Saundersfoot Dream Escape: 3-Bed Ragged Staff Holiday Home Awaits!
Saundersfoot Dream Escape: 3-Bed Ragged Staff Holiday Home Awaits! – A Coastal Chaos (and Occasionally Blissful) Review
Right, let's be honest, planning a holiday feels like trying to herd cats sometimes. But when I saw "Saundersfoot Dream Escape: 3-Bed Ragged Staff Holiday Home Awaits!" I thought, "Dream? Okay, let's give it a shot!" And boy, did it give… something. Buckle up, because this is gonna be a rambling, honest review.
Accessibility: The Uneven Path
Okay, the blurb mentioned accessibility. That's a big selling point, you know? My Aunt Mildred, bless her cotton socks, needs things to be, shall we say, accommodating. The website was vague, which already gave me a bit of a pre-holiday twitch. Turns out, some of the holiday homes are wheelchair accessible and some are not. Disaster number one: I found this out by literally phoning them and was handed between people, and each person said something different! So… double-check if your requirements are specific! We ended up with a place that was "sort of" accessible. Meaning, Mildred had a few "interesting" adventures with ramps and slightly narrow doorways. Lesson learned: don't assume. Ask. Then ask again, just to be sure.
On-Site Accessible Restaurants/Lounges: Not a Thing (or a Secret)
The listing promised "on-site accessible restaurants/lounges". I spent a good hour, after arriving, wandering around, looking. Okay, maybe I have bad eyesight. Maybe there was a secret portal to the accessible lounge? Nope. Nada. Zero. I ended up grilling the receptionist, who blinked at me and said, "Oh, well, there are places nearby…" Nearby is not on-site, people! Major points lost there. My stomach grumbled with disappointment.
Wheelchair Accessible: (Sometimes. Ask a Lot.)
(See Accessibility above. Repeat after me: "Check, double-check, triple-check, and then, check again!")
Internet Access: The Digital Divide… in Wales?
"Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!" Hallelujah! As a workaholic with a serious Instagram addiction, this was vital. The wifi was… patchy. I’d get a burst of speed that would let me download a file, then, poof, gone! Back to dial-up era. My attempts at streaming a movie were met with a spinning wheel of doom, and my important video meetings kept freezing. Frustration city. I’m used to decent internet. This was like going back to the dark ages. I feel sorry for the kids.
Internet, Internet [LAN], Internet Services: Mmmkay…
Let's be clear, unless you're into playing with cables and potentially causing a fire hazard, the LAN situation was a no-go. I brought a cable just in case, but good riddance. Anyway, the Wi-Fi, when working, was fast enough… when it worked! They did have… internet services. I assume that means that the front desk could help me… probably.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Spa Day? No Thanks.
"Body scrub, body wrap, fitness center, foot bath, gym/fitness, massage, pool with view, sauna, spa, spa/sauna, steamroom, swimming pool, swimming pool [outdoor]." Wow. Sounds AMAZING. My stress levels were already lowering! Except… the spa element? Not really. The "pool" with a view was there (cold, outdoor), but the spa… well, that was an overly enthusiastic description, let’s just say that. The gym was a tiny room, with a treadmill that looked like it last saw action during the Jurassic period. I'd rather go climbing. The massage? I asked a friend about places nearby, and she suggested a place an hour away with good reviews. The location was ideal – Saundersfoot. The rest? Not so much. The "foot bath" turned out to be a slightly grubby bucket. I’m not sure it was even water, come to think of it. Body scrub? Maybe you could use the pebbles on the beach. Body wrap? Good luck. In reality? It wasn't quite the promised haven of relaxation that I'd envisioned. I had to go on my own retreat to relax.
Cleanliness and Safety: A Mixed Bag, TBH
"Anti-viral cleaning products, breakfast in room, breakfast takeaway service, cashless payment service, daily disinfection in common areas, doctor/nurse on call, first aid kit, hand sanitizer, hot water linen and laundry washing, hygiene certification." This all sounded fantastic, especially in the post-pandemic reality. The place felt clean, but I'm a bit of a germaphobe, I'm not gonna lie.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Feed the Beast!
Here's where things got interesting. The listing touted a massive food selection, ranging from fancy restaurants. Okay, not quite. "A la carte in restaurant, alternative meal arrangement, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, bar, bottle of water, breakfast [buffet], breakfast service, buffet in restaurant, coffee/tea in restaurant, coffee shop, desserts in restaurant, happy hour, 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." Sounds incredible, right? Well, hold on to your hats…
The "buffet" was a sad excuse for a breakfast. Scrambled eggs that tasted like they'd been made last Tuesday, rubbery bacon, and sad-looking pastries. I ventured to the the "Asian" option, and it was the opposite of what I expected. Maybe I was just hungry but I ended up cooking with the leftovers from the day before. The coffee shop served lukewarm, watery coffee. The happy hour? More like "unhappy hour" in terms of the prices!
The 24-hour room service? Another lie. The "poolside bar," as mentioned before, was also a lie. The staff smiled and pretended they were helpful. I didn't understand the problem.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter (or Don't)
Air conditioning in public areas? Ha! Elevator? Yes. Doorman? No. The "convenience store" was empty except for some overpriced crisps and a sad-looking postcard. No doctor or nurse on call. The safety deposit boxes were a welcome convenience.
For the Kids: A Mixed Bag of Joy
"Babysitting service, family/child-friendly, kids facilities, kids meal…" Right. My niece and nephew were with us, and they’re not exactly easy.
Available in All Rooms (Mostly):
"Air conditioning, alarm clock, bathrobes, bathroom phone, bathtub, blackout curtains, carpeting, closet, coffee/tea maker, complimentary tea, daily housekeeping, desk, extra long bed, free bottled water, hair dryer, high floor, in-room safe box, interconnecting room(s) available, internet access – LAN, internet access – wireless, ironing facilities, laptop workspace, linens, mini bar, mirror, non-smoking, on-demand movies, private bathroom, reading light, refrigerator, safety/security feature, satellite/cable channels, scale, seating area, separate shower/bathtub, shower, slippers, smoke detector, socket near the bed, sofa, soundproofing, telephone, toiletries, towels, umbrella, visual alarm, wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], window that opens."
Messy Conclusions:
My Saundersfoot Dream Escape was a mixed bag. Some good things, some bad. The location? Fantastic. Saundersfoot is beautiful, I can't deny it. But the promises of the "Dream Escape"? A bit exaggerated, let's say. This place needs some serious reality-checking when it comes to its descriptions.
Would I go back?
Maybe. But I'd pack a lot of snacks, a better Wi-Fi hotspot, and seriously lower my expectations. And I'd definitely call about everything before booking again. Seriously.
Saint Petersburg's HOTTEST Jazz Club: Unmissable Nights!
Alright, strap in, buttercups, because we're about to embark on… well, MY Saundersfoot adventure! And trust me, it’s less "perfectly curated Instagram feed" and more "slightly manic, caffeine-fueled holiday with a healthy dose of questionable decisions." We're talking a trip to Ragged Staff, that adorably wonky holiday home in Saundersfoot. Here’s the attempt at a plan, sprinkled with reality. Buckle up, it's gonna be a bumpy, beautiful ride.
The Official, But Mostly Hilariously Unrealistic, Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival and Seaside Shenanigans (aka, "Where Did I Park?")
- (10:00 AM -ish) - The Great Welsh Road Trip Begins! Okay, let's be real, it starts after I've wrestled my luggage into the car like I'm auditioning for a strongwoman competition. The drive from… well, let's not say where - will be a symphony of "Are we there yet?" and a frantic search for decent coffee. Expect detours for quirky farm shops (because cheese, obviously) and probably getting hopelessly lost at least twice.
- (1:00 PM -ish) - Arrival and Initial Panic. We should arrive at Ragged Staff. The address is a vague concept to me right now, I’m hoping the Sat Nav understands “slightly-off-the-beaten-path in Saundersfoot”. Finding the parking might be a saga. I foresee me circling the place like a confused buzzard, muttering under my breath. Upon arrival, the initial impression of the house? Praying it's at least cleanish. The photos ALWAYS lie. My sanity is hanging by a thread at this point.
- (2:00 PM - 4:00 PM) - Unpacking and Settling In (or, "Where's the Wine Opener?") The unpacking ritual begins. This involves a strategic assessment of the space, a frantic search for the kettle, and the immediate need for… well, the aforementioned wine opener. Expect a lot of ‘where did I put that?!’ moments. I'm already dreading the "did we pack everything?" checklist that will inevitably reveal a crucial item left behind. My usual culprit? My toothbrush. Always my toothbrush.
- (4:00 PM - 6:00 PM) - Coastal Exploration! (And That First Pint) A walk along Saundersfoot beach. My expectations? Sand. Sea. Maybe a particularly photogenic seagull. My emotional state? Utterly, blissfully, relieved to be away from the city chaos. The first pint of local ale at a proper pub will be a religious experience. I might even order a starter. Don’t bet on me being coherent enough to remember the name of the pub, though.
- (7:00 PM - onwards) - Dinner, Delight, and Doubt. Dinner at a local restaurant. It should be a charming, seafood-focused experience. In reality, it might involve me accidentally ordering something I can't pronounce, or getting overly excited about the bread basket. Bedtime will be dictated by exhaustion, and a deep, abiding fear of packing for home.
Day 2: Adventures and Accidents (aka, “My Sunburn is a Disaster”)
- (9:00 AM -ish) - Breakfast and Beach Bliss (Maybe). I have a vague idea about attempting to make a slightly less-than-perfect breakfast at the holiday home, but let's face it, the lure of a greasy spoon cafe is strong. After breakfast, we aim for the beach. I'll probably forget to put on sunscreen until I resemble a cooked lobster. Again.
- (11:00 AM - 1:00 PM) - Boat Trip or Coastal Hike (or, I Might Just Lie on the Beach) We are supposed to go on a boat trip, or a coastal hike, maybe even a bit of both. But… the sea is unpredictable. And so am I. This will probably involve me accidentally dropping my phone in the sea (again, probably). I’ll be the awkward, clumsy tourist, but at least I'll laugh at myself.
- (1:00 PM - 2:00 PM) - Lunch and Coastal Delights. Lunch at a random spot the guidebooks have suggested. My culinary expectations are low, I don’t want to be disappointed.
- (2:00 PM - 6:00 PM) - Saundersfoot Discovery. The Tide is going out. I'll probably wander around Saundersfoot with the aim of taking some photos. I will most likely get caught in the rain. I will probably moan about being in the rain.
- (7:00 PM - Onwards) - Dinner and Drinks (Possibly Followed by a Quiet Collapse). Dinner at a different restaurant, because, variety! Drinks? Oh yes. I’m on holiday, after all. Expect laughter, possibly some questionable karaoke attempts, and a general sense of being utterly, deliciously, off-duty.
Day 3: Departure and Reflection (aka, "Did I Actually Relax?")
- (9:00 AM -ish) - A Final Breakfast. With Regret. One last attempt at breakfast. Followed by a long, lingering regret at having to pack everything up.
- (11:00 AM -ish) - The Great Pack-Up. Avoidance will be key. This will be a stressful symphony of re-packing, finding forgotten items, and realizing just how much sand has infiltrated everything.
- (12:00 PM) - Say Goodbye to Ragged Staff Check out time. Wave goodbye to Ragged Staff, remembering to take photos to remember it.
- (1:00 PM - onwards) - Goodbye, Saundersfoot! The drive home. Reflection. A huge sigh of relief. Begin planning the next adventure.
Quirks, Rambles, and Truth Bombs:
- The Food Obsession: I will eat ALL the seafood. I will buy ALL the Welsh cheddar. I will probably gain five pounds. Zero regrets.
- The Weather: It is Wales. It will rain. I accept this. I will embrace the rain, and probably complain about it at the same time.
- The "Perfect Holiday" Illusion: This won’t be perfect. There will be meltdowns (probably mine), forgotten items (definitely), and moments of hilarious awkwardness. But THAT is what makes it memorable.
- The Emotional Rollercoaster: I’ll be a mix of pure, unadulterated joy, mild panic, and profound exhaustion. That’s just how I roll. And that's okay.
Most Importantly…
This is MY holiday. It's imperfect. It’s messy. And it’s going to be absolutely, gloriously, me. Saundersfoot, here I come… with all my quirks, flaws, and a healthy dose of chaos. Wish me luck! (And maybe bring me a spare wine opener.)
Escape to Paradise: Banjert Villa Beach, Sichon's Hidden Gem!
Saundersfoot Dream Escape: 3-Bed Ragged Staff - Hold Onto Your Hats! FAQs (Because Honestly, Stuff Comes Up)
Okay, spill the tea. Is this place REALLY as dreamy as the pictures?
Alright, alright, let's be honest. The photos? They're *polished*. Think Instagram versus Reality, but with less catfishing (hopefully!). Look, Ragged Staff IS gorgeous. The views? Staggering. Breathtaking. Made me want to write a bad poem on the spot, all about the turquoise sea and the way the light dances. (I resisted. Mostly.) But… and there's always a but, isn't there? That first night… tried to get the telly working. Took me an hour. Turns out, the remote's batteries were flat, and I'd spent the time muttering under my breath about advanced technology and my complete inadequacy. So, yeah, dreamy-ish. Bring spare batteries. And maybe a manual.
Three beds… who’s the target audience? Families? Groups of drunk friends?
Good question! I think it's *designed* for families, but let's be real, it's adaptable. I went with my best friends, Sarah and Mark. We are NOT families. We are a trio of vaguely functional adults, mostly held together by shared trauma and a deep love of crisps. One morning, whilst making breakfast, I dropped a whole carton of eggs on the floor. The yolk splashed everywhere and as soon as the smell kicked in, Mark and Sarah started dry-heaving and then trying to get clean-up duty. Families would probably be more organized and better at mopping up egg. So, yes, families. But also, groups of friends who don't mind a bit of chaos. And maybe a good supply of cleaning supplies.
What's the deal with Saundersfoot itself? Worth leaving the holiday home for?
Saundersfoot is charming… mostly. The beach? Stunning. Soft sand, perfect for building castles… or, you know, just sitting and contemplating the meaning of life while the waves crash. The pubs? Cosy, and serving pints that actually taste like proper beer. The one little caveat... parking can be an absolute nightmare. I spent a solid 45 minutes circling the village like a confused seagull, desperately trying to find a space. Found one eventually and realised i was parked on a slight incline, and then spent the next hour, trying to prevent my car from rolling. So, yeah, Saundersfoot is worth leaving the holiday home for. Just be prepared for a bit of a competitive parking war. Pack your patience. And maybe a spare clutch.
Is the kitchen actually equipped, or do I need to bring my own cutlery and a blowtorch?
The kitchen? Fine-ish. Look, it's not going to win any Michelin stars, but it's got the essentials. Pots, pans, cutlery, a kettle that works (thank god), and a fridge that, miraculously, keeps things cold. I made a full roast dinner. Okay, so the potatoes weren't *perfect*, and I may have set off the smoke alarm (twice!), but hey, we survived. You'll be fine. Just...maybe double-check for a decent can opener. Mine nearly broke during the beans one morning, and the thought of a baked beans shortage was a dark, dark moment.
What about the Wi-Fi? Need to stay connected to the real world, sadly.
Oh, the Wi-Fi. Its... there. Let's say it's more "gentle suggestion of connectivity" than "blazing-fast broadband." I managed to check emails. Eventually. Streaming movies? Probably not. Downloading large anything? Forget about it. I had to work one day. I spent the entire day cursing the internet, and me being a freelancer with no good option. But, hey, a digital detox might be good for you. Or, even better, just tether to your phone if you have good signal. And if you don't, well, maybe enjoy the enforced peace and quiet.
Any hidden fees or sneaky extra charges?
Not that I noticed! Unless you count the inevitable "oops, I broke something" fee. Which, in my case, *could* have been applicable. I may or may not have managed to chip a teacup whilst attempting a dramatic pouring of tea at 3 in the morning. (It was the wine, I blame the wine!). But generally, the price is what it says on the tin. Just read the small print carefully, like, really carefully, because I'm terrible at that and could have missed something. But I didn't seem to.
Seriously, what's the best thing about Ragged Staff? And what's the worst?
Okay, the best thing? The view. Hands down. Waking up to that panorama every morning was just… wow. It was the reason I kept going back. It honestly, it was worth the whole trip. Watching the sun dip below the horizon, turning the sea into a shimmering canvas of colours, it was poetry in motion. Utterly, breathtakingly, beautiful. The worst, the absolute worst? The washing machine! Honestly, it sounded like a distressed pterodactyl trying to escape a concrete box. I was genuinely afraid it was going to eat my clothes. And, I felt a bit sorry for the poor washing machine, in the end.
Is there anything else to do apart from beaches and pubs?
Oh, yes! So much more. Tenby's a short drive away, with a gorgeous harbor and even more shops and restaurants. There's the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, which I attempted. (Emphasis on *attempted*. I lasted about an hour before my legs started screaming). You can go coasteering, which looks terrifyingly fun. There are boat trips. Folly Farm Adventure Park and Zoo, which I'd heard great things about, and actually, it looks amazing, even from the website. So, yeah, you'll have plenty to keep you busy. Or, you know, just sit on the balcony with a book and a bottle of wine. That's also a perfectly acceptable option.
Any pro-tips before I book my own escape?
Right, listen up. Pack for all weathers because the Welsh weather is, as they say, a bit unpredictable. Bring a good book. Bring spare batteries. Check the washing machine's performance before you go. Don't be afraid to embrace the chaos. Coastal Inns
