EASTER is a time of re-birth! Which is very apt as Dyserth Falls resort has been reborn as the Marian Resort and Spa.
The Marian Resort and Spa welcomed its first guests over the Easter weekend after a multi-million-pound makeover. Lyons Holiday Parks purchased the site in 2019 for an undisclosed sum. It was on the market with Lambert Smith Hampton for £2million.
The Journal was invited to celebrate the opening of the new resort on Friday, March 29. The site boasts 80 lodges and luxury hot tub lodges [not yet all open to guests], an indoor swimming pool with sky views, sauna and steam room with hydrotherapy bucket shower, and eventually, will boast a fully equipped health and leisure club which will be open for memberships.
Spa treatments and gym facilities are not yet available but will be in the near future.
There is a luxury feel to the hotel. It features an elegant pastel colour scheme.
The View Restaurant was dimly lit and oozed cosiness. It has a varied menu. The Sunday Lunch menu, which was on digital display on entry, featured a sensibly priced three course menu for £29.95. This included mains such as battered haddock, double cheeseburger or butternut squash and beef, chicken supreme and pork belly roasts. There is also a roasted vegetable pithivier to choose from.
Desserts consist of sticky toffee pudding, chocolate brownie, lemon cheesecake, ice cream and sorbet selection and a cheeseboard.
There is also the option to lunch in The Lounge Bar. This overlooks the good-sized swimming pool which was gently lit up with purple lights. Both guests staying at the resort and residents can opt to indulge in a light lunch or enjoy an afternoon tea.
The resort features a Cocktail Bar which boasts a stage area and chandeliers, giving a sense of vintage glamour.
There is also the all-day sports bar and grill, a dream for sports fans with multiple tv displays and memorabilia on display.
Outside are the log cabins. Not all are complete as yet; Lyons is taking a staggered approach. The Journal didn't get a peak inside but has been informed that all cabins feature a bathroom with power shower, a tv, bedrooms and 'little luxuries' such as toiletries, free Wi-Fi, hairdryers, robes and slippers, and complimentary tea and coffee making facilities.
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On the preview night, there was that welcoming 'new hotel' scent - especially upon entry. As dusk turned to night, entertainment appeared in the shape of a fire dancer and two stilt walkers. All the staff the Journal spoke to were full of enthusiasm about the opening of the resort. One staff member revealed ahead of the preview night, work was still taking place in the early hours of the morning - "you should have been here at 1am this morning", he said with a smile.
All the little details have been thought of - from light-hearted toilet signs and small vintage lamps on tables to being able to hear commentary to what's on tv in the sport bar bathrooms. In time, the resort will boast events such as live musicians and cocktail making as well yoga and meditation.
For myself, who visited in 2019 when the site was first acquired by Lyons Holiday Park, it was nice to return and see the finished project - a finish that has exceeded expectations and one that offers guests as well as families a real taste of luxury.
Visit the Marian Resort and Spa for more information and took book accommodation.
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