Bailey Alicanto II Caravan Review

Measuring in at a substantial eight-foot wide, the four-berth single or twin-axle Alicanto Grande II models from Bailey bring a level of capaciousness and creativity in design that’s a welcome evolution on the previous generation. Massive and magnificent, the tourer looks incredible on the road and its near-monochrome styling will turn heads alongside any other tourer on-site. In both the Lisbon single-axle (with a longitudinal double bed) and the twin-axle Porto (with an island bed), the level of accessibility and storage is excellent throughout, with a neat little space for books at bedtime and an exterior through-boot for all your outdoor equipment and accessories.

While the layout isn’t anything groundbreaking, it’s been put together in a way that makes absolute sense. There’s no level of form over function here; everything looks great and works well together. From the inside, the massive infinity window makes it feel like the front of the caravan is mostly transparent, bringing a wealth of welcome natural light into the living space. Trick touches in the lighting department mean that you can go full boutique chic after dark, upping the style stakes further than any other tourer on the market. You’re tooled up with tech options here, too, as both models feature up to six 230v and sex USB plug-in points, plus a new wireless charging pad to keep devices on the go at all times.

Bailey quotes up to 25% more work surface space and 30% more cupboard storage capacity here thanks to an L-shaped kitchen design, and it shows. The kitchen space itself is a work of art. While the sink is a little on the small side, the design of the worktop space and integrated draining board in a subtle stone finish looks beautiful. An Omnivent extractor skylight directly above the kitchen space ensures that the majority of food smells and steam heads out of your living space and straight outside. It’s a welcome addition, especially if you get distracted by the view through your front window and leave something on the hob too long.

A king-sized pocket sprung mattresses on beech slat bed bases dominates the rear of the caravan, which is impressive enough in its levels of luxury. However, the real difference makers both in style and usability are the surrounding cabinetry that rise from either side of the bed and curve to the centre, offering more storage and a pretty innovative look in the bedroom. You’re sorted for your sleepy-time whale song, too, as speakers above the head of the bed and mood lighting subtly fitted into the headboard provide everything you need to drift off after a hard day’s holidaying.

The centre washroom of both the Lisbon and Porto features one of the neat double-door set-ups – close the loo or use the same hinged door to close off the bedroom. It might sound impractical, but it gives you the option of your own studio apartment-esque set-up when you’re spending time in the bedroom. Space saving comes into its own with the slightly different Porto loo layout in the twin-axle, but both have useable washrooms without any elbow-bashing and awkward turns.

Four a couple of four-berth brilliant tourers, the price tags of £34,999 for the Lisbon single-axle and £36,499 for the Porto twin-axle are reasonable asks if you’re looking for space efficiency and luxury. Both come with everything you’d expect from a Bailey package, such as the AL-KO ATC, lightweight but hardwearing materials throughout, Alde radiator central heating, plus a six-year bodyshell integrity warranty and a three-year manufacturer’s warranty, both of which are extendable.

The eight-foot width really does make a difference in how much room you have on the inside of this tourer, not only with a little extra going a long way in the perception stakes, but in the seating comfort, too. Not only has the Alicanto physically got more space to play with, but it’s been used efficiently as well. Clever curves and layouts any caravanner will love provide plenty of room, especially in the twin-axle Porto. The only downside? Could do without name-dropping “Alicanto Grande” in quite so many places (front window, side wall, splash back… it’s as if you’ll forget what you’re living in), but when everything else looks this good, there’s little to really complain about.