I stayed at a UK spa resort with luxury lodges and a beach – it had everything

It’s a rare treat to find a spa resort that caters to families, including those with four-legged furry members.

So, it was quite the pleasant surprise when we discovered that not only could we bring our children, but also our dog to Marian Resort and Spa in North Wales.

Situated approximately 90 minutes from Manchester, this new addition to Lyons Holiday Parks opened its doors in April.

The resort boasts 80 lodges, offering a variety of options such as classic, premium, luxury with hot tub, accessible, or pet friendly. There’s even a boutique  hotel on site.

The resort is also home to a resident peacock, who luckily remained unseen by our canine companion.

The compact nature of the site means there’s no lengthy trek from your car to your accommodation.

We were able to park just a minute’s walk from our three-bed pet-friendly lodge, which featured a cosy living area complete with comfortable sofas and a digital TV, reports the Manchester Evening News.

Each lodge comes with a basic kitchenette, equipped with a fridge, toaster and microwave, although they’re not really designed with self-catering in mind.

This is due to the extensive food offerings available on site, including the View Restaurant, Lounge Bar and the more relaxed Sports Bar and Grill. Guests can opt for a range of packages, either bed and breakfast; or dinner, bed and breakfast.

We indulged in the full breakfast from the buffet-style set-up, enjoying delicious bacon, sausages, scrambled eggs and more. There was also an array of other options from the continental buffet, including yoghurts, fruit, cereals and pastries.

The Sports Bar and Grill proved to be the perfect spot for one of our evening meals, offering a variety of delicious options – including scrumptious burgers and toffee pudding for the children – and the added bonus of being dog-friendly.

Naturally, our visit wasn’t solely about food, although you might think differently if you observed my teenage son’s insatiable appetite.

My daughter and I were eagerly anticipating some well-deserved pampering. Gazing through the glass windows of the View Restaurant at the leisure facilities below, it was clear we had come to the right place.

The venue boasts an indoor heated pool complete with a cosy hot tub spa pool, as well as a steam room and sauna.

For those interested in fitness, there’s a top-notch gym and fitness suite available. However, we chose a more tranquil experience, indulging in a facial and back massage at the Serenity Spa.

This standalone building is nestled amidst lush greenery, offering breathtaking coastal views.

My daughter, who is just old enough for spa treatments, was initially apprehensive. But the wonderful staff quickly put her at ease, helping her realise that spa treatments are meant to be enjoyed, not endured.

While we relaxed in the spa, the boys took the opportunity to explore more of what the site had to offer. They embarked on an uphill woodland walk up to Graig Fawr, located at the back of the site.

This was ideal for our dog to expend some energy and provided stunning views of the landscape below.

Situated within a designated area of outstanding natural beauty, there’s plenty more for the adventurous at heart, as it’s nestled next to the massive Moel Hiraddug and merely a stone’s throw from Dyserth Falls.

We all embarked on an outing together to Prestatyn Beach, which was a mere 15 minute drive away, and served as the ideal expansive space for the dog to frolic and swim and the children to engage in football.

Our stay may have only spanned two nights, but we managed to cram so much into our visit – and that was without even trying out the cocktail bar or evening entertainment.

There are few breaks where parents return feeling indulged, but this is certainly one of them.