STAFF AT A SEASIDE HOLIDAY PARK near Newquay are celebrating after national tourist board Visit England awarded it a top Gold quality grading this summer.
Oyster Bay Coastal and Country Retreat in the village of Goonhavern is now Cornwall’s only five-star park providing holiday homes exclusively for private owners.
The maximum grading came after Visit England assessors carried out a top-to-toe inspection of Oyster Bay and its facilities and services, and gave it a glowing 97% score.
Their verdict was that the park, which is open year-round, could truly be described as a holiday business right at the top of its game, and was thoroughly deserving of the prestigious gold award.
Sales manager at Oyster Bay Shaun Williams said the accolade was “a fantastic and well-deserved tribute” to the dedication and hard work of the park’s team.
“What makes this five-star award special is that the inspectors were not looking just at the quality standards of the amazing facilities we offer here,” he said.
“They also scrutinised the levels of service and hospitality which the park provides, and which make a major contribution to creating a positive customer experience.
“Delivering this is largely in the hands of our loyal park team, and they therefore deserve a lion’s share of the credit for helping Oyster Bay attain its gold standard,” said Shaun.
Oyster Bay is a member of the Park Leisure group which operates 15 coastal and countryside parks in England and Wales, all focussed largely on providing luxury lodges to private owners.
According to Shaun, families and couples buying holiday homes at Oyster Bay come from across the UK, drawn by the strong reputation gained by the park since it first opened 13 years ago.
He says that buyers are attracted by the idea owning a leisure property in one of Cornwall’s most visually stunning locations – and being able to pay visits through 12 months of the year.
Lodge prices, which start below £100,000 and rise to around £260,000, include free use of the park’s pool and steam room, plus exclusive access to a comfortably appointed owners’ lounge.
There’s also a tennis court, and owners can use the park’s e-bikes to explore the surrounding area, and try their hand at watersports such as surfing and paddleboarding with an expert co-ordinator.
Shaun says the park and its 150-plus holiday homes represent a close and friendly community, and is popular year-round including Christmas when many come to escape seasonal stresses.
He added that he was delighted that the Visit England report paid special tribute to the park’s grounds team for maintaining a “beautifully presented” natural environment for everyone to enjoy.
There is more information about Oyster Bay Coastal and Country Retreat on the Park Leisure website at www.parkleisure.co.uk
