Isle of Wight holiday park left to rot for two decades is set to re-open next year after multi-million pound makeover

Published: 08:08 EDT, 5 November 2026 | Updated: 08:09 EDT, 5 November 2026 A once popular holiday park on the Isle of Wight that was left abandoned for almost 20 years is undergoing a major transformation. On the island's south-west coast, the new Isle of Wight Resort is set to offer 63 luxury lodges when it re-opens next year. Formerly known as Atherfield Bay Holiday Resort, the once thriving establishment closed in 2007 in spite of two attempts to redevelop it - and was boarded up and left derelict. Now though, Evergreen Escapes Group has given the park a lifeline and is in the process of completely revamping the site, with a reported multi-million pound investment.The new resort promises guests a selection of premium facilities including an indoor swimming pool, sauna, steam room and gym.Some 38 of the lodges are now open for bookings for stays from April 2027, and the park's revival is expected to boost the island's visitor economy by £2million annually. The Isle of Wight Resort is taking bookings for stays from April 2027 It is located by the scenic Atherfield Bay on the island's south-west coastThe remaining lodges are for sale or rent as part of a second phase of development launching next year.Guests can choose between Elite and Signature lodges.Elite lodges promise 'exceptional comfort and stylish design, perfect for a serene and indulgent getaway'.They boast two or three bedrooms as well as a well-equipped kitchen, and open plan living and dining area. The accommodation is dog friendly at no extra cost and has a private outdoor deck. Meanwhile, Signature lodges claim to be 'the epitome of style and luxury' and are spacious, four-bedroom abodes. Local residents will also be able to take advantage of a limited number of leisure memberships, allowing them to make use of the impressive health and wellbeing facilities. There will be plenty of premium facilities for guests to enjoy, as well as The Wight Isle Lounge restaurant A glimpse inside the lodges at the revamped park, which will include a well-equipped kitchen and an open plan living and dining areaThere will be a restaurant on site too – The Wight Isle Lounge, serving teas, coffees, pastries and alcoholic drinks, as well as freshly cooked pizzas. The eatery will be open to staying guests and locals alike. Geoff Cowley, CEO at Evergreen Escapes Group, revealed the resort will create more than 30 jobs.He said: 'The Isle of Wight Resort will be a fantastic addition to the island's already thriving hospitality scene when it opens.'Not just because we're investing in high-end accommodation and facilities, but also because we'll be investing in the resort team.'We've already filled a number of senior roles but are actively looking for others to join us and showcase the best the island has to offer for guests and owners alike.'Dominic Wray, interim CEO at Visit Isle of Wight, said the resort will help to extend the island's traditional tourism season in line with its Wight BID 3 initiative – a five-year renewal plan to promote the local visitor economy.He said: 'The Isle of Wight Resort could not be more in line with what we're trying to achieve through Wight BID 3.'There's very little visitor accommodation on the island's south-west coast, so a high-quality destination here gives people a reason to stay in the area rather than just pass through on a day trip. 'That means more overnight stays in the off-peak months and more spending in the pubs, cafés, shops and attractions nearby – a real boost for those businesses looking to mitigate financial pressures usually associated with seasonal trade.'