The Lakes by Yoo

The service was not great for an expensive luxury resort

The perfect place to unwind in a luxury retreat. The most amazing views, food, overall facilities, room, spa, staff, everything - and so much to do! Absolutely 10/10, will definitely come back and bring the whole family and rent a canoe, hire bikes etc! Still in awe at how beautiful our room was, they really have thought of everything - even leaving us a freshly baked sourdough loaf and some jam was a lovely touch! We didn't want to leave - we could honestly live here! Also loved visiting the onsite farm and exploring the beautiful grounds. Haven't stopped thinking about this place since

Incredible experience - perfect long weekend break with a combination of luxury and chilled settings. One bedroom suite was of a great size and the service was excellent

I'll start by saying if you want a couple's weekend away in the suite, avoid The Lakes by Yoo it is simply far too expensive for what it delivers and it has a number of significant flaws. There are however some positives but please don't be fooled into thinking these are in any way enough to overcome some of the revelations later in the review. The fit and finish, including soft furnishing, appliances, bathroom and deck furniture are high-end, modern and tasteful. The small welcome pack and the grand entrance are also welcome touches. The architecture of the whole site, let alone the apartment blocks and lodges is exquisite, you cannot fault the design thinking that led to the creation of these buildings. The Spa is also a modern design triumph. This more or less concludes the positives. The suites are located in an apartment block, we stayed on the ground floor. The entrance to the suite is in a small corridor next to two of their hotel style rooms. You essentially share this corridor inside of the suite. Whilst the rooms have a more robust door which offers sound-proofing, the suite does not. In fact the gap around the end of the door frame is comfortably wide enough that you can see directly into the corridor from the suite living space. Not only does that mean sound bleeds through the apartment block into the suite but it also means that you never really feel in a private space. This was highlighted when a random man, it's unclear if he was working on site or was another guest entered the suite, realised we were present, apologised and scurried away. This leads me to believe that security isn't exactly high and whilst the site as a whole seems safe that was a very unwelcome and unsettling event. You do get the sense from the staff that something isn't quite right behind the scenes and this is highlighted at the restaurant and the spa. Let's start with the restaurant. There are a few reviews which echo how our experience went. We arrived and the staff took a long time to recognise we had walked in and would like to be seated, the signs clearly show they will take you to a table. The tent was incredibly cold even on a relatively mild evening so I would hate to imagine what it would be like in winter. We opted for a selection of small plates, salads and sides, as it is advertised as the kind of restaurant pitched towards the more discerning diner. The food was well below the standard you would expect even in a gastropub, I can honestly say that we found fault with every dish, not enough for it to be inedible, but at a 'resort' style location setting the bar as high as it does, especially at the prices charged for accomodation, the restaurant falls so far below expectation I could only suggest avoiding at all costs. The staff were much more preoccupied with clearing tables, clearing and packing away despite having a lot of guests in the restaurant well before the close of service. You just get the sense the communication is poor and service isn't

From the moment we arrived, Lakes by Yoo exceeded every expectation. It is one of those rare places that manages to be both breathtakingly beautiful and brilliantly practical for families. The setting is stunning - serene lakes surrounded by lush greenery, yet thoughtfully developed to offer every amenity you could wish for during a stay. What makes it so special is the sheer variety of activities on offer. Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or a mix of both, it has it all. The children couldn’t get enough of the zip wire and endless outdoor play opportunities, while the pool and tennis courts kept everyone happily active. For those who prefer something more leisurely, horse riding is available, along with plenty of space for lakeside walks or simply soaking up the peaceful atmosphere. It really does cater to every interest and every age group, which is no easy feat. The attention to detail in the facilities is exceptional. Everything feels considered, well-maintained, and of a very high standard. This means that no matter how long you stay, there’s always something new to discover, keeping the whole family entertained and engaged. It strikes the perfect balance between being luxurious and family-friendly, so you never feel like you’re compromising on either comfort or fun. Another highlight is how easy it all feels. You don’t need to plan every moment in advance because the opportunities are all right there, waiting to be enjoyed. It allows you to slip into a slower, more relaxed pace while still knowing the kids are having the time of their lives. In short, Lakes by Yoo is a dream destination for families. It has everything: from excitement and adventure to relaxation and natural beauty. I couldn’t recommend it highly enough for anyone looking to make lasting memories together.

Kingfisher lodge was amazing- so comfortable and everything if not more than we expected. So much to do we sadly didn't have time to do it all. From the hot tub, the cinema room, walks, swimming, yoga, zip lines - and just chilling on the balcony watching the sunset. Our hosts were amazing can't wait to book another stay soon. Thank you so much.