Tom’s Eco Lodge, Isle of Wight – Reviewed

Are you looking for the ultimate glamping experience? Check. Are you looking for a quiet, idyllic and scenic destination? Check. Are you looking for a touch of luxury and a few surprises? Check. Tom’s Eco Lodge set on the Isle of Wight has all of this and much more.

Plus, there is also a fantastic range of entertainment and facilities for guests to enjoy, including The Cow Co Restaurant (review coming soon!), Tapnell Farm Park, Top Targets Clay Pigeon Shooting, and Isle of Wight Adventure Activities. That’s not even to mention some breathtaking beaches and hillside walks.

Just one of many beautiful beaches on the Isle of Wight

Our visit saw us stay in one of their new Modulogs, which was an absolute pleasure from start to finish. In fact, we are already assessing the diary to see when we can go back next year. Here is why…

An eco friendly ethos with a luxurious edge

Tom’s Eco Lodge nestles neatly within the hills of the Isle of Wight, giving beautiful views with an idyllic peacefulness you just don’t find that easily. The site itself is comprised of a series of Safari tents Safari Tents, Wood Cabins, Modulogs, and Pods, all of which elevate your typical outdoor experience. To call it glamping we think does it a slight disservice, as there is so much more going on here. For example, all of the accommodation and the setting itself has been created with an eco-friendly edge and with a real level of care to the natural environment. For example, power is provided via solar panels, log burners are powered by sustainable wood sources, eggs are even provided by the on site hens thereby reducing the carbon foot print.

“Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. We have planted over 30 acres of native amenity woodland at Tapnell Farm, and more than 4km of countryside hedging, for the benefit of wildlife and people’s pleasure”

However, the adherence to an eco-friendly ethos does not mean that life’s little luxuries are not catered for… far from it! In fact, this may just be the perfect balance between environmentally friendly accommodation while maintaining a sense of comfort.

The Modulogs

During our stay, we were lucky enough to enjoy one of the new Modulogs! Designed especially for Tom’s Eco Lodges, these fully insulated and cleverly orchestrated spaces pack a lot in to a small space.

The Modulogs aren’t vast, but through intelligent space saving planning and use of furniture, they just work superbly. Big enough to host 4-6 people, there is a dining area, living area with sofa bed and wood burning stove, two bedrooms (one double and one pair of singles), kitchen area, shower room and lavatory. All of your comforts in a neat, cosy and welcoming package, you might say! Outside each modulog has its own decked area, with seating, BBQ area, and a cosy log-burning hot tub designed for 2 people.

However, the crowning glory of this great destination is a private log burning hot tub, perfect for romantic evenings overlooking sublime sunsets. We can’t think of many other places to enjoy a glass of champagne (or two)!

A great touch and one that makes this experience so much more relaxed is the plethora of things provided to make the stay as comfortable as possible. Everything is taken care off, from fresh towels and linen, to Wi-Fi, to a fully stocked kitchen, combi oven, hob, toaster, various power points… the list goes on. There is no need to bring anything on your visit to one of Tom’s Eco Lodge Modulogs, they have thought of almost everything! If you run out of breakfast supplies or ice, or even marshmallows, there is also a well stocked honesty shed. If you love pizza, then venture down to the onsite pizza oven and to help bring your own creations to fruition.

One thing that we weren’t quite expecting was the ambiance of utter relaxation, peacefulness and isolation. Within minutes of arrival, all of the weariness and woes of city life are washed away in this special setting. This also goes for the Isle of Wight as a whole, as there just seems to be a slower speed to life and far fewer people.

The beaches are also worthy of note, as we had the pleasure of driving around the island and stopping every 10 minutes at what seemed like a never ending selection of beaches, each offering beautiful walks and even an ice cream.

It’s hard to believe, as someone who hasn’t visited the island before, that all of this is just on the door step of the South coast of England. Plus, with only a short skip and a jump from the coast, you can reach the Isle of Wight from Portsmouth and Lymington in under an hour, with ferry providers Wightlink (more details below).

Tapnell Farm

Tom’s Eco Lodge can be found on Tapnell Farm, one of the Isle of Wight’s hidden gems. There is so much going on and activities for all the family. The Cow Co. is Tapnell Farm’s very own grill style restaurant, offering steaks, gourmet burgers and a lot more. Keep your eyes peeled for our review.

There is also an open farm with petting areas and children’s activities and class. Plus, on site zorbing, bike hire and other adventurous offerings. Perfect for all of the family.

For more information, please visit here.

Information on Wightlink

The Isle of Wight is the place to be and Wightlink is the way to get there. Whether travelling by foot or by car, Wightlink’s three mainland ferry ports are perfectly placed for easy access to the Isle of Wight. In addition to convenient connections there are great facilities for families taking an escape to the Island. Following a major refurbishment, the family friendly St Clare has a toddler play area and DVD bean bag area to keep the younger seafarers occupied, whilst adults can relax in the comfortable seating areas. Passengers can also purchase snacks and coffee from the on-board Greggs and Costa while taking in the views of the Solent. With plenty of things to see, do and enjoy on the Isle of Wight all year round, for first time visitors and for old friends, there is no better way to start a break than on a Wightlink Ferry. St Clare has also recently opened a new on-board shop, Wight Taste, dedicated to selling products supplied or produced by local Isle of Wight companies.