We wanted a family break which oozed luxury and the five star Lough Erne Resort is the is the jewel in the crown of Co Fermanagh.
The beauty of this resort are the luxurious lodges perfect if you have your family in tow.
The property is nestled on a 600-acre peninsula which is stunningly beautiful, situated between Castle Hume Lough and lower Lough Erne.
Just 2.5 hours for Dublin, we were transported into a world of peace, as the resort is slap bang in the middle of the Lake with worldclass views every time you turn your head.
We stayed in a three bedroom lodge.
The comfort level won me over.
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The opulent rooms are spacious which meant we could bring my partner’s mum and our three kids could share a bedroom.
The bedrooms are just as luxurious in the lodges as the hotel, think floor to ceiling golden curtains, Egyptian cotton sheets and velvet armchairs.
The resort does not skimp on luxury where families are concerned with my six- year old declaring she had a room fit for a princess as it was so “royal”.
The views of the lake from our sitting room area were resplendent, with full access to the hotel facilities the lodge is such a family treat.
Bergamot and Jasmine Espa products are abundant in each ensuite bathroom with the pure winner for me, the freestanding bath.
I was in heaven.
Dining options
Whether it’s cosy dining with kids or fine dining you’re after, Lough Erne will have you spoilt.
On the first night for a more casual bite we took the gang to the Loughside Bar and Grill.
It features the best items from the grill with a view to kill overlooking the Faldo Championship Course and Castle Hume Lough.
The Loughside Fish and chips, a beer batter haddock was a winner with our teen.
The kids' homemade chicken goujons were gobbled up by the little ones.
The resort make the kids feel like princesses.
The desert was a highlight.
Rutti Tutti Fresh & Fruity, Fruit Jelly, Vanilla Ice Cream & Fresh Fruit and Banana Split, Belgian Chocolate Sauce had the girls saying this was the best holiday ever.
I went for spiced coconut prawns with salsa verde on toasted ciabatta to start followed by the Pan Roasted Cod.
The roasted cherry tomatoes, new season potatoes and kalamata olives were so light.
Night two was a posh affair and we took John’s mum Mary Lou to the delectable and world famous Catalina Restaurant.
During his 12-plus years at Lough Erne Resort Stephen Holland has cooked for world leaders including US President Barack Obama and former British Prime Minister David Cameron.
His menus are top class.
All guests are treated like royalty and the tasting menu was melt in the mouth.
I was in awe when the scallop arrived to start, It was like a work of art.
The Hake was teamed with crayfish ravioli and buttered leak infused with champagne and caviar.
The blackcurrant souffle with blackcurrant sorbet and vanilla anglaise was the most delicate combination, a taste explosion of perfection.
You simply cannot visit Lough Erne without dining here, it's a once in a lifetime treat.
Estate Activities
You don’t have to leave the resort as there is plenty to do.
In the summer months you can take a paddle board out on the lake.
The team at Blue Green Yonder provide lessons for water sports enthusiasts, the swans bobbing around the lough make it all the more magical.
The magnificent golf course, designed by Nick Faldo is a sight to behold, with impeccable Greens.
I loved an early morning jog around the course before the kids woke up.
The moon was still out as the sun was trying to burst.
It was just the ticket, complete zen.
The Golf Academy was perfect for our 16- year- old James.
Suitable for people of all abilities including beginners who want to learn a new skill to golfers wishing to improve their game.
A dedicated team of PGA professionals teach one on one lessons with video analysis.
Golf pro Damian Mooney is as cool as a cucumber with patience in spades.
The entire team are dedicated to the art of the perfect golf swing.
For golfers, the swing analysis package might be just the job to up your game before heading for a round.
The swimming pool overlooks the Golf course and we couldn’t get our girls to leave.
The cutest element of the entire resort is Enchantment, The Woodland Trail.
My girls were the perfect age. Erin is six and Eila is 4 and going on a mystical quest throughout the woodland to help free Princess Erin was made sweeter due to the princess being our little girl’s name sake.
We met Twinkle the Fairy and the rest of her woodland family who guided us along the way.
There were twelve enchanting clues on the journey deep in the mysterious woodlands.
We had to find the answer along the trail to release Erin from the Turret.
There truly is something for all the family at the Lough Erne Resort.
Get Your Glo On with a couple’s Escape
For a real treat the Thai Spa at Lough Erne Resort is special.
This year the spa launched a new collaboration with leading Irish lifestyle brand, Voya Organic.
It’s the marrying of therapeutic expertise from Thailand with ancient sustainable seaweed benefits from Ireland.
The couples massage was just the ticket to spark romance on a family trip where it’s a luxury to escape for an hour.
The Voyager massage offers a grounding journey for mind and body.
So much so my partner John fell asleep during it.
A range of gentle massage is included, for scalp, face and body along with stretches that ‘replicate the movement of the sea’.
This creates inner harmony for the mind and your body is so completely relaxed.
Angelicus Serratus Oil uplifts, Mindful movements Oil relaxes and Serenergise oil revives tired muscles.
I didn’t want to leave the relaxing area as I munched on mango and sipped my herbal tea.
My mum-in-law felt the same after we treated her to a much needed Thai back massage.
Book Yourself A Stay
To book your escape visit www.lougherneresort.com
Overnight stays this Summer start from only €229 per room in a luxury hotel guest room. Self-catering breaks are also available in a range of two- and three-bedroom lodges with a host of exciting outdoor activities such as yoga, stand-up paddle boarding and more! Your Summer adventure awaits at lougherneresort.com
