Beautiful UK holiday spot is 'total relaxation' right by world's fastest zipwire
Sky's the limit - damp weather didn't put Fiona Whitty off the most perfect of family breaks in North Wales
As my beauty therapist Lilly gently moved warm Himalayan salt rocks around my back, I closed my eyes. But as I let my body slip into relaxation mode I was jolted awake by a piercing honk. Then another. And another. Lilly giggled as she felt my muscles tense. 'I'm so sorry,' she whispered. 'That's Percy. He gets very excited when the sun comes out.'
Bleary-eyed, I conjured up an image of a lazy gardener with a throat problem who abandons the lawnmower for a sunlounger whenever the weather picks up. But Percy, it turns out, is the resident peacock at one of North Wales' newest hotspots, the Marian Resort and Spa. And, boy, does he let you know it.
Percy's honking aside, my 60-minute hot-rock relaxing massage at the Serenity Spa aptly summed up our stay at Marian – a glorious mix of pleasure, leisure and rest. It was utter bliss. The Marian Resort and Spa, which opened just last year and is a short drive inland from the popular seaside resorts of Rhyl and Prestatyn, has fantastic facilities that can also up the pace when needed.
My husband Tim and I plus three of our kids – Freddie, 16, Rosie, 19, and 22-year-old Max – made the most of the well-equipped gym and wide selection of fitness classes, with a gruelling circuits class, bums, legs and tums and a soothing yoga session proving particular hits.
Daily dips in the large indoor pool – with floor to ceiling windows inviting in wonderful views over Denbighshire – followed by a chill on the soothing heated loungers also went down well.
We stayed in a sumptuously sized 'luxury' lodge with an en-suite, a spacious lounge/diner and walk-in shower in the main bathroom. The large private hot tub was an added, and well-used, bonus.
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The kitchenette had a toaster, microwave and fridge but there was no oven or hob – designed to encourage parents' full relaxation. It didn't take long to enjoy the freedom of not having to think about meals. Mind you the wide choice of dining on the resort itself made that very easy – as did the reasonable prices.
In the clubhouse, The View Restaurant served a hearty Welsh breakfast, which can be included in your package, with favourites such as sausage, bacon, black pudding and scrambled eggs alongside cereals, yogurts and pastries.
Come the evenings the lights were dimmed and delectable dishes like pan-fried sea bass with brown shrimp butter and samphire, salmon and prawn linguine with a parmesan crumb, and the awesome crispy Asian beef salad were served.
For starters, the homemade soup of the day was always a winner – my favourite was chickpea and aubergine – while for dessert the sticky toffee pudding with chunks of honeycomb was pretty unbeatable. Outside of a great-value DBB rate, all of these were available on a pocket-friendly midweek two-course set menu for around £20. And, as the name suggested, tip-top views over the Vale of Clwyd and out towards the edge of Snowdonia and coast came with every meal.
Elsewhere the relaxing Lounge Bar was perfect for a light lunch of salad or sandwiches – or a huge portion of fish and chips for hungrier ones. Meanwhile the Sports Bar and Grill offered all-day comfort food like burgers – or my son Freddie's go-to, chicken wings followed by hickory BBQ ribs. We also loved the daily specials here like Tuesday's Pie and Pint and Thursday's Curry Night, both just a tenner including a pint or soft drink.
The Cocktail Bar was also perfect for a pre- or post-dinner tipple. Drinks were well priced too, with a bottle of house wine in the restaurant for £22, pints for around £5-6 and a two-for-one cocktail hour in the Lounge Bar every weekday evening.
The resort was cleverly designed to provide an upmarket yet welcoming feel without a ridiculous price tag. We managed to chill yet feel pampered at the same time. Away from the resort, adventure innovators Zip World in Snowdonia beckoned. They're constantly pioneering new thrills, including the world's fastest zipwire and a trampoline-style underground park.
We opted to try out a couple of activities at their Penrhyn Quarry site, set in the rugged terrain of a former slate quarry. First up was Aero Explorer, a 'zip coaster' that's like nothing I'd ever seen before. Dangling from a 480-yard-long overhead track, you're flung around bends and loops at speeds of up to 30mph. At times we spiralled like corkscrews and at other points we felt like we were going to fly right off. It was terrifying and hilarious in equal measure, a truly unique experience (from £22 for two goes, zipworld.co.uk).
Next up was another novelty – Zip World's Quarry Karts, the UK's only mountain karting adventure. You're sat in a three-wheeled go-kart as you power down a slate mountain for almost two miles, tackling obstacles like tunnels, banked bends and chicanes.
It was scary – there were sheer drops beside us at times and we were going at up to 25mph – but a wide and low wheelbase provided stability. To be fair, the biggest danger for me came from Freddie trying to overtake me at every chance. If you can take your eyes off the track for a few seconds (I couldn't) you'll also be treated to serene views of mountains and the quarry's turquoise lake (from £40 for two goes).
More fun was had on a trip to Rhyl. The rain- and wind-lashed beach at the famous resort looked uninviting so instead we nipped into SC2, a leisure centre that's home to Ninja Tag. Dubbed a cross between Total Wipeout and Ninja Warrior, it's an indoor assault course that's like an adult version of a kids' soft play area. Its range of thrilling obstacles included rope bridges, huge balls to hop across, slides to clamber up and a spider wall that's traversed by pressing your hands and feet along the sides of the tunnel.
Along the way you score points by scanning your wristband on various probes – usually placed precariously out of reach – for a leaderboard place. My competitive kids went for it like mad and emerged exhausted and drenched but laughing their heads off (from £11, sc2rhyl.co.uk). It was an apt ending to a break full of fun and thrills… and complete and utter relaxation.
Book the holiday
A one-bedroom lodge at Marian Resort and Spa near Prestatyn, Denbighshire, starts at £89 a night; B&B £111; DB&B £151. marianresortandspa.com
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Wales Online
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Essential items: Adjustable paddle Leash (always use one) Buoyancy aid or personal flotation device (PFD) Waterproof case for your phone Appropriate clothing for the water temperature Dry bag for spare kit or snacks Staying Safe on the Water Why not join a SUP social? (Image: Mark Lewis ) Always use a paddleboard with a leash – it keeps you attached to your board if you fall off. Wear a personal flotation device that allows you to move freely while paddling. One person per board – don't share unless you are taking part in an organised 'mega SUP' session. Take your mobile in a waterproof case – if you're in trouble, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard. Paddleboarding with a friend is safer and more fun. Going solo? Tell someone where you're going and when you'll be back. Check the weather and tide times before you set off. Paddleboards are easily blown offshore. Give your board and gear a quick safety check before you head out. Ensure everything is in good condition. If you're new to paddleboarding, book a taster session or a course to learn the basics. Got Your Own Board? If you're paddling on canals, rivers, or lakes in England and Wales, you'll need a waterways licence for areas managed by the Canal & River Trust and other authorities. You can get one from Paddle Cymru. Article continues below A Paddle Cymru membership gives you an annual waterways licence, so you're covered to paddle on licensed waters across England and Wales. It also provides up-to-date information on where to paddle, what to expect on the water, and downloadable route guides.
Wales Online
6 hours ago
- Wales Online
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Mo, known as 'Mo The Comedian', was full of praise for the audience in the Welsh capital when he took to Instagram after his show at Cardiff's Utilita Arena on Friday, April 4. Joanna Page Gavin & Stacey star Joanna Page was spotted filming in Barry Island. The actress and presenter returned to her lovable character Stacey's home turf to do some filming alongside presenter chef Chris 'Flamebaster' Roberts on Thursday, March 6. The star took to Instagram to document her day, with a snap of her looking happy under the blue skies of Barry Island. In another photo on her Instagram story, the actress was posing with the Caernarfon-based chef Chris 'Flamebaster' Roberts on Barry Island's promenade, near the beach and Bay 5 Coffee café. Read more, here. Channing Tatum When it comes to life in Wrexham, by now the residents of the leafy Welsh border city are no strangers to Hollywood royalty, thanks to the investment of Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney in local football club, Wrexham FC. Yet it appears the appeal of the city has now earned yet another showbiz admirer after Magic Mike star Channing Tatum visited and fell in love with everything it had to offer. Reflecting on his recent visit on social media, Channing proudly told his followers that his trip was something he'll 'never forget' as he shared a carousel of photos from his time exploring every inch of the former market town, which was granted city status back in 2022. Danny Beard, Hayley Tamaddon, Tia Kofi, Baga Chipz, Veronica Green, Cheryl, Jade Thirwall, Aston Merrygold, Jennifer Ellison, Jameson Stocks, Claire Sweeney, Pete Price, Ian Watkins and Jayde Adams Many celebrities attended the funeral of beloved drag queen The Vivienne, in Denbigshire. They were born in Wales and you can read more, here. Ed Sheeran Ed Sheeran surprised a school in Cardiff Students at a Cardiff high school were left utterly astounded when Ed Sheeran made a surprise entrance during their morning assembly. The global music sensation serenaded nearly 2,000 pupils at Fitzalan High School in Cardiff. Scott Mills Scott Mills has revealed the one thing he'll miss most about Swansea as his Christmas pantomime stint ended. The nation's favourite DJ and radio presenter took on the role of Mayor Mills over seven weeks in the 2024 pantomime Jack and The Beanstalk at the Swansea Grand Theatre. After the last show on Sunday, January 5, the star said he was gutted for it all to be over. Posting on Facebook, Scott described how much he will miss this era of his life but also some Welsh classics too. Billy Duffy, Eddie McDonald, Bruce Watson, Jamie Watson Another funeral that had some celebrity attendance was the funeral of Mike Peters, the much-adored frontman of The Alarm. The service was held at the Parish Church of St Bridget and St Cwyfan in Waterfall Road, Dyserth, featuring 24 speakers and musicians. Article continues below
