We were nervous going away with a new-born – but our hot-tub lodge was perfect

EVERYONE always tells you how stressful family holidays can be but at Loch Tay Highland Lodges you can find inner peace.

Heading up to the picturesque Perthshire resort, we embarked on our first ever getaway as a family of four.

5

5

5

I was equal parts excited and nervous as I set off with my partner Neila, six-year-old son Mathew and 11-week-old Quinn.

Staying during the summer holidays was a big test for all of us as we tried to juggle everyone’s happiness but we shouldn’t have worried as the friendly staff helped us settle in to our stunning Ardeonaig Rocks lodge – and rock it most certainly did. It had everything we could possibly want or need.

But after the drive we wanted to get out and explore the resort and a quick walk round the site showed us some of the excitement to come – including disc golf, a putting green and a fantastic restaurant.

The Boathouse Kitchen and Bar offers a wide range of treats, with the steak and sausage pie a personal favourite.

During our delicious meal situated right next to Loch Tay, we spied a few people out on the water kayaking, sailing and even swimming.

But I prefer my dips in the water to be a bit warmer so thankfully having a hot tub on our private deck at the lodge came in very handy.

The on-site activities were great too with the competitive nature coming out in all of us during disc golf.

It was our first time playing the game — which is essentially throwing a frisbee into a basket while going round a golf course — but we couldn’t wait to play it again.

While the terrain may not have been made for a pram, we had no bother pushing Quinn around while the rest of us big kids played.

From disc golf to ‘real’ golf we also tested out the putting green and carried on our competition and by this point of the holiday it was hard to tell who was taking the competition more seriously — Mathew or the adults who really should know better!

But thankfully nothing about Loch Tay is serious, it’s all pure fun and enjoyment.

We noticed plenty of families with older kids too and while Mathew and Quinn may be too young for the likes of archery, axe throwing (thankfully) and kayaking, the In Your Element team based at the marina are there to cater for your every need and satisfy any thrill-seekers in your family.

As much as you can enjoy the outdoors, the exquisite lodges do make it hard to leave sometimes.

Ours had a state of the art kitchen, Smart TV and plenty space for all of us. We also passed various glamping pods which looked cool, as well as bigger lodges for large family gatherings.

The location is handy for those who like to go a little bit further afield and we had trips out to Killin, Callander and a day out at the Auchingarrich Wildlife Centre in the unusually great Scottish summertime.

Seeing Mathew mess around in the play areas and Quinn’s wee face light up at all the animals as they were fed by the informative trainers are those little moments that make holidays worth it.

But the lodges make you feel like you’re at home away from home, so we returned back to chill out at the hot tub again before strolling down to the Boathouse for another meal and cocktails.

As we were finishing off a slice of cheesecake and some ice cream on our final night, we were already thinking of all the things we would do next time around.

It just goes to show you how, after stressing out about a family holiday before we set off, we can’t wait to book another one, it’s been so good.

5

5

We pay for your stories and videos! Do you have a story or video for The Scottish Sun? Email us at [email protected] or call 0141 420 5300