Enjoying a glass of wine and being served hor d’oeuvres by a roaring fire, whilst we wait for our Private chef to make dinner for us. This is my kind of self catering holiday!
A couple of weekends ago, I was invited to one of Blue Chip Holidays gorgeous properties – Stowford Manor, in Ivybridge Devon. 
I was there to fully immerse myself in the Blue Chip Experience. I have written in detail about this HERE. In essence though, it is a bespoke concierge experience that is available across all of the Blue Chip properties. It can be anything from a private chef for dining, a mixology masterclass for all you cocktail lovers, or surfing at the beach even llama trekking on the Dartmoor National park. Or other outdoor activities like fishing or clay pigeon shooting and indoor like craft sessions.
The experiences can be as adventurous or luxurious as you need them to be, and because they have so much knowledge of the area they can hand package experiences that have a completely different slant to them.
We were up bright and early, having had a delicious breakfast which came in the way of a hamper that had been pre-ordered, another fabulous Blue Chip Holiday plus! We then headed to our activity for the day, which was horse riding on Dartmoor National Park. Everything was provided for us, from hats to boots and gloves, and we were all allocated a horse and given full instruction, before we headed out with our guide for the morning.
I had the best time (I think we all did) even though it was my first time riding a horse. I fell in love with Akubra (my horse) who was so tall and regal. He was a stubborn old boy, who was desperate to be the leader of the pack, but I forgave him!
I will never forget that feeling of freedom being on the moors, the sun shining but the cool breeze on my cheeks. The views were magnificent, truly gorgeous, and I could have carried on for the rest of the day. I think the horse riding bug hit me big time.
For some reason horse riding really works up an appetite, even after that big breakfast. So also as part of our Blue Chip experience, they had arranged a hearty Pub lunch in a country pub with some mulled wine to warm us all up!
A vegetable stew with cheese dumpling, so tasty!
Once we’d returned I felt a little tired, it must have been all of that fresh air *ahem* so had a little nap before getting ready for dinner. Dinner this evening was cooked by a chef from the Pickle Shack a local restaurant, who talked us through the dishes as he served and finished cooking them.
I tried a few new things to me, like these steamed buns called baozi or bao, filled with roasted squash and pickled carrots, herbs and spices. It was a taste sensation, hot and cold, sweet and sour really an interesting dish!
Watching the chef at work was great fun, and he was so passionate about his food and wanting us to learn and find out more about the local produce he used, I was captivated!
The dessert was a triumph of British apples, oh I can still taste how good it was!
Overall I went away thinking for me there are 5 huge reasons why the Blue Chip experience would work for me.
- No time to book and research – Time is so precious, and finding unique and interesting things suitable for all the family is so hard.
- I don’t know the area – Blue Chip have so many contacts and can find the best to offer in your holiday area in terms of activities.
- Flexibility – With daughters of a quite widely different ages, they don’t often like the same things. Multi generational breaks are becoming more and more popular, and this mean everyone joins in on the fun.
- Learning a new Skill – I love to relax when I’m on the break, but I know we also all love making memories, in whatever form they are, and learning a new skill would be an amazing one.
- Relax – to have the convenience of relaxing in a property whilst dinner is made for you, no need for a designated driver, or taxis. Bliss!
Here is the amazing property we stayed in :
Blue Chip Holidays offer 3 nights at Stowford Manor in Ivybridge, Devon from £105 per person based on 12 sharing on a self catering basis.
Activities, experiences and a private chef can be arranged through Blue Chip Holidays bespoke concierge service Blue Chip Experience for a hassle free break. www.bluechipholidays.co.uk / +44 (0) 333 3317 995.
Wow, this looks so gorgeous Amanda, love this pics of you trekking on the moors.
I have not been on a horse since mine died, but as a child I used to spend all summer riding the New Forest and I can’t tell you how happy/wistful these pictures make me feel. There’s no feeling quite like that sensation of being on the back of a horse, completely in control and surrounded by beautiful open space, is there.
These pictures are beautiful. Thank you for sharing.
Still one of my most favourite parts of the UK, with Cornwall, such a wonderful and beautiful post, thanks for sharing.