Saundersfoot Escape: Monkstone Court - Beach & Village Bliss!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the sandy shores (and let's be honest, potential hidden seaweed) of Saundersfoot Escape: Monkstone Court - Beach & Village Bliss! This isn't your sterile, robotically-generated hotel review. We're going in, warts and all (hopefully not actual warts, though that would be an interesting story).
First Impressions: Accessibility, Ooh! And Those Views… (and the Elevator! Thank God)
Alright, let's be real. Getting around is a thing. And, blessedly, Monkstone Court mostly gets it. They've advertised "Facilities for disabled guests" -- which is good to see on the list, (and you better believe I checked this!) but the true test is the experience, right? Well, from what I could gather from talking to others, it seems decent. Crucially, there's an elevator. (Because, even if you're not in a wheelchair, lugging suitcases up multiple flights of stairs after a long drive… shudders). I'm not a mobility expert, to be honest, but just the fact that's it's mentioned is great, and they have that elevator -- a BIG plus in my book. Access matters.
Cleanliness and Safety: Gotta Breathe Easy, Right?
Okay, COVID. Yeah. It's still a thing. And, listen, I want to feel safe, dammit. Monkstone Court seems to be taking it seriously. The list is long: "Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol." That's a lot. I appreciate it. Especially the "Room sanitization opt-out.” I mean, let's be honest, some of us are still a little freaked out. My preference is to have everything mega-sanitized, so this wasn't an option for me, but the fact you can opt-out? Respect. They also have hand sanitizer everywhere. Not just those sad little pump bottles at the entrance. Proper, everywhere.
The Rooms: Beachy Vibes and a Little Bit of "Eh…"
The rooms… Alright, let's get REAL real. They're clean! (Very important). The "Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Blackout curtains, Coffee/tea maker, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, In-room safe box, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Mini bar, Non-smoking, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Satellite/cable channels, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Toiletries, Towels, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens…” Great! All of that. Slight issue. The decor? It's… "beach chic." Think lots of blues and whites, maybe a strategically placed seashell or two. It's… fine. Perfectly functional. But not exactly “omg-I-want-to-live-here-forever” inspiring. The bed was comfy, the view was stunning (those pesky windows open!), and honestly, after a day at the beach, all I need is a clean bed and a hot shower. So, yeah, totally good.
Things To Do: Beaches! Walks! And Maybe a Bit Too Much Bliss?
Saundersfoot is gorgeous. And the "Beach & Village Bliss!" part? Nailed it. Right outside your door you've got… well, the beach! And a lovely village. You can get lost walking along the coast, taking in the views. The hotel's "Bicycle parking" is handy if you fancy cycling. I felt like I was drowning myself in bliss -- you know, the kind that makes you feel guilty you're not doing something else?
Food and Drink: Oh Goodness, Those Cocktails (and the Breakfast)
This is where Monkstone Court really shines. "A la carte in restaurant, Bar, Bottle of water, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant.” Oh My Goodness.
The breakfast buffet was pretty outstanding. Everything was fresh, and there was a frankly dangerous selection of pastries. I may have eaten three croissants. No regrets. The real star, though, was the bar. The cocktails? Magnificent. The bartender, bless him, was a cocktail artist. I spent one afternoon parked by the pool (yes, they have an outdoor pool – bliss!), sipping a perfectly crafted (and beautifully garnished) concoction, watching the waves, and honestly, feeling like I'd stumbled into a picture postcard. The poolside bar? That's the life.
And I didn't just like it, I loved it. My stomach was ecstatic.
The Spa: (Don't get your hopes up)
"Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Sauna, Pool with view" The Spa? This is where things get a little… murky. The "Spa" is present on the list, I didn't check it out because, truthfully, I was too busy enjoying the views and sampling all those cocktails.
Services and Conveniences:
"Air conditioning in public area, Airport transfer, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Babysitting service, Bicycle parking, Business facilities, Car park [free of charge], Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center" Okay, that's a list.
For the Kids:
"Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal"
Getting around:
"Airport transfer, Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking"
The Verdict: Would I go back? ABSOLUTELY.
Look, Monkstone Court isn't perfect. (Where is?) But for a relaxing break, right by the beach, with delicious food, amazing cocktails, and a generally high level of cleanliness and attention to safety? Frankly, yes please. The location alone is worth the price of admission. The small imperfections? They're easily forgiven when you're sipping that cocktail, watching the sun set over the sea.
BUT…
The Decor: Seriously, some more "oomph" would be great.
The Spa. I'm still curious to know more of what's there.
My personal opinion is it's a solid 8/10, mostly because of the location, the breakfast, and the cocktails. That'll keep me coming back!
Final, Crazy, Imperfect, and (hopefully) Helpful Offer!
Tired of the Daily Grind? Craving Beach Bliss? Saundersfoot Escape: Monkstone Court Awaits!
Book your stay NOW at Saundersfoot Escape: Monkstone Court and receive!
- A complimentary welcome cocktail (or two!) at the award-winning bar. (Seriously, they're that good.)
- Free daily breakfast, including those dangerously delicious pastries. (You deserve it.)
- A guaranteed room with a sea view. (Because, duh.)
- Our promise of a clean, safe, and seriously chilled-out experience. (Because you need it.)
Don't wait! This offer won't last forever! Book your Saundersfoot Escape today and escape to paradise!
Escape to Paradise: Pink Villa, Panderman Hill's Hidden Gem
Alright, buckle up, buttercups! Because this ain't your grandma's meticulously planned itinerary. This is my itinerary, a chaotic, emotionally-charged love letter (and occasional rant) to a week in Saundersfoot, based out of Monkstone Court. Expect zigzags, existential sighs, and a healthy dose of "did I really just do that?"
Saundersfoot & Monkstone Court: A Week of Questionable Decisions & Unexpected Bliss
Day 1: Arrival, Doubt, and the Glorious Smell of Chip Oil
- Afternoon (ish): Arrive at Monkstone Court. The photos online? Let's just say the "sea view" is more "hint of sea, if you squint and pray." Still, it's clean enough, and the key actually works. Progress! Unpack. Immediately misplace the phone charger. Panic briefly. Find it in the only spot I wouldn't normally look: inside the biscuit tin.
- Late Afternoon: First walk into Saundersfoot village. The air is thick with anticipation and the irresistible aroma of…deep-fried everything. Oh, the chip shops! The sheer variety! I get overwhelmed and order a small cod and chips, feeling a flicker of guilt for abandoning my health kick before it even began. The chips are glorious. Truly, truly glorious.
- Evening: Stumble back to Monkstone Court, a chip-grease-stained, slightly dazed human. Stare out at the not-quite-sea. Start to feel…okay. This could be alright. Maybe.
Day 2: Beach Bliss & the Crabs Of Doom (and Ice Cream)
- Morning: Beach day! Armed with a flimsy beach umbrella I bought on impulse and a book I haven’t touched since college. The sand is…sandy. The waves are…wavy. I attempt to read, but the seagulls are relentless bullies. They're basically daring me. I lose. But hey, I do manage to build a truly magnificent sandcastle, that is until it is flattened by a rogue wave. The sheer drama! And the sand gets everywhere.
- Afternoon: Attempt to paddle. Decide the water is freezing. Embrace the sun. Get sunburnt. Apply copious amounts of aloe vera and vow to buy a hat tomorrow.
- Late Afternoon: Ice cream! A double scoop of salted caramel and clotted cream, because why not? Watch a small child cry because they dropped theirs. Experience a profound sense of "there but for the grace of God…"
- Evening: Dinner at The Kookaba (fantastic calamari!). Stroll back along the beach at sunset, feeling all poetic and stuff. Then, trip over a rogue rock and nearly eat the sand. Grace, thy name is not me.
Day 3: Rambling & The Quest for the Perfect Pint (a Long and Winding Road)
- Morning: Decide to hike a portion of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path. This turns out to be… ambitious. Okay, it turned out to be utterly exhausting. The scenery is breathtaking, though. I saw a puffin! (Or, you know, a seabird that might have been a puffin.)
- Afternoon: The Quest for the Perfect Pint begins! Visit several pubs in Saundersfoot. Each pub has its own unique "charm." One is filled with boisterous locals, the second smells like… (let's just say old beer). The third one is bliss, and I sink a pint of something lovely, while staring at the sea.
- Evening: Fish and chips (again, I know, I know) at my favourite pub. Watching the sun dip below the horizon. Seriously, the views are breathtaking. Wondering if I should start calling myself "Local."
Day 4: Tenby Temptations & Lost & Found (My Sanity)
- Morning: Day trip to Tenby. The pastel-coloured buildings! The narrow streets! The sheer cuteness! It's almost overwhelming. It's like stepping into a postcard. Spend too much money on ridiculously overpriced souvenirs. Regret nothing.
- Afternoon: Get hopelessly lost in the maze-like streets of Tenby. Ask for directions. Get even more lost. Finally, stumble across a charming little tea room and devour a cream scone the size of my head. Feel myself slowly re-acclimating to the human race.
- Late Afternoon: Back in Saundersfoot, I frantically search for where I parked my bike. Found it. Then drop my keys down the crack of the pavement. This requires a ten-minute struggle and a friendly passerby with a pair of tweezers. (Thank you, kind stranger!)
- Evening: Another attempt to make a salad. Give up and have cheese and crackers. Watch bad TV. Feel gloriously, wonderfully, utterly relaxed.
Day 5: Boat Trip & The Sea's Embrace (Not Literally, Thank Goodness)
- Morning: Book a boat trip! Anticipation is high. The sea is…choppy. I am prone to seasickness.
- Afternoon: The boat trip. The sea is…very choppy. I am clinging to the railing, muttering prayers to the porcelain gods. I see dolphins! Briefly. Mostly, I see my own pasty face reflected in the churning water. I survive. The dolphins were worth it. (Just about).
- Late Afternoon: Back on dry land, vow never to go on a boat again (until tomorrow, probably). Consume a double dose of ginger biscuits.
- Evening: Explore the village's charming shops. Buy a painting of a seagull. It is beautiful, or at least I hope so.
- Night: The beach, a walk along the sands, the vast immensity.
Day 6: The Search for the Hidden Gem & (Maybe, Just Maybe) Relaxation
- Morning: Seek out the little, lesser-known places in Saundersfoot. This is where I find it – a hidden coffee shop overlooking the harbour, serving the best coffee I've had in ages.
- Afternoon: Return to the same coffee shop, read for hours. Feel the sun on my skin. Actually manage to relax.
- Evening: Dinner. More fish and chips. Embrace the inevitable. The food is exceptional. The sunset is spectacular. I chat with a local. I feel at peace.
- Night: Back at Monkstone Court, pack some things. A deep sadness washes over me at the thought of leaving.
Day 7: Departure, Longing and the Promise of Return
- Morning: Pack. Clean. Try to figure out how to get the sand out of my shoes. Fail. One last stroll along the beach. The sun shines. It's the most incredible day for a departure.
- Afternoon: Leave Monkstone Court. Drive away, already missing the sea, the chip shops, the whole glorious, messy, imperfect experience. The memory will linger, and I will definitely return.
- Evening: On my way back, wondering if I can make room for one more portion of fish and chips.
This, my friends, is the mess that is my life, and I wouldn't have it any other way. And the chip shops of Saundersfoot, the fish and chips, and the sand, will stay imprinted in memory. Until next time.
Escape to Paradise: Landhotel Laarmann, Lennestadt's Hidden Gem
Saundersfoot Escape: Monkstone Court - Beach & Village Bliss! (aka, Did We Actually Escape?)
So... What IS Monkstone Court, Anyway? Is It Actually Blissful?
Alright, buckle up, buttercup. Monkstone Court at Saundersfoot... it's not just a generic holiday rental, let me tell you. It's a place. And yes, it *claims* to be blissful. Did we find bliss? Well... that depends on your definition of bliss. Picture this: a short stroll to Saundersfoot beach (gorgeous!), a bit further to the charming village (pubs! shops! ice cream!), and you’re *supposed* to have this idyllic apartment waiting.
Honestly, the photos online are pretty darn accurate. Clean, modern-ish, with a balcony overlooking... well, not *the* sea, but a bit of the sea and some rooftops. My initial thought? "Alright, this'll do." My husband, bless his optimistic soul, was already unpacking before I'd even taken a proper look.
So, bliss? Parts of it, definitely. The beach at sunset, that's pure, unadulterated bliss. Getting a pint in the Smugglers' Cove (that's one of the pubs, by the way), also bliss. Did the apartment itself always feel... 100% blissful? Nah. But more on that later...
How Close *Is* the Beach, Really? And Is That a Dealbreaker? (Asking for a Friend... Me!)
Okay, geography lesson time! The beach is… super close. Like, "walkable in your swimsuit and towel without feeling judged" close. Probably a five-minute amble, tops, depending on your strolling speed (which, let's be honest, is directly proportional to how much Prosecco you’ve consumed).
My friend, let me tell you - it's a *huge* dealbreaker for me. I can't be faffing about with parking, or those godawful beach buggies with shrieking kids. You just wander down a few stairs, across the road, boom: SAND. You can practically smell the salty air from the balcony. That's a win. That is EXACTLY what I needed to unplug from work and city life.
Now, here's the REAL question: how's the *beach* itself? It's Saundersfoot Beach itself, which is lovely, golden sand, good for kids (even though I don't have any), and swimming (if you're brave – it was a bit nippy when we were there). So, yeah, beach proximity: A+.
The Apartment: What's the Vibe? Modern? Tired? Does it Have a Washing Machine (Because Honestly, After Sand and Sunscreen, We Need One. Stat.)
Right, let's get into the nitty-gritty. The apartment… it’s definitely modern-ish, which is my nice way of saying it's not exactly shabby chic, nor is it a time capsule from the 70's. Think IKEA meets "we tried," and for the most part… it works. Good, clean lines. Enough space for two (and maybe a third if you're *really* good friends).
We had the one-bedroom apartment - I'm pretty sure it was the one with the sea-ish view. The view's… well, you could see the sea if you leaned over the balcony just right. The balcony itself? Nice. Perfect for morning coffee (and a cheeky glass of wine in the evening).
Now, the washing machine. YES! Bless the gods of clean clothes! It's a necessity. We're talking sandy towels, sunscreen-stained clothes, and the general detritus of a seaside holiday. Essential. The kitchen was pretty well-equipped too. Not gourmet chef-level, but perfectly functional. And let me tell you, after a day of beach vibes and pub lunches, you're not exactly looking to whip up a Michelin-star meal. A quick pasta dish? Sorted. Breakfast? Sorted. It all works.
But here's the truth - There was a tiny, almost imperceptible, musty smell when we arrived? I can tell. Could have just been a damp spot from the winter. It made me a bit anxious, thinking about where else would be musty... But hey, it was quick to fade, and I probably only noticed because I am an obsessive cleaner (and also maybe because I had a bad experience with damp in my college dorm once!)
The Village! Is Saundersfoot Actually *Charming* Or Is It Just A Tourist Trap Overflowing with Souvenir Shops?
Okay, the village… this is where the “bliss” meter really cranks up. Saundersfoot is *definitely* charming. Yes, there are souvenir shops. Yes, there are ice cream parlors (thank the lord!). But it's not *overwhelmingly* tourist-trappy, you know? There's a genuine, lovely vibe to the place.
It's got this cute little harbour. The pubs are great – The Smugglers' Cove is a classic, perfect for a pint and some chips after a day on the beach. There are decent restaurants, too. We had a *brilliant* meal at [Restaurant Name, if I could remember it!]. Maybe next time, I'll take notes. I was too busy enjoying myself on that occasion, I guess.
Oh, and the ice cream. *Heaven*. Do yourself a favour and get the clotted cream flavour. Just be prepared to possibly have a brain freeze. But hey, it's worth it for the view of the colourful boats bobbing in the harbour. Definitely a win.
Parking! Is It a Nightmare? Or Do You Get a Designated Spot, Saving You from a Seaside-Induced Meltdown?
Parking! This can make or break a holiday. Luckily, Monkstone Court has allocated parking. Thank. God. I'm not kidding, having a designated spot is a *massive* relief. You don't want to be cruising around the village, desperately searching for a space while everyone else is already on the beach, do you?
We had a space almost right outside the building, which was perfect for unloading all the luggage and, more importantly, the snacks. And the wine. Can't forget the wine. Honestly, parking alone might be worth the rental price, I swear. Just be aware of some of the tight turns getting into the parking area… I'm not saying my husband nearly clipped the wall, but… let's just say, it's a good test of marital patience.
Parking is a breeze. And that, my friends, is a beautiful thing.
Any Downsides? Be Honest. What REALLY Annoyed You?
Okay, here's where I get real. There's always a catch, right?
Firstly, the noise. Saundersfoot's a popular place, and while Monkstone Court is pretty central, there's traffic. And sometimes, in the evenings, you can hear people chatting/shouting from the pubs. Didn't bother me *too* much, but if you're a light sleeper… bring earplugs. Or maybe just a lot of wine to knock yourself out.
Secondly... the towels. TheyWhere To Sleep In
