Escape to Paradise: Tenby's Luxurious St Mary's View Lodge Awaits!
Escape to Paradise: Is St Mary's View Lodge REALLY Paradise? (A Messy, Honest Review)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because I just got back from a stay at St Mary's View Lodge in Tenby, and I'm here to spill the tea – and probably some crumbs from that amazing breakfast buffet. This isn't your sanitized, PR-approved review. This is from the trenches, baby. Get ready for the good, the bad, and the (slightly) embarrassing truth.
(SEO Stuff First, Because My Editor Will Kill Me Otherwise)
Keywords: St Mary's View Lodge, Tenby, Wales, Luxury Hotel, Accessible Hotel, Wheelchair Accessible, Spa, Swimming Pool, Tenby Restaurants, Luxury Accommodation, Tenby Hotels, Pembrokeshire, UK Staycation, Free Wi-Fi, Accessible Amenities, Spa Day, Fitness Center, Coastal Hotel, Family-Friendly Hotel, Romantic Getaway
(Now, Let's Get Messy…)
First impressions? St Mary's View definitely lives up to the "View" part of its name. Seriously, the photos don't do it justice. That panoramic shot of Tenby harbor from the terrace? Swoon-worthy. That's the good. The really good. Which, after a grueling drive down from… well, let's just say a long way north… was a welcome sight.
Accessibility (The First Hurdle - And Honestly, They Mostly Cleared It!)
Okay, I'm not in a wheelchair myself, but I was traveling with my Aunt Mildred, who is. Accessibility is critical, and thankfully, St Mary's View makes a decent effort. Wheelchair accessible rooms are available, and while I didn't see them myself, I heard good things. The elevator was a godsend, essential for getting Mildred (and her mountains of luggage) around. Getting to the entrance was a bit of a challenge – a slightly precarious slope – but once inside, things improved dramatically.
Now For A Rant… (Because No Review Is Complete Without One!)
Mildred's little mishap with the… well, let's call it a "slippery slope" leading to the elevator… let's just say it involved a near-tumble and more than a few choice words. I will say the staff were fantastic. They were genuinely concerned, and rushed to help, offering Mildred tea and sympathy (and a complimentary bottle of water! Score!). However, it did highlight a minor design flaw. Maybe a handrail there? Just a thought, management!
On-Site Indulgences (And Did I Pig Out?)
The Spa! Oh. My. Goodness. The Spa/Sauna experience was pure bliss. That pool with a view? Incredible. I'm not usually one for body scrubs and body wraps, but the lure of relaxation after the aforementioned Mildred-related drama… Yeah, I caved. The technician… her name was Gwen, and she was a lifesaver. She even helped Mildred get back into her robe after her… incident!
The Gym/Fitness Center? I peeked. Looked… well-equipped. I’m not a gym rat, so I can't speak to the quality of the equipment. I did take full advantage of the sauna though. Needed to sweat out the stress of navigating UK roads!
Food, Glorious Food (And My Inner Glutton Unleashed)
Where do I even begin? The breakfast buffet… legends are made of such things. I'm talking Western breakfast, Asian breakfast, everything in between. The breakfast service was seamless. I swear, they anticipated our every coffee refill need. I devoured everything from the international cuisine offerings to the local Welsh treats. The restaurants were a delight. We tried different menus throughout the stay, including the vegetarian options which Mildred greatly enjoyed. The poolside bar was a lifesaver for a cheeky daytime cocktail. And the coffee shop? Let's just say I may have consumed more lattes than a barista competition. And the desserts in restaurant was a spectacle. It was so good I couldn't finish it. I'm not proud, but it was worth it.
The Rooms (And My Deepest Secrets Revealed…)
Our room? Fabulous. We had a non-smoking room with a view that kept me staring out the window every morning. The air conditioning was a lifesaver, especially since I'm prone to overheating. The Wi-Fi [free] worked flawlessly, so I could update my social media for all my envious friends to see. The complimentary tea was a nice touch, though I ended up using the coffee/tea maker more. The separate shower/bathtub was a definite plus. The bathrobes were fluffy and luxurious. The slippers were a godsend.
Okay, confessions time: I might have left the blackout curtains closed a little longer than necessary one morning. Blame the cocktails and the cozy bed.
Cleanliness and Safety (The Post-Pandemic Reality Check)
Okay. I'm a bit of a germaphobe (don't judge!), so I'm super picky about this stuff. St Mary's View gets a huge thumbs up. They’re clearly taking pandemic precautions seriously. There was hand sanitizer everywhere. They had daily disinfection in common areas. The staff were all wearing masks (and seemed to be taking it seriously, not just as something they had to do). They went the extra mile, and I appreciated it. They even had individually-wrapped food options at the breakfast buffet which, if I'm honest made me feel a whole lot better when I went to the buffet.
Services and Conveniences (The Little Things That Matter)
The Concierge was a gem, helping us with everything from booking taxis to recommending local restaurants (and apologizing profusely for that "slippery slope" incident, which, again, super kudos for the genuine concern!). The daily housekeeping was impeccable. I'm talking pristine sheets every day. The laundry service was a lifesaver after my clumsy wine-spilling incident. The elevator worked beautifully and got Mildred to the Spa without further catastrophe. Every detail was taken care of. The contactless check-in/out was super quick and easy.
Things to Do (Beyond Lounging by the Pool – or Trying To!)
Tenby itself is charming. The beach, the shops, the general seaside vibe… It's all very idyllic. We spent a lot of time exploring. The car park [free of charge] was a bonus, as parking in Tenby can be a nightmare.
For the Kids (Though My "Kids" Are Now In Their 70's…)
While I don't have kids myself (besides Mildred, of course!), the hotel felt very family/child friendly. They have a babysitting service.
Getting Around (Because Those Cobbled Streets Are A Killer!)
Airport transfer wasn't relevant to me in going, but for guests who may be flying in, a nice option. We used a taxi service for navigating Tenby's narrow streets (and avoiding Mildred's potential tumbles).
Final Verdict: Almost Paradise, With A Few Minor Hiccups.
St Mary's View Lodge? I'd recommend it. It's luxurious. The views are stunning. The staff are lovely. The spa is heavenly. It's definitely deserving of its "Escape to Paradise" moniker, with a few caveats.
The Good: The view. The spa. The breakfast buffet. The staff’s amazing customer service. And the extra mile they went to make Mildred and my stay pleasant.
The Bad: The slightly dodgy access for those who are less mobile.
The Ugly: (Kidding! There was nothing ugly!)
Overall, it was a truly rejuvenating stay. If you’re looking for a bit of luxury, some stunning scenery, and a chance to unwind, St Mary's View Lodge is a fantastic option. Just watch out for that slope by the elevator! I'll definitely be back, maybe next time with a note from the doctor so I can avoid that body wrap that almost knocked me out!
Nagoya's Hidden Gem: Livemax Meieki Hotel Review (You Won't Believe This!)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this itinerary for St Mary's View? Let’s just say it's less "perfectly curated Instagram feed" and more "slightly chaotic but ultimately heartwarming photo album with questionable filters". I'm already getting a little giddy. Tenby, here we come!
St Mary's View: A Tenby Tango (Or How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Seagulls)
Day 1: Arrival, Anticipation, and the Great Welsh Pancake Debacle
14:00 – 15:00: Arrival & The Lodge Reveal: Okay, so, the website photos of St Mary's View… they lied. Kidding! (Mostly). It is gorgeous. The view of the beach? Spectacular. The lodge itself? Think "bougie meets cozy". The only problem? Finding the blasted key. Seriously, I swear I walked around the damn thing three times, muttering about bad first impressions. Anyway, we're in. The unpacking is a glorious mess. Sweaty bags everywhere, and a slight panic that I've forgotten toothpaste.
15:00-16:00: Reconnaissance Mission & Pancake Panic: Right, gotta find the local shop. First impressions are important, right?! A brisk "power walk" along the beach (more like a wobbly shuffle on the sand, let's be honest) - gotta breathe in that sea air, you know? And, most importantly, grab provisions. I am starving. Oh, and find this place people were recommending, a little pancake place that I’d heard the reviews were good.
16:00-17:30: The Pancake Debacle: This is the centerpiece. The pancake place… The queue was a mile long. Seriously, a mile. And the wind? Like a vengeful spirit trying to steal my hat. I finally get inside. My expectations - soaring. Pancake dreams are dancing in my head. I order a classic: butter and sugar. The verdict? Meh. Overcooked, dry, and the sugar was grainy. My disappointment? Immense. My immediate reaction? Overeating them out of sheer stubbornness. And then, a quiet sob in the car. The perfect welcome.
17:30-19:00: Recuperation & Sunset Silliness: Back at the lodge. Walloped. Needed some time out. Now, a glass of wine. (Okay, two. Maybe three). And… the sunset from the lodge. Unbelievable. Pink, orange, purple. It actually brought a tear to my eye. I'm such a sucker for a sunset, aren't I? We take a few photos, all blurry and slightly out of focus. The best ones, always.
19:00-21:00: Dinner & Discombobulations: Dinner at a local pub, the "Plough & Harrow”. Fish and chips, because, well, it's practically illegal not to. The food's decent. The service? Charming, but slow. The conversation hilarious, full of travel-induced exhaustion and silly jokes. The only problem? I've managed to spill gravy down my front. Again. I'm a classy individual, truly.
Day 2: Beach Bliss, Cliffside Catastrophes and the Quest for the Perfect Ice Cream
09:00-11:00: Morning Walk of Redemption: Back to the beach! I'm determined to redeem myself from the pancake fiasco. This place is actually paradise. The sand is pure, the water sparkling. The only company are some seagulls who, I am convinced, are plotting to steal any unattended snack. This time I do a proper walk, and not a wobbly shuffle, and it feels great! Oh, and find a sand dollar. Winning!
11:00-12:00: Cliffside Capers: We hiked along the cliff top. The views were breathtaking. Until I almost tripped over a rogue root and went headfirst into a bush. My dignity, temporarily lost. But the laughter? Priceless. Also, I find a really cool rock. It goes in my pocket. (Until I, inevitably, forget to take it out and it ends up in the laundry).
12:00-14:00: The Great Ice Cream Quest: This is serious business. Tenby ice cream? Supposed to be legendary. We try three different parlours, and this is a true quest to find the perfect scoop. One place has flavours that sound amazing until you taste them. Another? Too crowded. Finally. Find one that hits the spot. The ice cream is, truly, life-changing. I feel like a small child.
14:00-15:30: Exploring Tenby Town: Wandering through the colourful streets of Tenby, browsing the shops. I buy a ridiculous souvenir (a tiny ceramic sheep, naturally). I love it! The town really is charming, but it does feel a bit… touristy. But that’s ok.
15:30-17:00: Lodge Lounging & Book Browsing: Back to the lodge for some down time. I curled up on the sofa with a good book, and a cup of tea. The birdsong. The peace. It's almost too much. I fall asleep.
17:00-19:00: Dinner & Disaster: Another local pub. This time, the "Hope and Anchor". Food is great. Conversation flows. And, oh dear, I knock over a glass of wine. Red wine. On white jeans. I just want to vanish from the face of the earth. I get offered help from a charming, old lady. "It's just ink, dear," she says with a knowing smile.
Day 3: Coastal Cruise, Castle Crumbles, and the bittersweet farewell
- 09:00-11:00: Boat Trip Bonanza: A boat trip to Caldey Island. We get to see the seals and feel the salty spray. The sun is shining, everything is perfect. The sea is slightly choppy, but the views make it all worthwhile. I am happy to be alive.
- 11:00-12:00: Castle Exploration: Visiting the ruins of Tenby Castle. The views of the town and coast are incredible. I climb to the top, take a peek, feel the wind, and my heart almost takes flight.
- 12:00-13:00: Lunch & Meltdown: We grab a quick bite to eat in a cafe. The food is good. But the inevitable realization sets in - that this idyllic break is almost over. A mild panic attack starts. It's irrational, I know.
- 13:00-15:00: Last Walk & Reflection: One last walk on the beach. I collect some shells. I sit on the sand, and watch the waves roll in. I feel a sense of peace. And then? A wave washes over my feet. I am covered in sand. It's absolutely perfect.
- 15:00-16:00: Packing & Farewell: A slow pack. I sigh a lot. I take a last look at the view. It's going to be hard to leave.
- 16:00: Departure: Goodbye, Tenby. Goodbye, St Mary's View. Goodby to the seagulls. I promise I'll be back.
So, there you have it. My Tenby tango. A mix of joy, pancakes, lost dignity, and red wine stains. It's not perfect. It's not polished. But it's real, and it's all mine. And despite the (many!) imperfections, the memories are priceless. Now, where did I put those car keys…?
Escape to Paradise: Nomad Hostel Krabi Awaits!
Escape to Paradise: Tenby's Luxurious St Mary's View Lodge Awaits! - FAQs... or More Like Random Thoughts & Rambles (Because Honestly?)
Okay, so you're thinking of booking St. Mary’s View Lodge in Tenby, right? Smart move. Though, fair warning, these aren't your perfectly packaged, PR-approved FAQs. I'm gonna give you the REAL lowdown, the stuff they *conveniently* leave out. Think of this more as me spilling the tea after a week of Prosecco and sea air. Let's dive in, shall we?
1. Seriously, Is the View *Really* Worth It? I've Seen Photoshop...
Alright, let's be real. That brochure? Yeah, it makes it look like you can practically reach out and hug Caldey Island. It's not *quite* that touchable. But... the view? Oh. My. Goodness. It *is* stunning. I mean, when they say “panoramic,” they’re not kidding. I've stayed in places that promised the world and delivered a damp sock, but the view from St Mary's is... well, it's therapeutic. I spent a good hour the first morning just staring at the sunrise over the harbour, coffee in hand, completely forgetting my phone. (A small miracle, honestly.)
The first time I stood on the balcony I actually teared up a little. Don't judge me. The sea was a perfect turquoise, the boats were bobbing, and the air... the air smelled of salt and something else I couldn't quite place, but it was divine. And yes, the views are actually *better* than the pictures. (Which is a rare and beautiful thing, by the way.)
2. Luxe? As in, Actually Luxurious? Or “Luxury” in the Estate Agent Sense of the Word?
Okay, this is where we get to the *nitty gritty*. The lodge, compared to the average seaside rental, is definitely on the luxe side. Think plush carpets (which I may or may not have spilled red wine on… more on that later), a well-equipped kitchen (I attempted to make pancakes, epic fail, but the thought *counted*), and super comfy beds. The bathroom? Glorious. The towels are fluffy, the shower pressure is excellent – these things matter, people!
However... (and there's always a "however," isn't there?) It's not like, a five-star hotel with a butler. I mean, they don't have a Michelin-starred chef on call. They have a *decent* kitchen, a coffee machine (vital), and someone who showed up to fix the WiFi when it went down. (Which, let's be honest, happens to all of us, even at the Ritz.) So think of it as *comfortable*, *stylish*, and a definite step up from your average holiday let. It's luxurious in the sense that you'll feel pampered and relaxed. Just don't expect them to iron your socks. (Because, seriously, who irons socks?)
3. Tenby Itself: Is it Just Instagram Clichés, Or… Actually Good?
Alright, prepare yourself. Tenby? It's *gorgeous*. Yes, the harbour is ridiculously photogenic. Yes, the pastel-coloured buildings are straight out of a postcard. And yes, *everyone* takes the same pictures. But! It's stunning, genuinely charming. I spent half the time trying to *not* take pictures (because, you know, I'm trying to be cool and "in the moment"), and the other half just completely giving in and adding to the noise.
It’s got that perfect mix of history and modern life, that balance that really clicks. The shops, the restaurants… even the seagulls (who, let's be honest, are a bit like aggressive pigeons, but with more sea air) add to the ambiance. I had the best fish and chips of my life at Fecci's (go there, seriously!), and I spent an afternoon wandering the shops, buying entirely unnecessary (but delightful) trinkets. The beach? Immaculate. The water might be a little bracing (it *is* Wales, after all), but that just makes the post-swim hot chocolate taste even better. I genuinely loved it. Don't let the hordes of tourists put you off. There are so many little hidden gems.
4. The Location: Is it Handy for Everything, or Do I Need to be a Marathon Runner?
Okay, the lodge is *near* everything. But, and this is important, "near" in Tenby can mean a *steep* hill. The walk up to the shops is, shall we say, cardiovascular-friendly. (My calves can attest to this.) It's *doable*, don't get me wrong. I managed it in heels a few times (don't ask). But if you have mobility issues, or you're bringing a *ton* of luggage, consider the taxi situation. There are taxis in Tenby and they're surprisingly affordable.
The lodge is also close to the beach, which is a massive plus! You're a short walk from the sands, and the town is within easy reach. But if you're picturing yourself stumbling out of the lodge, straight onto the beach, then you'll need to get your bearings. You’ll need to navigate stairs.
5. Anything I Should Pack That They *Don't* Tell You About? (Besides Good Walking Shoes, Obviously.)
Okay, this is good. Here's the insider info. First, a good book. Duh. Second, a bottle opener. (Because, you know, Prosecco.) Third, and this is crucial, a small bottle of stain remover. See my earlier comment about the red wine. *Sigh*. Fourth, and this is my personal tip: a pair of binoculars. You can spend hours just watching the boats, the seals, and the world go by from the balcony. It's pure bliss. Oh! And maybe a small first-aid kit. Because blisters. And seagulls. (They are *relentless* when it comes to chips.)
6. Okay, Spill the Tea. What's the *Worst* Thing About the Lodge?
Honestly? I'm struggling to find anything genuinely *bad*. (And I'm a professional complainer. I almost made a career from it). The WiFi was a bit patchy at times, but look, you're on holiday. Disconnect! And the hill walk to town really does make you feel it in your thighs after a while. And, oh yeah, my own clumsiness with the aforementioned red wine. So that’s just me.
The only thing I can genuinelyHotel Near Airport
