Full review

Words: Clare Kelly  Photography: Bailey of Bristol

The Bailey Alicanto Grande Evora

You don't need me to tell you that caravanning is supposed to be fun, which is why I admit that when I discovered the RGB colour-change ambient lighting system in the new twin-axle Evora, I was quite excited.

You can now enjoy a disco in your caravan. Feeling in the pink? You got it. Moody blues? I've got just the thing. Seeking sunny yellow hues? Let's brighten your mood. Now, I'm not suggesting you'd buy a caravan on the basis that you can change the colour of the lights, but today's caravanners are looking for more innovative technology and are happy to pay for it.

While we are on that subject, let's explore the features that make this caravan command its premium price tag. Firstly, the Avtex mobile WiFi system is included as standard and you'll get an introductory data and support package thrown in, too; a roof-mounted Status 570 digital aerial and an external satellite connection point also make up the offer. Plus, there's two TV wall mounts, allowing you to watch films or your favourite programmes in both the lounge and bedroom.

By the door, you'll find a wireless charging pad – easy to use and looks very slick. If you're still charging via USB, however, there's plenty of those points as well.

The layout

The Evora layout is an intuitive one with clearly defined areas – the parallel-seat front lounge, which is flooded with natural light – a result of the large window at the front of this caravan. This 'infinity' window has become a trademark of Bailey caravans and certainly makes a difference, especially if you've pitched up somewhere with a lovely view (and you can draw yourself away from the TV). You've got the option of converting the lounge into two single beds or a double bed for the evening.

I've been in many different caravans and always found making up the bed a bit of a faff. It's like a game of Tetris. Where does this cushion fit? Have I done it wrong? Often I give up. So in the interests of this being a four-berth caravan, I gave it a go. It was, thankfully, pretty simple once I'd located the filler cushion but I'd imagine it's more suitable for occasional guests.

The bedroom

This is a caravan clearly aimed at couples – those who enjoy boutique hotels but prefer their own space and nowhere is that more evident than to the rear of the caravan. A bed is a bed, right? Not here.

The Evora has a huge, fixed transverse island bed (king size in fact) and it feels even bigger due to the clever placement of mirrors – a full-length mirror on the corner wardrobe and another above the vanity unit. You'll find the bedside cabinets are at a lower level than you might find in other caravans – it's another nifty design trick to promote the feeling of space. And they are roomy enough to store your own mini-library.

In order to test the bed out properly, I jumped on it. No one was around so I had a bounce. It's a pocket-sprung mattress and really comfortable.

Lift up the bed and you'll find the main dining table neatly tucked away, plus extra storage for larger items.

If you're seeking extra privacy or one of you is watching a film in bed and the other is in the living room, you can use the handy divider. It's not something I foresee you'd use very often but it's an option.

The furnishings

Someone with an excellent eye for detail has worked very hard on the furnishings inside this caravan, too. The standard scheme is 'Portobello' with shades of plum, silver and lavender being stylish but not too bold, meaning they will appeal to far more people. The only pattern appears on the curtains throughout the caravan and the decorative fabric throw on the bed.

There is also the option to upgrade to the 'Latimer' scheme, which is more practical for those with pets, for example, as it is an 'Aquaclean' fabric. To put it simply, a special treatment has been applied to fabric that means, should you get any stains, you can remove them with water. I'll leave you to test that out!

The kitchen

So far, we've focused very much on the lounging aspect of this caravan, from enjoying lie-ins in bed to relaxing in the lounge with a film. It's time to talk about the more practical elements now.

The kitchen is an L-shape with work surface in plentiful supply and I was sure to open all the cupboards to see how much storage space there was. Judging by the integrated four-bottle wine compartment, I'd imagine that stowing bottles of plonk is of high importance to the typical buyer.

The splashback features the Alicanto Grande branding and reminds you what caravan you're in should you forget it. More seriously, though, it's easy to keep clean because who wants to be spending hours tidying up when they could be outside enjoying life!

In terms of kit, a Thetford K Series combination oven, grill and dual-fuel hob with electric hotplate, a Dometic 10-series 153-litre electronic fridge/freezer (that can be opened both ways) are included. But it's the microwave that really impressed and not just because it's Dometic. The plate inside doesn't move, it's ceramic. It might seem like a small thing but I've been guilty of not removing the plate in the microwave before I set off towing and I'm sure you have, too.

To keep things neat and tidy, the Omnivent extractor fan is mounted in the skylight so no unsightly fans.

The washroom

When touring I often use the on-site facilities but if I had this caravan, I wouldn't, such is the spec of the full-width end washroom. Have your own mini spa if you like – it's that big. The shower is fully lined with a bifold door and a neat little shelf inside for bottles, which is moulded so easy to keep clean.

Towels are kept warm on the Alde, heated towel rail and the Belfast sink style-basin is stylish and substantial. A large mirror above the basin increases the feeling of space.

Bailey caravans feature its Alu-Tech construction and, when coupled with the Alde programmable central heating, you'll be toasty all year round.

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