The best things in life are worth waiting for - and after ten years in the making, a new Welsh short- break destination will be welcoming its first guests this summer. Even before building work began just over a year ago, Bluestone was being billed as an iconic, flagship development for Wales. And now the last of the 186 luxury timber lodges has been built, newly-recruited staff are taking bookings, and Bluestone is in determined pursuit of its goal - to become the UK's most-loved short break destination. Re-imagining the holiday village concept, Bluestone comprises 186 lodges set around a newly-built, but traditionally-designed village featuring shops, pubs, restaurants and a lavishly-appointed spa. All accommodation, and the village, lies within the renowned Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. Visitors to Bluestone can also make a splash at the Blue Lagoon waterpark, try out the state-of-the-art facilities at the Landsker Sports Club, enjoy a simple stroll through the ancient woodland, or choose from a catalogue of activities ranging from yoga to coasteering by jetboat. "It's been a long and sometimes difficult journey," said William McNamara OBE, the man who created Bluestone, "but we're here and we're preparing to take tourism in Wales to a new level. "After so much work, it's hugely gratifying and exciting for me to see my vision finally come to fruition, but there's no real let-up for us. "All our energy is now focused on making sure that for our guests, the Bluestone experience is everything we always wanted it to be."

The setting

Tucked between the Preseli Hills to the north and Pembrokeshire Coast National Park to the south, Bluestone has been created in 500 acres of natural splendour near Narberth, in Pembrokeshire's historic Landsker borderlands. The location is remarkable. From the outside, looking in: Bluestone is barely visible. From the inside, looking out: the views are stunning - ancient woodlands, rolling fields, and as a dramatic backdrop, the fabled Preseli Hills.

The accommodation

Bluestone has 186 stylish and luxurious timber lodges in three designs: the three-bedroom Skomer, the two-bedroom Ramsey, and the two- bedroom, semi-detached Caldey. All lodges are equipped and furnished to the same superb standards. Couples and singles can also choose a one- bedroom studio or a cottage (one- or two- bedroom). While the cottages and studios are within the Bluestone village, the lodges are carefully positioned in the hillside and around the lake, with landscaping and hedging that strikes a perfect balance between privacy and community.

The facilities

Our aim is that guests leave Bluestone having refreshed their inner selves, and for many, that will involve a visit to The Well, our exclusive spa. Exquisitely appointed and aimed at the adult market, it boasts saunas, steam rooms, hot tubs and 15 treatment rooms. Then there's the Landsker Sports Club with its state-of-the-art Nautilus gym; Y Tafarn, the village pub, three restaurants, a wine bar and a range of shops selling the best local produce. And then of course, there's Blue Lagoon, a unique waterpark featuring the UK's biggest indoor boogie wave, flumes, bubble pools, a lazy river ride and interactive wet play areas.

The activities

Pembrokeshire is the ultimate adventure playground, and we've forged partnerships with the best local activity providers to compile an imaginative menu of activities, both on and off site. There should be something for everyone, from various forms of adrenaline-fuelled experiences for the more adventurous - like coasteering, surfing and kayaking - to more cultural excursions and pastimes for those who prefer the more sedate things in life.

The environmental ethos

Environmental responsibility is central to the Bluestone ethos and shapes every aspect of what we are and what we do: from use of natural, sustainable materials wherever possible, to solar- heated water in the lodges, to a unique biomass energy centre which provides carbon-neutral heat for Blue