Away Resorts Reviews 

Not the best experience, despite previous successful visits.
Management handled a situation in a very very poor way which eventually resulted in a full refund, no holiday and driving home. Communication was very poor and left feeling somewhat let down.

June 2026
The Bay Filey is a beautiful home away from home. We stayed four nights, this was a last minute reservation as we had been let down by a Haven property. We stayed in a 3 berth cottage and it was myself, husband and Mavis our lovely Rottweiler. The cottage is spacious, clean, tidy, and has everything you need. What impressed me most is that we were not given the worse (I don't think this village of various accommodations would even have a worse) property because we had a dog. The staff were friendly, helpful and even rang us after we checked into the cottage to see that everything was alright. The village is nestled close to the beach (albeit a steep walk) close to town centre of shops and restaurants and if you need anything more than what the on site shop can provide, there is a Tesco 2 miles away. We have never used Away Resorts before and would love to explore other locations as there seem to be quite a few. I love this property and highly recommend. I assure you won't be disappointed. It is a jewel.

⭐ 1 Star – Absolutely Not a “Luxury” Caravan

We booked an 8-berth Luxury Caravan with Hot Tub at Away Resorts Whitecliff Bay, expecting the premium accommodation that was advertised. Unfortunately, what we received was nowhere near the standard we had paid for.

From the moment we arrived, it was obvious the caravan had not been cleaned properly. The space behind and beside the sofas was filthy, with rubbish, food debris, stains and even old clothing left behind by previous guests. It was so bad that we had to request the caravan be cleaned again before we could properly settle in.

Despite being sold as a luxury caravan, the condition was incredibly poor. The photos speak for themselves:

* Dirt, rubbish and stains hidden behind the furniture.
* Signs of poor housekeeping throughout.
* The caravan was full of moths.
* Damaged and lifting decking, creating an obvious trip hazard.
* Deep scratches and damage to the flooring.
* General wear and tear far beyond what anyone would reasonably expect from accommodation marketed as “luxury.”

However, what concerned us most was what we discovered afterwards.

Every single curtain in the caravan had extensive black staining and spotting across the lining and lower edges, appearing consistent with mould or mildew. This wasn’t confined to one room or one curtain—it was present throughout the caravan. Seeing what appeared to be mould on furnishings in accommodation that is supposed to be cleaned and prepared for arriving guests was genuinely shocking. It raises serious questions about housekeeping standards, maintenance and whether the caravan had been properly inspected before being let.

The cooker was another example of the poor condition of the caravan. It was broken, with missing control knobs, making parts of it unusable. Basic appliances should be fully functional before guests arrive, especially in self-catering accommodation where you’re expected to cook your own meals.

These weren’t minor cosmetic issues. They demonstrated a complete lack of attention to cleanliness, maintenance and quality control. It’s difficult to understand how this caravan could genuinely be classified and sold as a “Luxury” caravan.

The most telling part was Away Resorts’ response. As soon as we raised our concerns, they refunded £180, explaining this represented the difference between the caravan we had booked and the one we had actually been given. That admission alone suggests they recognised we had not received the accommodation we had paid for.

Whilst the staff did arrange for the caravan to be cleaned after we complained, guests should never have to begin their holiday by reporting unacceptable cleanliness issues and basic maintenance failures. A premium-priced holiday should start with a caravan that is clean, safe, fully functional and ready to enjoy—not one that immediately requires intervention.

The attached photographs show exactly what we experienced. The condition of the curtains is particularly alarming, and the broken cooker only reinforces how poorly this caravan had been maintained. Combined with the dirt behind the furniture, moth infestation, damaged decking and worn interior, it paints a picture of a caravan that simply should not have been allocated to paying guests—let alone marketed as luxury accommodation.

Overall, this has been hugely disappointing. We paid for a luxury experience and instead received a tired, poorly maintained caravan that fell well below even basic expectations. The partial refund acknowledged that we hadn’t been given the accommodation we booked, but it did nothing to compensate for the disruption, frustration and poor start to our holiday.

Based on our experience, I would strongly advise anyone considering booking a “Luxury” caravan at Whitecliff Bay to think carefully. Unless Away Resorts significantly improves its cleaning standards, maintenance programme and quality control, the accommodation simply does not justify the premium price or the “luxury” label

We stayed at St Ives Bay. We camped. It was dirty. It was noisy. The park is generally unkempt. The price we paid to stay with inadequate facilities was extortionate. I would avoid. We will never go back.

Check in great,disappointing on arrival lodge,same old damaged table at outdoor area cobweb covered too but I asked for decent seating and table and a new one was brought to us,so that was sorted.the built in fridge was broken last year as we were in the same lodge,no bottom rack for milk ect in the door it was broken last year and still is,I cannot believe staff have not mentioned it to managers otherwise it was lovely we needed the new outdoor seating as weather was gorgeous, but some seat cushions are needed as uncomfortable for long periods a corner seating area with cushions would be better

Having contacted your customer services regarding a caravan we stayed in at whitecliff bay, we have photographic evidence of the disgusting caravan we stayed in. We were offered 50% our next stay, we will not stay at this park ever again, I asked for a partial refund but that was around 3 weeks ago and I am still waiting for a reply, if I do not hear from you within the next 14 days i will either go for a visa dispute or i will take you to the small claims court

We've just gotten back from Barmouth bay holiday park and what a complete waste of money and accommodation was filthy dirty and dilapidated.
We arrived on the 8th of June for 10 days and was very much looking forward to a nice break. We booked a hot tub superior caravan.
When we arrived the staff were very friendly and helpful.
When we got to the van right from the on-set I was dissatisfied there was rubbish and litter around and under the van and i mean alot.
We entered the van to be met by a doggy smell, we are dog owners and requested a dog friendly van but I can assure you my home doesn't smell like that place did. No problem I thought as we had air spray with us.
As we looked further into the van we could see that it was filthy. We had our own cleaning equipment with us we always do so when we leave we can leave the accommodation in good order as we would like to find it. The carpets through out were filthy and the bin on my dyson was full when I finished hoovering. Under the beds in the 3 bedrooms were disgusting and hadn't been cleaned it a good long while. Also the inside of the van̈ was tatty and cheap, the sofa's were so uncomfortable and thin and hurt after a few minutes of sitting. The leg on the dining chair was hanging off.
I phoned reception to explain the different problems and the head of cleaning was sent to see me i showed her the issues and she was in complete agreement with me and offered a deep clean. I declined because I'd already done it to my specification. Although I wanted to be moved because of the other problems.
We heard nothing for the first 24hrs then they offered us what they called an upgrade. We were in a 3 bed hot tub and all they could offer us was a two bed deluxe. My two children are not young so could not share, so my son had to sleep on the bed settee which was very uncomfortable. Our double bed absolutely crippled my back because the mattresses were so thin and cheap.
The Sands bar stank and your feet stuck to the carpet as you walked to the bar. The restaurant if you could call it that was overpriced and very limited. However the chip shop was nice extremely expensive but nice.
My 10 day break was completely spoilt and I will never go back there again and I would advise anyone thinking of going DON'T DO IT!!!
Further to add we have been trying to get redress from this company via email because you can't ring them and they have not even bothered to contact me, not even an apology for such a bad holiday experience.
Carl Castledine CEO you need to do better.

Spent a holiday in Perranporth resort last week.
Lovely quiet resort. Well kept and clean. Pool was clean and easy to book. The staff were great.
We stayed in a private caravan on the edge of the site and had a good view of the sea and landscape.
My 2 year old grandson loved the playground.
The only let down was the on site restaurant. The restaurant wasn't open every evening, and when it was the choices on the menu were not always avaliable. The lovely young lady in the bar gave us money off our bill as a kind gesture due to our choices being unavailable. The restaurant decor definitely needs updating.
A small onsite shop would have been a bonus.
But a nice place to stay if you just want to get away from it all.

We stayed at St Ives and we’re blown away buy the location, however in all honesty the park itself was run down and dirty. Our star gazer was tired, not very clean and in need of a refurb. Lots to explore nearby but won’t return.

Stayed here numerous times but the accommodation I booked this time was absoluty disgusting wish could upload pictures
Advertised as wooden comfort lodge
Curtains stained toilet didn’t work or the extractor fan as light didn’t work. Floor filthy food under sofa sofa had stains and food bits missing off heater rail in bathroom under strip lights in kitchen hanging off couple kitchen doors had cupboard fronts missing
Honestly is was Grimm no outside table so enjoy the outside
Went up to reception to be greeted originally by a woman who said what do you expect with a basic accommodation ( not advertised as basic !!!!) and she could not possibly know as she deals with so many and I’ll see if can get someone to sort a outside table -never did bother !!!!
Spent night in lodge didn’t unpack went up next morning sent pictures and luckily seen by Olivia who was brilliant and moved us within the hour otherwise would have gone home

Guests services seem to have a very mixed bunch of staff clearly not all trained well when they forget people pay a lot of money to stay here
I really find it hard to believe a big company let lodges out like the one we had also they had a builder staying in the one next door He was very odd walking up and down and looking in. Horrible experience I think out accommodation was used for builders to use while working in the area because it was dreadful and dirty !!!

Thank you to Olivia who seems the only member staff that cared and we were moved but didn’t really want my first day to be unpacking and re loading the car to move but very grateful to her for her help

Unfortunately a lot of the other staff at sandyballs could do with training so many of them unprofessional with a dont care attitude
Have been staying with forest holidays couple times past year you could learn a lot from them
Having looked on their website the comfort lodge advertised is not the one we had. I think the ones we stayed in are definitely let outs for builders as only 3 of them - maybe consider pulling them down if your not willing to spend the money on them so they are fit for purpose
I didn’t pay for a budget cheap accommodation at £500 for 4 nights

We was in 1 of 3 booked superior caravans pet friendly at Tattershall Lakes through Away Resorts (booked via another family member) mine was the worst sofas uncomfortable had worn out scruffy covers on sofa, carpet was stained. Veranda was also in need of a good clean. Single beds were uncomfortable. My sisters Superior Caravans were a lot more comfortable than mine (just because I had a dog and paid extra for my dog ) I would have expected a superior quality accommodation. Not at all pleased with the condition and quality won’t be returning

Had 5 bookings on site which we phoned and arranged to be close together and easy accesss due some people having mobility issues we was all over different parts of site not helpful on reception at all was told can’t do nothing about it

This was our first visit to Sandy Balls and I have mixed feelings about the experience.

There was a lot to like. Our lodge was excellent, the site is very nice, and the whole place has a lovely atmosphere. My in-laws were visiting from overseas and we were looking forward to spending some quality family time together with our 5-year-old daughter.

What really let the holiday down for us was the pool situation and I booked it precisely because of the pool facilities.

We stayed for two nights during the recent heatwave and despite paying just under £700 for the break, we didn't manage to use either the indoor or outdoor pool once.

The outdoor pool operates on a wristband system and demand was extremely high because of the May heat wave. By the time we discovered how the system worked on our first day, all wristbands had already gone. The same thing happened again on our second day.

I completely understand that capacity has to be managed and that staff can only work within the system they have. My issue isn't with the staff. It's with the system itself.

For families staying only two nights, particularly during hot weather, the combination of a 2:30pm check-in time, limited pool capacity and first-come-first-served wristbands means pool access can be much more difficult than you might expect when booking. In short, no-one can swim on the day they arrive.

What disappointed me most was that the pool is such a central part of the Sandy Balls experience. When it's very hot and you're holidaying with children, you naturally assume you'll be able to spend at least some time there. In our case, that simply wasn't possible.

However, I still think future guests should be made much more aware of how difficult pool access can be during busy periods. Had I known this before booking, I would probably have chosen a different destination for this particular family break.

A lovely site with great accommodation, but the current pool setup took a lot of the shine off what should have been a relaxing holiday.

Although the lodges and the overall layout are nice I don't think I would book again as I can pay slightly more than £700 for an extra day at CenterParcs and go swimming when I want and for how long I want.

After staying at st ives bay and having a good experience in a shadow wood caravan, I decided to book again in a indulgence caravan, this time it was totally different, it wasn’t ready at check in time, stains everywhere, the maintenance guy had to fix something on the fridge as soon as I got in there, there were Pepsi bottles filled with cigarette butts on the balcony and the whole place smelled bad. I asked for them to be removed but no one came, I stayed one night because it’s a long journey down and left the following day. It’s a shame because it has a lovely view. No response from them about the complaint I sent. No offer of moving van when I took the keys back and said how unhappy I was.

Had a lodge at sandy balls it was tired to say the least there was dirty water left in the bucket, there was no plug for the bath. There was no iron nor ironing board, the restaurant Aubreys was only open 3 days 5-9 and unclear where to get a breakfast. Even the staff were not happy about worrking more hours than expected, no wifi etc...Overpriced food from the shop on site. Went there 20 odd years ago but now obviously a chain which is rinsing money from holiday makers will not be returning!

Overall, the Whitecliff Bay, Isle of Wight resort was good and although we didn't stay in the main area with a chalet, but in the touring camping area, the facilities seemed good. By booking with Away Resorts we got a fantastic discount on our ferry prices which would have been very expensive for a huge classic American car towing a classic caravan! Our actual campsite area "Crosswinds" was managed by the touring managers Kevin and Allison who were absolutely fantastic. They had set the area up with lots of lovely little touches and humorous ideas which made it lovely and great fun for us all. Nothing was too much trouble and their attention to detail was outstanding. If we could split the reviews we'd give Kevin and Allison 5 stars and the main resort probably 3 or 4.

These guys have no “no smoking” policy in place and they rely on holiday makers to follow rule of law and not smoke in their accommodations - please see image to confirm this. We arrived and were given a key and chalet number; we walked into the chalet and it smelled like a cheap 70’s hotel room with the disgusting hum of cigarette smoke. We’re non smokers and there’s no way we were going to deal with the stink - the bedding reeked, there was cigarette ash on the couch and it wqs an absolute “NO WAY”. I went to reception and advised that our chalet smelled like an ashtray. The very, very helpful ladies in customer service looked to see if there was anywhere else they could send us but they were full and it looked unlikely that they’d be able to provide a chalet that didnt stink! 10 or so minutes later, an aggressive, confrontational manager arrived and she explained and I quote “we have 100’s of accommodations and we cant check every chalet when guests depart”. I asked why there was no carte blanche demand that guests not smoke in accommodations and apparently its in the works??? Really!!! In this day and age??? Long story short, we threatened to cancel and about 10 minutes later, their aggressive, utterly charmless manager found us an alternative chalet - fortunately no smell of smoking

We shared our chalet with swarms of ants. Ants were every where constantly - in our bed, suitcases, clothing and shower. After the experience we’d had with the first chalet we decided not to say anything - we were concerned that they’d move is again and we back at square 1. The chalet was dated and very basic - £700 for a week in a chalet that was literally 50 years old plus (please see pics).

On a positive note, the Sands Bistro was great. Service was exceptional; Chloe just couldnt do enough to assist. Food on the whole was ok most of the time, however on a bank holiday Monday they were overrun, short staffed and food quality suffered enormously. Would I recommend? No. Poor management at guest services - officious, blunt and completely lacking empathy. Ants - my Wife hated it. 5 mile drive from St Ives and you’ll have to drive or take the bus. The beach is superb but a long, long walk DOWN a steep sand dune and exhausting for anyone less mobile - the return journey was harsh after hours of antics on the beach - for everyone!

Very very very unhappy with your customer service. You were advertised dog free holiday but I was booking prior your promotion date, which I paid for £90 for my 2 dogs. So what is the dog free holiday??? Called your customer service but not very helpful. If this was Centre Parc they will always have price match. Won’t doing again with your Sandy Ball and prefer to do with Centre Parc in future!

We stayed for three nights, no heating, tv did not work
Place needed a jolly good clean.
Trees needed cutting back from entrance.
The whole short break was a disaster and disappointment.
It was Sandy Balls when we originally stayed, but it has
certainly gone down hill.

The accommodation was already disappointing — hot, stuffy, outdated, and genuinely uncomfortable. The beds were so bad that getting any proper rest was impossible. For the price, the condition of the place is shocking: old, poorly maintained, and clearly not suitable for a comfortable stay.

But the worst part wasn’t even the accommodation. It was the customer service.

When I raised my concerns, instead of helping, they became defensive and rude. The moment I challenged the poor service, they got angry and ended the call. No attempt to resolve anything, no professionalism, no respect. Just attitude and a hang‑up.

Being told “it’s not standard” and that nothing can be done was already unacceptable — but being cut off for simply expecting basic customer care is beyond unprofessional.

This experience has made it very clear they don’t value their customers, their accommodation is far below standard, and their staff can’t handle even the simplest complaint without reacting badly.

I wouldn’t recommend this place to anyone. Avoid it if you expect comfort, honesty, or even the slightest level of customer service.