Lorria Sahmet gets into the creative spirit and takes a look at some of the best places in Wales to let those creative juices flow.
Indigo Brown Painting Holidays – Pembrokeshire
Unleash your inner artist and develop your artistic skills along the stunning Pembrokeshire coastline and countryside. Run by Andrew and Maggie Brown, Indigo Brown offers a choice of three, five or seven days of a full board, residential painting holiday. With an extensive artistic background, Maggie designs the creative workshops that include a stunning ‘painting on location’ experience for beginner or experienced artists. Perfect for those who are looking for a quick relaxing getaway but also want to learn a new skill. Surrounded by tranquility and combined with tasty home-cooked meals specially created by Andrew; this getaway calls for a weekend of unwinding, discovering and recovering creative energies without feeling like you’ve left home at all.
Info: www.indigobrown.co.uk
Eco Retreats – Dyfi Valleys, Powys
A vacay-stay in yurts and tipis is possibly the most exciting idea for a getaway and Eco Retreats offers just that. Tucked away in one of the largest forests in Wales, Dyfi Valleys offers some of the finest landscapes and wildlife areas across Europe. The retreat is set on a 1,300-acre organic farm that allows for more than enough adventure exploring around the nearby forest tracks. The yurts and tipis are also set a good distance apart from each other making sure you are able to fully enjoy the serene natural surroundings. But here’s the catch – there’s no electricity! So let those screen go and make the most out of your refreshing retreat in the heart of the Welsh mountains.
Info: www.ecoretreats.co.uk
Tiny Living at Scamper Holidays – Llangennith/ Rhossilli, Gower Peninsula, Swansea
Here’s a unique way to switch off, unwind and let those creative ideas flow. Tiny homes have become popular and Scamper Holidays has not only offered the experience of tiny-home living to the public but combined it with the picturesque Welsh sea and countryside. With a choice at either the Llangennith of Rhossili camping site, Scamper Holidays takes getaways to whole new level of ‘Glamping’ (Glamorous Camping). Stick to tradition huts, lodges or cabins or try something new with camper vans and air tents; bear in mind of the small living spaces inside which are designed to encourage as much time spent outdoors as possible. Enjoy the fun in the sun and spectacular Gower sights. Furry friends are also encouraged.
Info: www.scampervanhire.co.uk
Wood Shack – Brecon Beacons, Abergavenny
If you’re looking for a secret getaway, head to the Wood Shack hidden in the Brecon Beacons National Park. Subtlety named, this holiday home is tucked away amongst the wooded valley surrounded by towering trees and leafy greens. A beautiful place with an intriguing story; the cabin was originally a writer’s cabin where its owner Rob cut down a native Ash tree to discover how many things could be made from it. Many of these things can be found within the shack with an added touch of style and comfort courtesy of Rob’s wife, artist Vicks. Designed with natural oak wood, the shack blends harmoniously with its natural surroundings. If there’s any place that can inspire creative imagination, this is it.
Info: www.sugarandloaf.com
Over the Rainbow, Cardigan Bay
Over the Rainbow is a unique vegetarian guest house offering relaxed, informal and good quality accommodation by the stunning coastline of Cardigan Bay. Guests are welcome to enjoy on-site facilities such as creative workshops or outdoor picnic areas. For activities outside of the property, enjoy a nature walk around the Wales coast path and Pembrokeshire National Park or head to the west Wales coastline where you can enjoy a relaxing day of dolphin watching. Of course don’t forget the delicious home-cooked vegetarian meals which are made with organic, local and even homegrown produce – suitable for all tastes.
Info: www.overtherainbowwales.co.uk
Hafan Cerniog – Cerniog, Caersws
Get away from the city and head up north for a creative break with Hafan Cerniog. Nestled in Cambrian Mountains, Cerniog is away from the hustle and bustle of the city and is filled with endless green fields and mountains. It also neighbours Snowdonia National Park, if you’re looking for epic landscapes for inspiration. Hafan, Welsh for haven, not only provides a comfortable atmosphere with breathtaking sights, but it also has various artistic workshops from rug making to wine making and ceramic mosaic art. All done in a relaxing natural setting; the sky’s the limit here and it seems to go on forever.
Info: www.cerniog.co.uk