the pool for our first 'holiday activity', mentally preparing ourselves for the inevitable scramble with children for the best spots on the flumes. Bluestone's 'Subtropical Paradise' is a standout feature and it's not hard to see why. Encased under a wooden roof resembling an inverted coracle, this all-weather haven boasts a large, temperature-controlled pool, a lazy river, flumes, spa pools, and a "Nippers Cove" for the little ones. Families can book swim classes, including "water babies" sessions for tots under three, and there's a lively "pirate takeover" complete with music and inflatables that promises to be a hoot. Confident young swimmers can even enrol in the popular "Merschool", where they'll get to play mermaids. I was tempted to enquire about the age limit – after all, who wouldn't want to swap mundane life admin for an hour of mermaid cosplay? Yes, I realise my generation is absurd. Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox We hit the pool late in the afternoon, prime time for letting the kids loose in the waves to burn off some energy, so we were bracing ourselves for a 'last days of Rome' scenario, albeit with more inflatable rings. To our surprise, several adults seemed to be enjoying a swim sans children, and the atmosphere was decidedly relaxed. It was surprisingly serene for a holiday resort pool, another perk of visiting during off-peak times. Granted, stepping into a vast family pool without a couple of kids in tow can feel a bit awkward at first, but after the initial wave sessions, we found ourselves happily floating along the lazy river and attempting half-hearted lengths for "fitness". Outside, there were inviting spa pools where we joined several parents who had managed to snatch a few moments of serene silence, free from the sounds of Cocomelon. "I left them with their dad in the waves", one mother confided in me. "He'll cope." I nodded in agreement, as if I too had a child somewhere being looked after by a trendy bearded father armed with a pool noodle. Of course, there were still children around; it's not suddenly an adults-only lido, but the ratio was decidedly in our favour. During our swim session, we didn't witness any full-blown shrieking water fights, lifeguards bellowing into megaphones, or pool evacuations due to "faecal incidents", thank goodness! Instead, there was just a gentle background noise of splashing and children having a splendid time on the flumes. It turns out that off-peak Bluestone is remarkably relaxed, and we made sure to pencil in more 'pool time' into our weekend itinerary. Post-swim, it was naturally time for the pub, so we returned the buggy to the lodge (Bluestone discourages drink-driving golf carts) and strolled over to The Knights Tafarn, situated in the heart of the resort's quaint village. Positioned near the children's playground, this pub exudes a real 'family vibe', serving up pub grub favourites like burgers, curries, sausage and mash, along with a decent children's menu. We sat outside in the rare Welsh sunshine, enjoying Bluestone's own G&Ts (yes, they even distil their own gin here) while a live reggae band played. Children were happily dancing, parents cheerfully queued for the reasonably priced hog roast, and the wholesome atmosphere was reminiscent of a contemporary, middle-class version of Hi-de-Hi! It's no surprise that families love visiting here. Bluestone offers several dining options, including the Oak Tree Restaurant, which serves Italian classics "made with Welsh love", the family-friendly Farmhouse Grill, and the health-conscious NRG Lab Café, situated in the Hive. At the Black Pool Mill, you'll be treated to dishes made from some of Pembrokeshire's finest produce. Nestled in leafy Minwear Wood, just off the Bluestone resort, this "heritage dining experience" was once the site of an 18th-century iron furnace and forge. The Grade II* listed Georgian building was constructed to harness water power to grind wheat into flour. The machinery inside the building, installed in 1901, has been preserved as part of Pembrokeshire's industrial heritage. In terms of food, there is a selection of snacks, sandwiches, and small plates, all utilising fresh produce and seasonal ingredients sourced from the local area. The standout, in my view, is the upscale Sunday Lunch, starting at £26 for two courses, which we decided to sample, purely for journalistic purposes. The starters set the tone: beef cheek croquettes with lasagne mayo (yes, it's a thing and yes, it works), parmesan crackling and red pepper, or courgette pakoras with lime pickle mayo, coriander and mango gel. For those with a penchant for meat, the star of the show is the roasted Welsh topside of beef: flawlessly pink, just as it ought to be. In my view, overcooked beef is a gastronomic atrocity deserving of kitchen exile. My Yorkshire pudding was generously proportioned and served with maple-glazed root vegetables, roast potatoes, seasonal greens, and swede and sweet potato mash. The balance between gravy and meat was also just right, which, in my book, is the ultimate test of any roast. My husband chose the roasted Welsh pork loin with sausage and herb stuffing and proclaimed it "the best decision I've ever made", a comment I'm striving not to take to heart. Having experienced numerous trips with children in tow, the clear advantage of an adults-only getaway is the freedom to dine at your leisure (a revolutionary idea, I know). There are no rigid meal times enforced by toddlers who insist on eating at 5:01 sharp or else risk the downfall of civilisation. Instead, you can reserve a table for 8 pm and enjoy your meal at a more reasonable hour. You'll need to come prepared with a hearty appetite for this lunch. It was so satisfying that we opted to forego our post-lunch swim in favour of a nap, possibly the most middle-aged statement I've ever penned. In between visits to coffee shops, strolls and leisurely mornings, we managed to squeeze in a few more "adult" activities at Bluestone, beginning with The Well Spa Retreat. Run by an acclaimed team of therapists, this chic spa caters to individuals aged 14 and above, providing a luxurious retreat for adults in need of some quality me time. Upon arrival, guests are presented with a towel and a plush robe, instantly transforming them from holidaymakers into spa royalty. This is precisely where I find myself on a Saturday afternoon. Instead of nursing a severe hangover under the duvet as was my habit in my 20s, I'm now ensconced in a spa sea salt cave. Despite my previous scepticism towards anything I deemed as new-age, I now count myself among the growing number of people prioritising wellness. Instead of downing sambuca shots, I now schedule sauna sessions and ice bath dips akin to a budget-conscious Gwyneth Paltrow. My 19-year-old self would be shaking her head in disbelief. As a recent convert to the spa lifestyle, I must admit I'm impressed. The Celtic Thermal Suite is undoubtedly the star attraction: a sequence of six interconnected pods that encourage you to alternate between hot, cold, and steamy experiences with your companions. One moment you're breathing in herbal aromas in a steam-filled room, the next you're applying ice to your limbs in the frosty Ice Pod, before transitioning to a brick sauna or the intense Celtic Sauna infused with the delicate fragrance of Pembrokeshire bracken. The circuit is designed to stimulate, detoxify, and recalibrate your body, although, in reality, it feels more like a wonderfully sanctioned form of idleness. Mist, heat, ice, repeat, all rounded off with a glass of bubbly, in the name of wellness. During my sauna and steam room adventures, my thoughts drifted between a zen-like state and mild anxiety about whether my mascara was melting down my face, having naturally forgotten to remove it beforehand. Every pore had opened for business. Perspiration emerged from places I never realised possessed sweat glands (elbows! who would have thought?). Yet I experienced something resembling tranquillity, or perhaps dehydration, in that instant. Regardless, it did the trick. I was brimming with serenity and genuinely craving a glass of prosecco or an attractively priced cocktail. Seeking additional pampering? Treatments represent an optional enhancement but prove worthwhile for every penny. You can reserve everything from bamboo massages and luxury pedicures to signature massages, bespoke facials, or the lavish seaweed bathing experience. We selected the seaweed bath and surfaced feeling completely restored, less bog monster and more somewhat sophisticated grown-up. The bath contains Welsh sea salt and over eighty-five pure minerals, alongside sustainably hand-gathered seaweed from the Pembrokeshire coastline by Câr-y-Môr. The treatment purifies, enhances skin texture, and moisturises like nothing else. It's anti-ageing, anti-cellulite, and utterly calming, all within one steaming, mineral-enriched vessel. What a delightful indulgence. Outside, the hydrotherapy pool represents where the genuine enchantment occurs. It features warm water, soothing jets, and, importantly, no youngsters shouting "I did a wee in the pool." It's wonderfully peaceful. Surrounding us, other grown-ups were evidently unwinding as well, despite the hen party being quite subdued with no questionable inflatables or body glitter in sight. For a time, the only sounds were the gentle hum of jets, bubbles, and the occasional sigh of utter relaxation. By the time we departed, slightly wrinkled but completely rejuvenated, it was clear why the spa is a top attraction for Bluestone visitors. Beyond the spa, there are other wholesome wellness pursuits to partake in, including picturesque woodland walks. As a holiday resort, most of the activities here are geared towards families. There's archery, laser tag, kayaking, cycling and bowling. A lot of the activities revolve around 'The Hive', an indoor play and activity centre that will keep children amused for hours. It offers messy play, soft play, a play tower, an airmaze, and a multi-court arena for ball games. The Serendome is equally remarkable. Enclosed under a massive transparent dome, this unique indoor-outdoor adventure playground provides high-thrill activities like an aerial 'sky walk' made up of a climbing frame built over seven towers with 24 custom climbing stations spread across three levels. As we strolled past, I felt a twinge of jealousy. In my youth, "holiday park entertainment" meant a patchy lawn, a rusty swing set and a vivid imagination. The Serendome would have been mind-blowing for me as an eight-year=old. We opted to give kayaking a go, as it appeared the most suitable pursuit without youngsters tagging along. Naturally, the "air maze" would have been my top pick. It sounds absolutely brilliant. Kayaking and SUP sessions occur on the tranquil waters of Bluestone's exclusive lake, which is encircled by magnificent wildlife and forest. There was a distinct family atmosphere as we departed from the jetty, with endlessly patient parents shepherding adorable and charmingly stubborn children around the water. "No, we mustn't stroke the ducks, Hugo." For seasoned paddlers like ourselves, it proved a rather gentle outing, but it's clearly tailored for novices, so we simply enjoyed a leisurely circuit, lamenting our choice not to smuggle 'gin tinnies' onto our craft. Naturally, being close to the shoreline, Bluestone is perfectly situated for more adrenaline-fuelled pursuits like coasteering and sea kayaking. A brief drive away, you'll discover a mile of coastal path, sheltered coves, and numerous activity firms providing equipment rental and guided excursions. As our visit neared its end, it was time for an assessment. I believe Bluestone's charm lies in the fact you needn't venture beyond the grounds if you prefer not to. Everything is on-site. Jump aboard a buggy and you're moments from woodland paths, a swimming pool, pubs, eateries, an upmarket spa and numerous activities. Being vehicle-free also makes it exceptionally safe to allow little ones to roam freely if you've brought the family along. The spacious lodges and cottages make this an ideal choice for a grown-up getaway with your friends, particularly if you're seeking a spa retreat where everyone can stay together rather than in separate hotel rooms. By the end of the weekend, I had transformed from a mild sceptic to a full-on Bluestone enthusiast. What I had initially dismissed as a glorified children's camp turned out to be a low-effort, high-reward escape that I didn't realise I needed. And it appears we're not alone in our thinking. According to the Bluestone team, so far this year, around 12.5% of all bookings (over 4,000) are adult-only, with no children or infants, which genuinely took me by surprise. I assumed we would be in the minority, but it seems a significant number of adults are enjoying their best holiday park life. It's important to note, however, that the park is still very much tailored towards families. The pools, activities, and the Hive are designed for little ones to run wild, and that's part of its charm. But if you can tolerate a few distant screams, it's quite pleasant to spend a weekend in a lovely lodge, with a pool, spa, and pub all within walking or buggy distance. You can plan as much or as little as you like, and the usual logistical headaches associated with UK getaways are largely absent. In terms of cost, it's likely on the steeper side for a Welsh getaway, but there are methods to make it more digestible. Midweek breaks often come with attractive deals, and if you're part of a group, dividing the lodge cost makes it surprisingly economical. Plus, without children, you don't have to account for additional activity costs, leaving more funds for spa treatments. Win! Truthfully, I'm already scheming a return trip, this time with the girls. The agenda? Cheese, wine, robes, and absolutely no schedule. Perhaps the occasional spa session for wellness. My main takeaway is that Bluestone isn't solely for families herding young children into armbands and soft play sessions. It can also cater to adults seeking a stress-free break where the pool is warm, the pub is just a short walk away, and for a few days at least, mundane-life admin and emails can be put aside. I'm convinced. For prices and reservations, visit bluestonewales.com. Portia Jones was a guest of Bluestone. Find family activities near you
