Need a short break to unwind? Jacob Mier suggests a few ideas perfect for a weekend escape.
THE QUAY HOTEL & SPA
Deganwy, Conwy
01492 564100 / www.quayhotel.co.uk
Lying in the Creuddyn Peninsula alongside Llandudno and Rhos-On-Sea, Deganwy is a small town that features one of the few southwesterly facing beaches on the north Wales coast and beautiful views of Conwy castle and estuary. Four-star Quay Hotel & Spa is a mere eight minutes’ walk from the beach, offers contemporary luxury on the breath-taking Deganwy Marina.
In addition to its awe-inspiring views, a range of relaxing experiences are on offer at the Marina Spa. Once you’ve chilled out to your heart’s content, plenty of tourist attractions await beyond the hotel’s walls, including the RSPB nature reserve and boat trips from Conwy harbour. Golfers and walkers will be spoilt for choice, with two courses between Deganwy and Llandudno, the North Wales Coastal Path, and Synhcnant Pass all within comfortable distance.
TWR Y FELIN
St Davids, Pembrokeshire
01437 725555 / www.twryfelinhotel.com
Twr Y Felin is an exquisitely stylish art hotel in St Davids. Set in its own private grounds and featuring over 100 pieces of specially commissioned art, the hotel is home to 19 en-suite bedrooms and two suites. One of these suites occupies a unique space in the site’s original windmill tower, which boasts a spectacular 360° view of the St Davids Peninsula from its own observatory.
Walk 10 minutes from the grounds and you’ll reach the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path and Caerfai Bay. Also nearby are the famous St Davids Cathedral, built in the sixth century, and Oriel Y Parc National Park Visitor Centre and Gallery. Combine all this with the close proximity of stunning white sand beaches, and you have the perfect cultured and leisurely weekend away from life’s demands.
THE GROVE
Narberth, Pembrokeshire
01834 860915 / www.thegrove-narberth.co.uk
The quirky and picturesque town of Narberth is a very popular destination for Welsh city folk looking to take a break, and – with its independent boutiques, restaurants and vineyards – it’s easy to see why. The Grove, a luxury country house hotel tucked away in the rolling Pembrokeshire countryside, provides an ideal base from which to explore the town. Combining great food, friendly professional service and individually designed bedrooms, the Grove is an enchanting place to stay, whether it be in the house itself or the private and sumptuous suites of the other cottages set within its grounds.
Narberth offers many standout eating spots, including Spanish delicatessen Ultracomida and the organic, vegetarian-friendly PlumVanilla Café. Those with children have Folly Farm and the Blue Lagoon Water Park on their doorstep.
THE FELIN FACH GRIFFIN
Brecon, Powys
01874 620111 / www.felinfachgriffin.co.uk
Close to the popular literary town of Hay-On-Wye, nestled between the Black Mountains and the Brecon Beacons, and not far at all from the busy market towns of Abergavenny and Crickhowell, the Felin Fach Griffin offers blissful views of its idyllic surrounding landscape, with mountains, rivers and lowland hills on its every side. The kitchen offers simple, seasonal and locally sourced produce cooked to premium standards.
Waterfalls and endless stretches of beautiful scenery await those brave enough to tackle the nearby Beacons, while the Black Mountains shelter great buildings such as the Llanthony Priory and the castles of Skenfrith, White and Grosmont. The area’s friendly and bustling market towns offer great opportunities for a curious wander to those seeking boutique shops and eateries.
CABIN ON THE LAKE, GWALIA FARM
Cemmaes, Powys
01650 511377 / www.gwaliafarm.co.uk
If you’re looking to combine an escape to pure tranquillity with a desire to do something different, look no further than Gwalia Farm campsite’s incredible lakeside cabin. Wonderful, wild and luxurious, the cabin has a wood-burning hot tub with views over the lake and mountains, a firepit out on the veranda, and well-equipped outdoor cooking facilities.
Guests are welcome to take dips and paddle a canoe in the lake’s cool, private waters whenever they please during their stay. If the aim of your weekend break game is relaxation, you’re unlikely to find anywhere that offers it in as many spades as Gwalia’s cabin does. At just £90 a night (with a minimum booking of three nights), combining luxury comforts with a return to nature is as affordable an option as it is an original one.