The best of 2020 at Newgale (yes, really) and what’s to come in 2021!

We admit that this has been an extremely difficult year for everyone, and so a ‘best of’ blog perhaps doesn’t seem appropriate.  But bear with us.  Because while it’s been super tough, there have also been some incredible moments of friendship, fun and kindness amidst the worry as we’ve all tried to come together to make the best of 2020…and some of them have happened right here at Newgale Holidays!

So, in the spirit of positivity and community spirit, we want to focus on the best of 2020 with a little round-up of all the good things that came out of a tough year, and to let you know how 2021 is going to top it all…

Best of 2020: The cottages

Our five stunning self-catering cottages undertook extensive renovations earlier in the year to get them to the luxurious standards our guests enjoyed this year.  Each cottage suits two people and our dog-friendly accommodation has proved to be extremely popular…and not just with the dogs!! 

We decorated with everyone in mind; the comfortable double bedroom with ensuite shower room is decorated in a coastal style to fit in seamlessly with its environment, and downstairs there’s a spacious lounge and kitchen area to fit the furry friends, too.  There’s even a private patio for al-fresco meals and stargazing with a glass of something bubbly, as well as a lovely big field opposite for the dogs to have a good stomp before you all have a peaceful, sea-air-induced, amazing night’s sleep.

Best of 2020: The weather

Lockdown may have been pretty dreadful, and the virus may have caused anxiety, but (for once) the Pembrokeshire weather made sure that we were all getting lots of vital Vitamin D.  So much so that our campsite, which opened to the public in April, was packed to the hedges for the entire summer!  Even a bit of late autumn rain did not put off some of our hardcore guests who hung around for the fantastic surf during more tumultuous weather.

Best of 2020: The food

We may not have a restaurant on-site, but we certainly helped provide some incredible evening meals thanks to our pop-up pizza nights by the delectable Carreg Pizzas.  These were a total hit with our guests…and with some of the staff! Well, who could resist the smell of freshly cooked pizzas floating across the field after a hunger-inducing day at the beach?

 Best of 2020: A new website

Not ones to rest on our laurels, we decided that Coronavirus wouldn’t stop our plans and we launched our new website in June of this year.  It’s been a huge success and is our hub for information regarding all of our cottages, our sister company The Woodland Retreat, our campsite information as well as local area info and monthly blogs on activities, events, and excuses to visit this gorgeous part of Pembrokeshire.

We used the pandemic to really listen to what our customers needed from us and how we could provide the best service possible even under difficult circumstances.  This helped us to formulate bigger and better plans for 2021, ones that will certainly rival the best of 2020 plans!

Here’s what you can expect in 2021:

Hot tubs

We’re going to experiment with a hot tub in Caldey Cottage in Spring of 2021, with a view to including one in each cottage thereafter if they’re a hit (bubbles, bubbly & sea views?  We hope that you’ll love them!).

Rainbolts Hill Farm Shop

While we love our little reception shop, we learned more about what campers and cottage guests want from their stay with us, and as a result, decided to open our very own Farm Shop on site.  We’re excited to announce that it will open on 2^nd of April and will be available for all guests and for locals and passing trade.  We’re keen environmentalists and always encourage gate to plate eating, so we’re hoping to showcase the best of Pembrokeshire’s world-class fresh cheeses, meats, fruits and vegetables so that local people can shop sustainably and guests can experience a true taste of Newgale and the surrounding area.  Keep an eye on our social media for further updates about what will be on offer – we can’t wait to share this with you.

Redecorating and reconfiguring

We like to keep things fresh and so we’ll be completing some redecorating throughout our cottages in the New Year (around bookings, so for your convenience we won’t close) and we’re super excited to see the new oak furniture provided by the fantastic Pembrokeshire-based Furniture Directory.

We’re also taking on board all feedback received from our campsite guests this year and will be providing more washing up facilities and showers/toilets to accommodate the larger-than-expected number of guests we’re thrilled to be receiving.  We’ve also hired two more members of staff to help us to look after you all in reception and in the new Farm Shop – we’re expanding!

Agriculture working alongside nature

We will continue to invest in the farm as the organic conversion pushes forward, investing in the land, fencing, and habitat creation to increase biodiversity.  We’ve recently received approval from The Pembrokeshire Coast National Park for hedgerow regeneration and friends of PCNA volunteers will help replant new hedgerows sometime before March.

Let you into a little 2021 secret…

And finally, before we wish you all a safe, peaceful, best of 2020 Christmas and an even better 2021 to come, here’s a little hint of what we’re working on next: planners will receive a proof of concept got 5 or 6 luxury pods set in our stunning wooded valley overlooking the beautiful St Bride’s Bay.  So, stay tuned to our social media and blogs, we’ve got plans and nothing, not even the pandemic, will stop us.