Travel & Tourism

Marian Resort & Spa – The reborn hotel with cosy cabins and stunning views in the Welsh countryside

It's so stunning here.

Kristen MacGregor-Houlston - 6th September 2024

I always say there’s no such thing as too much spa time and I have had the pleasure and delight of trying out a couple this summer. With so much going on in and out of work at the moment, if the opportunity to enjoy some peace and tranquillity arises, I’ll be first in line to take it.

Set in the beautiful Welsh countryside and just a short 10 minute drive from Prestatyn beach is the gorgeous Marian Resort and Spa. Having been a holiday site since 1909, the new owners have converted it into the resort it is today, reopening in March 2024.

The resort is made up of cabins and lodges that are kitted out for couples and groups alike. Some of the lodges come with hot tubs for you and your pals to relax and enjoy in. They’re dog friendly too, and we were lucky enough to stay in one of their lodges where dogs were allowed.

Keep your eyes peeled for their peacock who likes to have a potter around and nosey in your lodge.

The welcome to Marian was warm and welcoming – we’re handed a map to find our lodge (the resort is huge) ready to explore everything, including the main building which is home to the restaurant, cocktail bar, sports bar, gym, pool and spa.

There are plenty of locals visiting Marian while we are there which gives the resort a community feel.

Our lodge has a modern design with brand new amenities, and feels fresh and light – perfect for us to kick back with a bottle of fizz and some beautiful balms from their spa.

After a quick change, it’s straight across to the Marian Resort & Spa cocktail bar which is like stepping into the Great Gatsby movie. They have their Thirsty Thursday deal on (2-4-1 cocktails) even though it’s Saturday and we indulged in the bar’s recommendations. We drink them on the balcony outside and enjoy the stunning view.

Dinner in The View restaurant was fantastic. Like. Fantastic. Everything was delicious.

The ingredients were so fresh – we didn’t want the meal to end. We opted for the heirloom tomato and mozzarella bruschetta and the Asian crispy beef salad, as well as the butternut squash pappardelle and the special fish cassoulet.

For dessert, we had the BIGGEST piece of sticky toffee pudding I have ever seen. The name of the restaurant The View, is apt as the view is stunning.

As darkness descends and the sun disappears, it becomes moody outside, making the whole restaurant become atmospheric.

There is a sports bar on the ground floor of Marian which was popular with the locals. It is clear that this is a destination for the whole community as well as for visitors to the area.

We had a buffet style breakfast the next day which was of very good quality. We arrived at 9.30 and it was hectic, so I recommend getting there early if you can. All the food was of top quality again and they had Quorn sausages which is always a plus as a vegetarian.

The spa is located in a small outbuilding next to the main building which has been carefully curated to create a relaxing environment.

There are reclining beds to relax on before or after your treatment with a clear view of the surrounding area.

My massage was one of the best I have ever had. The pressure was perfect and all tension simply melted away. After a chill in the relaxation room we went for a swim in the pool and baked ourselves in the sauna.

Although there is still evidence that Marian Respost & Spa is still fairly fresh, it is a great place to take your friends and family, and the sea is just 10 minutes away. For more information or to book your stay, check it out here.

Read more

• Three Horseshoes – the spa where you can relax on the beach from the Peak District
• Farlam Hall – What it’s like to stay at the historic venue named the best foodie hotel in the UK
• The Gilpin hotel review – What it’s like to stay at the Lake District spa hotel considered one of the UK’s best

Featured image: The Manc Group