There is a sense of suspense that accompanies your arrival to Lusty Beg Island in Fermanagh, an excitement that many other holiday destinations don’t have. It’s all in the name: Lusty Beg is quite literally an island.

You’ll find yourself sitting in anticipation as the little ferry crosses the beautiful Lough Erne, with birds flying overhead, the 75 acres of nature coming closer into focus.

Relax if your sea legs aren’t the best, the journey only takes five minutes – but it’s enough to excite the kids and help you feel like you’re really getting away. Stepping ashore, a sense of calm overtakes you.

This little island is quite unique in the sense that it offers many options to a variety of visitors. It’s a stunning wedding destination and yet it happily houses groups of hen and stag parties. Loved-up couples hang out by the cosy fire, while families with young children play by the water, but everybody is relaxed, the uniting force among visitors.

Cosy log cabins

When we arrived on Lusty Beg Island, we headed straight for our new home. Forget stuffy hotel rooms all under the same roof. On Lusty Beg, you can get your very own log cabin. The sun was shining in through the floor-to-ceiling windows and we threw open the doors to our very own verandah overlooking the lough.

Like excited kids, we ran upstairs to see what else the cabin revealed. A master bedroom (with another balcony) and two twin bedrooms, the place sleeps six very comfortably. The real clinch for us was as the sun set later in the evening, we sparked up the flames to get a roaring fire blazing in the open stone fireplace, completing the cosiness factor.

There are also chalets on the island, which offer good value for money but if you’re planning on opting for the self-catering model, be sure to pack up the car. You’ll find the essentials in your log cabin – but that’s about it. Don’t forget the tea bags because the nearest shop means getting back on the ferry and driving for a good 10 minutes.

Also WiFi isn’t the best, which may send some techie readers into a panic. Apparently, though, there was life before the internet and people were more relaxed, so pack a book (or a Kindle if you really can’t do without an electronic device in your hand), and enjoy the peace and quiet.

And relax...

To compliment the relaxed feel, there is also a spa on the island. So wave goodbye to the kids, pack your swimsuit and prepare to be immersed in VOYA products. Using seaweed harvested just 45 minutes away in Sligo, it’s all organic and natural.

Relax the muscles with a hot-stone massage, give your skin an epic detox with their organic salt glow or simply soak in a seaweed bath (seriously, don’t knock it until you’ve tried it – it really leaves you feeling energised and reinvigorated).

For spa lovers, you may be disappointed to find there isn’t a thermal suite and the relaxation room is quite basic. However, there is a nice pool to chill out in before or after your treatment.

Getting rough

My partner in crime on our weekend away, however, can only do so much chilling and relaxing before he gets itchy feet. Queue the activities, and there are a lot to choose from.

When I got behind the wheel of the 4x4 jeep, there were a few nerves. This is fairly rough terrain, a rustic dirt track with sharp bends, ascents that require you give it a little bit of welly and puddles where you question the depth. However, our instructor was patient and knowledgeable and within minutes in the driving seat, I was like a pro.

Afterwards, guns in hand, we tried our luck with clay-pigeon shooting. This was where my competitive side really came out. However, as the orange clay soared into the sky, my aim didn’t quite deliver that dramatic shatter I hoped for. I blamed the sun in my eyes, the gun, even that innocent clay. It couldn’t possibly have been my skills, or lack thereof.

If you fancy a weekend of activity at Lusty Beg, there is also the option to kayak on the lake, or enjoy a more fast-paced spin on their rib boat. Alternatively, grab a bike or simply take a stroll around some of their beautiful trails.

Informal dining

That evening we settled ourselves beside the cosy fire in the Thatch bar, a dinky little pub just a walk away from the main resort. Brimming with atmosphere, it had a real feel of a local and it was difficult to leave for the Island Restaurant. However, the ambience stepped up a notch when we arrived. You have the option to dine in the bar, which has hearty lasagne, chicken wings that are served with a spicy kick or chunky burgers.

We headed in the direction of the restaurant that is a little more formal but still warmly welcomed families. Creamy goats’ cheese tart with a crumbly pastry was beautifully roasted, while the garlic and chilli prawns were quite small but zesty. For mains, the lamb rump was succulent and falling off the bone. But the real star of the show, was the pan-fried sea bass topped with béarnaise sauce. The meal, completed with a zingy lemon tart, was tasty and comfortable, simply good food served well.

Afterwards, in the bar, it was hard to get a seat. A wedding party was coming and going, while in the corner, a group of ladies celebrated a hen party and a family enjoyed a 60th birthday. A guitar player in the corner entertained them all and later commanded a lively sing song.

As mentioned, Lusty Beg Island is a great many thing to lots of people. To us, though, it was a relaxing break with some entertaining laughs, a place to get away from it all, and come home refreshed with good memories.

For more information, log on to www.lustybegisland.com.