Why The Mole Resort is bang on target
As a family, we’re a bit of a mixed bag. We’ve got three teenagers, a 12-year-old, and a cockapoo named Alfie, who’s more demanding than the rest of them combined.
The youngest is a budding female Bear Grylls, the 13-year-old is football crazy, the 16-year-old loves music and combat sports, while the eldest (18) is enjoying freedom behind the wheel of her first car.
Then there’s Alfie… let’s just say his hobbies include trembling at every loud noise, suffering panic attacks each time he’s taken on a car journey and experiencing separation anxiety if left alone for more than 30 seconds.
Needless to say, planning a holiday that ticks everyone’s boxes is no easy feat.
In recent years we have been to Spain, Greece and Portugal and the highest score any of those breaks achieved was a universal 8.5.
Alfie, of course, didn't come with us but enjoyed a staycation with the grandparents.
But in February we all (including the panicky pooch) escaped to a destination that received a solid ten from everyone.
Yes, a ten! Even from the teenagers - and the TV didn’t have Netflix!
So where was this magical place? New Zealand? Nope! Norway? Have another try. Nepal? Wrong again.
It was in fact… drum roll please… North Devon! More specifically the exquisite Mole Resort.
Built around a country house (formerly the Highbullen Hotel), this dog-friendly destination has 58 lodges dotted across a 125-acre estate.
We booked a two-night stay in a luxurious four-bedroom pad (the eldest’s boyfriend joined us making a party of seven).
The open-plan living area was superbly spacious, impeccably clean, and equipped with everything we needed for a relaxing stay; the floor-to-ceiling windows provided a perfect vista of the nearby countryside and the extensive outdoor terrace boasted a hot tub big enough to accommodate us all.
We were also impressed by the unique way in which the Mole communicates with guests.
As soon as you check in, you automatically join a What’s App group.
Any questions, big or small, are answered in real-time by the super-friendly team which came in very handy when I couldn’t find the cutlery drawer (don’t judge).
At this point I’d like to make a special mention of the staff who we found to be cheerful, helpful and accommodating.
More often than not, like the weather, the way you are welcomed and looked after can make or break a holiday.
And while the Mole team were, to a person, bright and breezy, for the majority of our stay (it was February remember) the sky was a gun metal grey, the wind bitingly cold and the heavens, occasionally, opened.
But, I am pleased to say, the inclement conditions were an irrelevance.
Between the breaks in the cloud we played tennis, football and even indulged in some of the Mole’s special instructor-led activities, on this occasion archery and axe throwing.
Expertly-led by the resort’s very own Robin Hood, Liam, our clan were soon shooting bullseyes and channeling their inner Viking!
Other options include foot golf, bushcraft and Attack Sense (an electronic shooting game). Some are season dependent.
If you feel like venturing further afield there are several wonderful walking and running routes which are perfect for blowing away the cobwebs and exploring the scenic North Devon countryside.
But if all that sounds a bit too strenuous, worry not as you can always relax in the well-equipped games room. From pool and table tennis to board games and arcade-style classics there’s something for all ages.
The cozy vibe makes it a great spot to hang out. Parents can kick back with a coffee, or something a little stronger, while the kids battle it out over air hockey.
There is also an onsite pool, sauna, gym and mini store stocking essentials and tasty treats.
The biggest hit however, had to be our private hot tub. It was rarely out of use. From early morning soaks watching the sun rise, to late night dips with a glass of bubbly, it was our little piece of paradise.
This was one area off limits to little Alfie but, unusually, he threw himself into everything else he was able to, whether that be racing off with our tennis balls or enjoying the odd tidbit under the table in the resort’s restaurant.
We were surprised at how at home he seemed to be in such an unusual environment but the Mole has that effect on you.
Despite the unpredictable weather and the usual chaos that comes with traveling as a family of seven (plus a dog), this holiday was one of the most relaxing and enjoyable we’ve ever had.
The combination of a luxurious lodge, endless activities, and stunning surroundings made it easy for everyone to find something they loved.
On the last morning as dawn broke and the sun finally peeped out from beyond the clouds, I stood on our balcony ready for my last hot tub session and took in the stunning scenery.
It was nature at its best and in that moment I thought I could have been anywhere but then corrected myself.
Because this was quintessentially the UK, quintessentially Devon and quintessentially holiday heaven.
We’ve already started planning our next trip back, because when you find a place that works for every single member of your family - even the doollally dog - you know you’re on to a winner.
