Sandy Balls Holiday Village by Away Resorts

We had an amzing time 4 nights in the heartwood. Our daughter (3) absolutely loved it and the entertainment team made her feel really special. The accommodation was really clean and smelt amazing when we arrived. We booked multiple activities but our favourite was the alpaca walk. While we were staying they had decorated the park halloween themed. The only downside was the pool was being repaired and not open the whole time we were there. We will be booking again for next year.

A stay with a few highs but sadly many lows. The positive - Convenient location, we used as a base to visit family in Southampton and Bournemouth as its equidistant from both locations. Its lovely to see the wild animals as you drive up to the location through the new forest The pool is a good size, although it is very cold (indoor pool is cold, didn't even risk the outside one) but the small child/baby pools are warm There is quite a bit to do on site, soft play was tired and a bit small but nice none the less, the arcade is a good size, the shop is very nice with reasonable prices, there are two restaurants and these were nice. The negatives WI-FI - despite having a router in the accommodation when the wifi didn't work I called the reception to be told they don't guarantee wifi to the accommodation only in common areas. The issue with the wifi wasn't a signal issue which I could somewhat understand, but an error on the side of the company providing the service not supplying an IP address to that router. The lady I spoke to at the reception was incredibly unhelpful, I had to push for them to contact the company and miraculously it was fixed very soon after that. As mentioned earlier the pool was very cold, the jacuzzi was also freezing, even colder than the main pool! We were in a touch of blue lodge, which is one of their 'nicer' accommodation options but it was very tired, it had clearly been made 'nice' then just left with limited maintenance or upkeep.

Site has great facilities to make your stay comfortable. Good entertainment, food, drink, shop, pool, playground onsite. Would definitely visit again

For the cost of the property, it was really really disappointing. We saved for this and it was our only holiday all summer but most classes were booked or not suitable. The indoor pool was closed for two days (out of four of our stay). The softplay is tiny and the website is deceiving. There is not airflow in the soft play so on hot days it is unbearable and it was one of the only activities for under 2. The floor was dirty in our accommodation. I was wiping up water and it was filthy. No wifi in the lodges, the beds were so uncomfortable we decided to leave a night early. The food for kids menu was not appropriate all very unhealthy so we made sure that we had groceries. The location is perfect for New Forest adventures but for the cost of this place, they need serious upgrades. Get AC for heatwaves or fans and dear God get new mattresses.... everything costs extra.. like if you need a highchair (we brought ours) and our place didn't come with towels and with the cost of the place that really shouldn't happen. IT wouldn't have been baby friendly in colder weather (radiators uncovered, etc).

My husband and I took our 2 children away for 3 nights with two of their friends. We had a superior 8 berth caravan which I think is the basic model here. Unfortunately the double bed was very uncomfortable, I found it hard to sleep and have come home with a bad back. Despite this we had a really great time at Sandy balls. The walks are lovely and the parks are good. The kids also enjoyed the gel blasters and slime making, and the pool. We only got one go in the sauna before it was all switched off for the jacuzzi to be replaced. We were very disappointed about this. We only found out when we went back the second day and it was all cordoned off. Having these facilities for us adults was quite a big part of booking the trip. The caravan itself was adequate for this stay but if we go again I will probably look to book a lodge with a view.

Second visit, and not disappointed, will definitely return. Lots to do, and lots included in the price, especially for kids. Some of the additional activities are a touch expensive, as is the on-site shop, but the lodges are great.

This is a lovely place for a family break, with plenty to do if you want to stay in the resort. The staff were all very helpful and friendly. We stayed in a Zen with a hot tub and it was probably a bit tight for 7 of us, especially at night, but very nice. The only negative feedback is the lack of wifi which I know many people mention. All in all, I would recommend a stay.

The property was set in woodland with long walks and great scenery. Despite being a caravan and lodge site, all of the premises were fairly private. Facilities were great with a large amount of activities.

If I could give more than 5*s I would, for what we payed it was absolutely amazing, if your looking for something a little more lavish they also cater for that for a slightly extra cost. Facilities all included which was a lovely surprise!, plenty to do on sight so you don’t actually have to leave!! Will definitely be returning, thank you for a very enjoyable stay 😊

Hot tub was amazingly well maintained

Lodge was seriously run down and not clean and swimming facilities were also similar.

We had an amzing time 4 nights in the heartwood. Our daughter (3) absolutely loved it and the entertainment team made her feel really special. The accommodation was really clean and smelt amazing when we arrived. We booked multiple activities but our favourite was the alpaca walk. While we were staying they had decorated the park halloween themed. The only downside was the pool was being repaired and not open the whole time we were there. We will be booking again for next year.

We only used the caravan to sleep and eat breakfast. But we found the place to quite dirty mould in the walls. No extra bedding provided to change your own sheets. The duvet for the sofa bed very yellow. We ate in one of the restaurants on the first night but the kids burger was rock hard and the chips where frozen on the inside. We didn't use any of the entertainment onsite or pool so I can not comment Must bring own cleaning products

Remote controls for the TV didn’t work Towels were dirty Someone else’s underwear on the floor of the master bedroom

For the cost of the property, it was really really disappointing. We saved for this and it was our only holiday all summer but most classes were booked or not suitable. The indoor pool was closed for two days (out of four of our stay). The softplay is tiny and the website is deceiving. There is not airflow in the soft play so on hot days it is unbearable and it was one of the only activities for under 2. The floor was dirty in our accommodation. I was wiping up water and it was filthy. No wifi in the lodges, the beds were so uncomfortable we decided to leave a night early. The food for kids menu was not appropriate all very unhealthy so we made sure that we had groceries. The location is perfect for New Forest adventures but for the cost of this place, they need serious upgrades. Get AC for heatwaves or fans and dear God get new mattresses.... everything costs extra.. like if you need a highchair (we brought ours) and our place didn't come with towels and with the cost of the place that really shouldn't happen. IT wouldn't have been baby friendly in colder weather (radiators uncovered, etc).

There was plenty of room well equipped but seemed like was an old cabin. When it rained at night kept us up as so loud. Didn’t have much of a view only trees. The sofa I found had fleas from the last dog but only found that out when I slept on it and woke up with bites on my legs and neck on the last day.

Swimming pool Was disgusting not even average . If bizzare how they still Getting away with it.

Have just come back from a trip and would definitely go back. The lodge we had was lovely but a bit stale smelling. Not sure if it had been locked up for a while but as you opened the door it smelled like stale cigarettes and that smell was there for the duration. Apart from that the whole experience was amazing. Very peaceful and quiet. Activities were good, pool spotlessly clean. Ordered food from Woodside which was stone cold and chicken dry and hard but other restaurant nice. Won’t let these couple things ruin a wonderful time

Outside our lodge was so dirty. Pool and change rooms are filthy and in need of refurb. Food was pretty awful in the restaurant. Better off going to fordingbridge for dinner. Overall quite disappointed considering the high price.

There was a bloodstain on our bedsheets which we communicated to reception as soon as we saw it on the morning after our first sleep at around 8:30. Reception’s initial response was that we are very busy today so we will send someone before the end of the day. No sorry, no understanding of how unacceptable this is from hygiene point of view to reflect an urgent response. I had to stress this again and that we can’t use a bed we are paying for due to a very disgusting issue. So, they then sent someone straightaway to change bedsheets. It shouldn’t have taken so much effort on my side to make a point that is self-evident. Reception should have been apologetic and reactive in the very first response. In addition, cuttlery was not cleaned and also had to raise this. Again, they were cleaned after I raised it but this is why I only gave an average score for cleanliness.

A stay with a few highs but sadly many lows. The positive - Convenient location, we used as a base to visit family in Southampton and Bournemouth as its equidistant from both locations. Its lovely to see the wild animals as you drive up to the location through the new forest The pool is a good size, although it is very cold (indoor pool is cold, didn't even risk the outside one) but the small child/baby pools are warm There is quite a bit to do on site, soft play was tired and a bit small but nice none the less, the arcade is a good size, the shop is very nice with reasonable prices, there are two restaurants and these were nice. The negatives WI-FI - despite having a router in the accommodation when the wifi didn't work I called the reception to be told they don't guarantee wifi to the accommodation only in common areas. The issue with the wifi wasn't a signal issue which I could somewhat understand, but an error on the side of the company providing the service not supplying an IP address to that router. The lady I spoke to at the reception was incredibly unhelpful, I had to push for them to contact the company and miraculously it was fixed very soon after that. As mentioned earlier the pool was very cold, the jacuzzi was also freezing, even colder than the main pool! We were in a touch of blue lodge, which is one of their 'nicer' accommodation options but it was very tired, it had clearly been made 'nice' then just left with limited maintenance or upkeep.

Paid for early check in but I had to wait for it to be ready. Was in a lodge but was obviously a pet friendly lodge as it stunk of dog in the main bedroom. Had to have the windows open all the time. There was no WiFi at all, apparently it is not a guarantee. In this day and age you need WiFi for most things now - which is why I was surprised to see that all three tvs were smart tvs, yet you couldn’t use them. I had a call from guest services who offered to get air fresheners to the lodge to mask the smell of dog and then said because I booked through Expedia was why I didn’t get the memo about WiFi. I have stayed at sandyballs before and have paid almost triple the price for this lodge and I have to say the cheaper one was better, even without the ‘select pitch’ and hot tub. We had an amazing location on the park. Sid was an amazing team mate - clearly passionate about the Alpacas and that was infectious. The restaurant / pub was disappointing, despite being a family friendly resort, no crayons or colouring given when arriving / ordering food, which was surprising given the set up. They did have separate menus for food intolerances which was great.

Overall the holiday was very good the only downside was the bed was very uncomfortable and personally I think the mattress could do with replacing.

The aminities were satisfactory, the place was very clean inside, The main bed mattress was lumpy, causing backache, Safety wise, the bath requires bath mats as its very slippery making it difficult / dangerous for unsteady people or children getting in /out of bath / Shower. Nice touches with dog gifts and welcome gifts.

There was plenty of room well equipped but seemed like was an old cabin. When it rained at night kept us up as so loud. Didn’t have much of a view only trees. The sofa I found had fleas from the last dog but only found that out when I slept on it and woke up with bites on my legs and neck on the last day.

Although warned, I found it very difficult not to have Internet access in my Zen cabin, particularly as I had been moved from the Vista originally booked. I was anticipating having connection, I realise it’s a little difficult for you to get Internet into the site but in this day and age I’m sure a lot of your visitors are very reliant on it. The television was limited because it didn’t have it. Most of the apps on my phone did not work, etc, etc. please try and find a solution even if only in the exclusive cabins.

Spacious and set back from the path, this place was lovely with plenty of room for us all. We had a great holiday.

This is a lovely place for a family break, with plenty to do if you want to stay in the resort. The staff were all very helpful and friendly. We stayed in a Zen with a hot tub and it was probably a bit tight for 7 of us, especially at night, but very nice. The only negative feedback is the lack of wifi which I know many people mention. All in all, I would recommend a stay.

A lovely family friendly site with great facilities. The lodge was a great size, very clean and well equipped. Only downside was the Retreat restaurant, the food was awful!

The unexpected upgrade to an Indulgent caravan with a hot tub was great, loved that! The accommodation was situated among lovely trees towards the back of the park. It was immaculately clean and very large, with all round decking, en suites and TVs in each room, perfect! However, the neighbours we had were quite noisy - on the first night, the man opposite us was playing drum and bass loudly for about four hours, and on our third and final night, the group to the side of us had a hot tub party with loud music that went on till 1am in the morning... Could have done without that aspect tbh, as it just spoilt the peaceful and natural surroundings. We just wanted to enjoy being in the New Forest, away from it all.

It was a lovely albeit breif stay. The grounds are truely stunning, tucked away in the beautiful surpundings, with great access to beaches, forests and all the delights of the surrounding area. Graham welcomed us and a pack was already prepared for pur arrival, which was done via car. So easy!!! A nice little touch indeed. The modern finished Esme cabin was a really departure from the normal and we loved it. There were a few smells, you can tell its dog friendly, which we saw, but it definitely smelt of wet dog in the bedroom entrance. The fire didnt work, which we didnt need for heat, but would have looked nice. Either way, it wasn't enough for us to make a fuss about, but a few points from perfect for maintenance. The park, well, thats amazing too!!! The halloween event had really been brought to Sandy Balls and they had done such a good job. All the staff we encountered were super friendly and helpful as well. We would absolutely be redommending this to other visitors. We shall definitely return in the relative future. And plan to bring a couple more of us too. It was a great stay. Also, due to a family emergency a thank you to the extra mile travelled by Karen, helping us out with our problems resulting in an early departure. We literally left too early, but we also cant wait to come back. Thank you everyone on the team.

Accommodation was nice, perfect size for a family. Had everything we needed. Children’s entertainers were great and lots to do at no extra cost with little ones. Nice forest location. Lots more of people moaning about cleanliness of lodges, but other than a broken blind and a few cobwebs it was clean. Halloween decorations and entertainment was great for the little ones. Little one enjoyed the soft play, children’s entertainment, mini Landrover, swimming.soft play and arcades. Lodged inside are a little worn in places, mostly the carpet, but this is not due to quality or cleanliness, just some people not looking after them eg wearing shoes on carpets. Bedding was clean although there was one tiny burn mark on the sheet. Overall we had a lovely time and hope to go back. Stayed in a 4 bed executive lodge with hot tub. We ate out on site one day for breakfast. Service was slow but staff were friendly and apologetic, and food was very nice when it did come. Would recommend

The caravan park was lovely situated in the new forest couldn't fault the staff, but sometimes they didn't know what was going on. All in all a great stay and would definitely return.

We had an amzing time 4 nights in the heartwood. Our daughter (3) absolutely loved it and the entertainment team made her feel really special. The accommodation was really clean and smelt amazing when we arrived. We booked multiple activities but our favourite was the alpaca walk. While we were staying they had decorated the park halloween themed. The only downside was the pool was being repaired and not open the whole time we were there. We will be booking again for next year.

Brilliant customer service and lodge was immaculate and clean. Park was well maintained and a pleasant place to be. Evening entertainment was a little naff but otherwise it was a perfect location

Lovely place to stay, had an issue with our heating, alternative option sorted within the hour. Highly recommend this lovely quiet, peaceful site.

Brilliant stay, staff were very friendly and helpful. Would stay again 100% 😀

This is a lovely place for a family break, with plenty to do if you want to stay in the resort. The staff were all very helpful and friendly. We stayed in a Zen with a hot tub and it was probably a bit tight for 7 of us, especially at night, but very nice. The only negative feedback is the lack of wifi which I know many people mention. All in all, I would recommend a stay.

There was a bloodstain on our bedsheets which we communicated to reception as soon as we saw it on the morning after our first sleep at around 8:30. Reception’s initial response was that we are very busy today so we will send someone before the end of the day. No sorry, no understanding of how unacceptable this is from hygiene point of view to reflect an urgent response. I had to stress this again and that we can’t use a bed we are paying for due to a very disgusting issue. So, they then sent someone straightaway to change bedsheets. It shouldn’t have taken so much effort on my side to make a point that is self-evident. Reception should have been apologetic and reactive in the very first response. In addition, cuttlery was not cleaned and also had to raise this. Again, they were cleaned after I raised it but this is why I only gave an average score for cleanliness.

Lovely accommodation and very peaceful as out of season. Clean and well appointed park. Customer front desk wasn’t helpful on arrival until I asked for a manager who corrected the problem., but the park , accommodation was lovely and would visit again.

It was a lovely albeit breif stay. The grounds are truely stunning, tucked away in the beautiful surpundings, with great access to beaches, forests and all the delights of the surrounding area. Graham welcomed us and a pack was already prepared for pur arrival, which was done via car. So easy!!! A nice little touch indeed. The modern finished Esme cabin was a really departure from the normal and we loved it. There were a few smells, you can tell its dog friendly, which we saw, but it definitely smelt of wet dog in the bedroom entrance. The fire didnt work, which we didnt need for heat, but would have looked nice. Either way, it wasn't enough for us to make a fuss about, but a few points from perfect for maintenance. The park, well, thats amazing too!!! The halloween event had really been brought to Sandy Balls and they had done such a good job. All the staff we encountered were super friendly and helpful as well. We would absolutely be redommending this to other visitors. We shall definitely return in the relative future. And plan to bring a couple more of us too. It was a great stay. Also, due to a family emergency a thank you to the extra mile travelled by Karen, helping us out with our problems resulting in an early departure. We literally left too early, but we also cant wait to come back. Thank you everyone on the team.

The caravan park was lovely situated in the new forest couldn't fault the staff, but sometimes they didn't know what was going on. All in all a great stay and would definitely return.

Beautiful setting

A stay with a few highs but sadly many lows. The positive - Convenient location, we used as a base to visit family in Southampton and Bournemouth as its equidistant from both locations. Its lovely to see the wild animals as you drive up to the location through the new forest The pool is a good size, although it is very cold (indoor pool is cold, didn't even risk the outside one) but the small child/baby pools are warm There is quite a bit to do on site, soft play was tired and a bit small but nice none the less, the arcade is a good size, the shop is very nice with reasonable prices, there are two restaurants and these were nice. The negatives WI-FI - despite having a router in the accommodation when the wifi didn't work I called the reception to be told they don't guarantee wifi to the accommodation only in common areas. The issue with the wifi wasn't a signal issue which I could somewhat understand, but an error on the side of the company providing the service not supplying an IP address to that router. The lady I spoke to at the reception was incredibly unhelpful, I had to push for them to contact the company and miraculously it was fixed very soon after that. As mentioned earlier the pool was very cold, the jacuzzi was also freezing, even colder than the main pool! We were in a touch of blue lodge, which is one of their 'nicer' accommodation options but it was very tired, it had clearly been made 'nice' then just left with limited maintenance or upkeep.

Lovely area, deep in the new forest. Indulgence lodge was perfect. Something quite special watching 2 deer wandering around outside whilst sat in the Hot Tub.

Lovely lodge stay- great location in the New Forrest. Alpaca walk was a highlight!

The location of this property within Sandy balls is fantastic, the view in the mornings is lovely.

This was a return visit for us and our dog. It's a lovely location, with scenic walks for the dog, aubreys restaurant for us and the activities and family disco for the little one. Our Heartwood lodge was spotless and the doggie welcome pack was very much appreciated (our dog loved the little rope toy!) Steve the night service guy welcomed.us for checkin, he is so lovely and warm. The lodge had everything a family could need, kitchen utensils, etc. The bath in the bedroom was a really nice touch, I spent the first night soaking after the long drive with a glass of wine! The only downside was the shower design, which leaked water all over the floor, but there is nothing anyone can do about this. It's a lovely drive to Bournemouth or any of the New Forest towns. We are already looking forward to next year!

Sandy balls site is beautiful in great surroundings

Sandy balls is a beautiful place to stay, our caravan was excellent and situated in amongst tall trees. There are lots of lovely walks in and around Sandy balls so we didn’t have to use the car. Lots of birds, deer, ponies and alpacas. We love Sandy balls, great place to come and recharge. I would highly recommend it.

Accommodation was nice, perfect size for a family. Had everything we needed. Children’s entertainers were great and lots to do at no extra cost with little ones. Nice forest location. Lots more of people moaning about cleanliness of lodges, but other than a broken blind and a few cobwebs it was clean. Halloween decorations and entertainment was great for the little ones. Little one enjoyed the soft play, children’s entertainment, mini Landrover, swimming.soft play and arcades. Lodged inside are a little worn in places, mostly the carpet, but this is not due to quality or cleanliness, just some people not looking after them eg wearing shoes on carpets. Bedding was clean although there was one tiny burn mark on the sheet. Overall we had a lovely time and hope to go back. Stayed in a 4 bed executive lodge with hot tub. We ate out on site one day for breakfast. Service was slow but staff were friendly and apologetic, and food was very nice when it did come. Would recommend

We only used the caravan to sleep and eat breakfast. But we found the place to quite dirty mould in the walls. No extra bedding provided to change your own sheets. The duvet for the sofa bed very yellow. We ate in one of the restaurants on the first night but the kids burger was rock hard and the chips where frozen on the inside. We didn't use any of the entertainment onsite or pool so I can not comment Must bring own cleaning products

A stay with a few highs but sadly many lows. The positive - Convenient location, we used as a base to visit family in Southampton and Bournemouth as its equidistant from both locations. Its lovely to see the wild animals as you drive up to the location through the new forest The pool is a good size, although it is very cold (indoor pool is cold, didn't even risk the outside one) but the small child/baby pools are warm There is quite a bit to do on site, soft play was tired and a bit small but nice none the less, the arcade is a good size, the shop is very nice with reasonable prices, there are two restaurants and these were nice. The negatives WI-FI - despite having a router in the accommodation when the wifi didn't work I called the reception to be told they don't guarantee wifi to the accommodation only in common areas. The issue with the wifi wasn't a signal issue which I could somewhat understand, but an error on the side of the company providing the service not supplying an IP address to that router. The lady I spoke to at the reception was incredibly unhelpful, I had to push for them to contact the company and miraculously it was fixed very soon after that. As mentioned earlier the pool was very cold, the jacuzzi was also freezing, even colder than the main pool! We were in a touch of blue lodge, which is one of their 'nicer' accommodation options but it was very tired, it had clearly been made 'nice' then just left with limited maintenance or upkeep.

Site has great facilities to make your stay comfortable. Good entertainment, food, drink, shop, pool, playground onsite. Would definitely visit again

For the cost of the property, it was really really disappointing. We saved for this and it was our only holiday all summer but most classes were booked or not suitable. The indoor pool was closed for two days (out of four of our stay). The softplay is tiny and the website is deceiving. There is not airflow in the soft play so on hot days it is unbearable and it was one of the only activities for under 2. The floor was dirty in our accommodation. I was wiping up water and it was filthy. No wifi in the lodges, the beds were so uncomfortable we decided to leave a night early. The food for kids menu was not appropriate all very unhealthy so we made sure that we had groceries. The location is perfect for New Forest adventures but for the cost of this place, they need serious upgrades. Get AC for heatwaves or fans and dear God get new mattresses.... everything costs extra.. like if you need a highchair (we brought ours) and our place didn't come with towels and with the cost of the place that really shouldn't happen. IT wouldn't have been baby friendly in colder weather (radiators uncovered, etc).

Have just come back from a trip and would definitely go back. The lodge we had was lovely but a bit stale smelling. Not sure if it had been locked up for a while but as you opened the door it smelled like stale cigarettes and that smell was there for the duration. Apart from that the whole experience was amazing. Very peaceful and quiet. Activities were good, pool spotlessly clean. Ordered food from Woodside which was stone cold and chicken dry and hard but other restaurant nice. Won’t let these couple things ruin a wonderful time

Outside our lodge was so dirty. Pool and change rooms are filthy and in need of refurb. Food was pretty awful in the restaurant. Better off going to fordingbridge for dinner. Overall quite disappointed considering the high price.

This was a return visit for us and our dog. It's a lovely location, with scenic walks for the dog, aubreys restaurant for us and the activities and family disco for the little one. Our Heartwood lodge was spotless and the doggie welcome pack was very much appreciated (our dog loved the little rope toy!) Steve the night service guy welcomed.us for checkin, he is so lovely and warm. The lodge had everything a family could need, kitchen utensils, etc. The bath in the bedroom was a really nice touch, I spent the first night soaking after the long drive with a glass of wine! The only downside was the shower design, which leaked water all over the floor, but there is nothing anyone can do about this. It's a lovely drive to Bournemouth or any of the New Forest towns. We are already looking forward to next year!

A lovely family friendly site with great facilities. The lodge was a great size, very clean and well equipped. Only downside was the Retreat restaurant, the food was awful!

I enjoyed the stay at Sandy Balls but if I went again I would consider cooking, only I didn’t really rate the food. The Fighting Cocks was also recommended for food but again, I didn’t think the chicken fajitas was a good choice. It looked impressive when it arrived at the table but the chicken was hard and dry. There were lots of activities for children but this can add up to quite a bit so payable more for unlimited activities might be an option? In addition, it would be nice if there was more seating for people whilst the movie night etc is on.