Waterside Holiday Park & Spa & Sea Life Adventure Park, Weymouth

WE could not fail to be impressed as we ventured into reception by the plush carpets and luxurious feel of the Waterside Holiday Park & Spa. “You’re booked into a safari tent,” we were told, at which my heart sank, having given up camping, after a particularly wet, uneven ground kind of stay just down the road from this revamped holiday park in the heart of the Jurassic Coast in Weymouth. We’re in for a cold night, I thought. I could not have been more wrong.

Waterside boasts 12 safari tents and lodges, all contained in their own corner of the site, with gated access, and fairy-light adorned trees glittering at night-time. They are incredibly spacious, much more so than the standard static caravan, with thick canvas internal walls, super-comfy beds and a kitchen boasting all the mod cons. We stayed in a three-bed version, with one double room, one twin and one with bunk beds, which could sleep up to eight with the sofa bed in the living room. There was a toilet and separate shower room, and the kitchen, lounge and diner all rolled into one, with decking area outside.

We were impressed with our luxurious accommodation, and headed off to explore the heated outdoor pool and indoor pool with its two water slides. There is also a children’s splash pool for younger children and a gym.

There are a choice of food outlets, including Costa Coffee, but we dined at The Waterside Restaurant, by the beach, where I sampled my first halloumi burger. The food was expertly cooked and arrived very quickly, rounding off our day nicely.

The next day, I went to check out the Waterside Spa, which provides a host of relaxing beauty treatments, including facials and waxing. My facial lasted about half an hour and was an excellent way to unwind and leave all my stress behind.

Later in the day, we visited the Sea Life and Adventure Centre on the seafront and marvelled at the wonders of the deep and beyond, including the endangered Boesemani rainbow fish and blue poison dart frogs, which carry enough poison to kill 100 people. There is an excellent play area for the little ones too.

The holiday park is part of the Waterside Holiday Group and has direct access onto Bowleaze Cove beach, this is the perfect destination for family fun, watersports or just relaxing by the sea. The park has more than 500 two to three bed static caravans, seven safari tents and currently five safari lodges.

Facilities include a heated outdoor swimming pool, an indoor swimming pool, two waterslides, children’s splash pool, a gym, a spa and seasonal children’s entertainment with Boomer the Kangaroo fun club.

The park is open until November 2 and will then re-open on March 16. £795 for a week, Saturday to Saturday in peak season, for a family of four; from £495 for a weekend stay (three nights). Tel: 01305 833103 or www.watersideholidaygroup.co.uk/waterside.