21 of the most luxurious places to wake up in Wales
WHY GO ABROAD WHEN YOU CAN ENJOY A SLICE OF LUXURY IN THESE AMAZING HOTELS, B&BS AND LOG CABINS? PORTIA JONES AND RACHEL MAINWARING REPORT
IF YOU want to spend the night somewhere and be guaranteed to wake up in decadent surroundings, you don’t need to travel very far to find a little luxury. Wales has some luxurious places where you can escape for a few days and spoil yourself.
Whether your idea of luxury is historic oak-panelled suites, boutique hotels, lakeside lodges or a dreamy spa break, we’ve picked some of Wales’ best – in no particular order – to give you some booking inspiration this winter.
1. Chateau Rhianfa
Looking for a fairytale stay in Wales? The superior suites at Château Rhianfa offer breathtaking views looking out across the Menai Strait. Choose between the Duke Suite with four-poster bed or Duchess Suite with leather sleigh bed, both with roll-top baths.
This historic hotel was built in 1849 by Sir John Hay Williams, Baronet of Bodelwyddan, as a gift for his wife Lady Sarah and “Rhianfa” translates as “ladies’ abode”.
All the rooms are gorgeous but their suites really are something special and radiate elegant style and comfort.
There are lots of little added touches nestled in between and you get to enjoy the hotel facilities, which include a complimentary turndown service, a choice of bars, tennis courts, a sauna and hot tub, wine cellar, sun terrace and music room.
■ chateaurhianfa.co.uk
2. Churchill Suite – Palé Hall
Queen Victoria and Winston Churchill have both stayed at this exquisite and rather remote Victorian mansion, located on the outskirts of the Snowdonia National Park.
Gareth Stevenson is the head chef who has earned Palé Hall a Michellin Green Star. His delicious dishes are served in the Henry Robertson fine dining restaurant and feature the finest food from the region.
Their luxurious Churchill Suite is sure to dazzle guests with its fourposter bed, marble-lined bathroom, wood panels, vaulted ceiling and stained-glass roof lights.
This regal room is also dog-friendly if you want to spoil your dog with a swanky stay near Snowdonia.
■ www.palehall.co.uk/our-rooms
3. The Presidential Suite at the Celtic Manor
This is luxury on a very grand scale. The resort itself boasts three exceptional golf courses, a spa and – count them – seven restaurants.
Even if you can’t afford the Presidential Suite, all other bedrooms at the Celtic Manor in Newport have Italian marble en-suites. And if you’re a fan of fancy Elemis toiletries, they’re all free when you stay.
■ www.celtic-manor.com
4. Llys Hafod Log Cabin
Llys Hafod is a cosy log house nestled in secluded woodland and hedgerows, set in eight acres of Welsh farmland.
Set on its own in a young broadleaf woodland, the nearest neighbours are the woodland and farm animals and birds.
It is completely idyllic if you want some peace and quiet – and the luxury of a peaceful retreat. It sleeps four in two bedrooms.
Accessed by a private gated entrance and driveway, you’ll be welcomed with a basket of goodies including bacon, eggs, sausages and homebaked cakes and treats.
■ www.holidaycottages.cc/ cottage-3269.html
5. Voco St David’s, Cardiff
This landmark hotel in Cardiff Bay looks out over the water and provides a slice of luxury and dreamy bay views. The rooms are modern and airy and provide beautiful views of the water.
For a bit of extra luxury, why not spoil yourself and book the Signature Suite and wake up in decadent surroundings? The Signature Suite is open-plan with a large lounge area and two private balconies, while the bathrooms feature high-quality toiletries and fluffy bathrobes.
You’ll also find a luxurious marine spa on-site, along with the Admiral St David restaurant, where you can enjoy twisted cocktail classics and global dishes.
■ stdavids.vocohotels.com
6. Gwesty Cymru
Situated on the seafront in Aberystwyth, it’s the prime spot to explore the town and take a walk along the iconic promenade. It’s great for food too, with an award-winning restaurant.
And you can even have a sea view when you are chilling in the bath!
■ www.gwestycymru.com/
7. The Plough, Rhosmaen
A four-star boutique hotel and AA rosette award-winning restaurant set in the beautiful Towy Valley at the edge of the Brecon Beacons.
There are 23 en-suite rooms with queen-sized beds, sofas and disabled facilities and there’s a gym and sauna, too. It’s a little oasis of luxury in Carmarthenshire.
■ www.ploughrhosmaen.com
8. Hilton Garden Inn
Wake up to surf lagoon views at the new and contemporary Hilton Garden Inn, located next to the innovative Adventure Parc. The hotel in Snowdonia has 106 bedrooms with big views on all sides, a destination restaurant and bar, and a guestexclusive fitness centre.
Guests can also enjoy the sleek, Wave Garden Spa at the hotel, a new £1.25m 650 sq m luxury destination spa that opened its doors last May. Why not spoil yourself with a surf stay this winter and embrace the outdoors at this crisp time of year? Take advantage of the special “Spa Stay” and “Surf Stay” packages that are heavily discounted during the offseason.
■ www.hilton.com/en/hotels/vlymsgihilton-garden-inn-snowdonia
9. Trefloyne Manor
The Beynon family bought Trefloyne in 2004 as a derelict farmhouse with outbuildings that have been fully restored to create 12 individually designed bedrooms.
Guests not only benefit from an abundance of local produce served in the terrace restaurant but also the stunning views over 200 acres of Pembrokeshire countryside.
■ trefloyne.com
10. Twr y Felin, St Davids
A “luxury art hotel”, the one-of-a-kind Twr y Felin features over 100 pieces of
specially commissioned art inspired by the St Davids peninsula and Pembrokeshire.
It has 21 en-suite bedrooms including two unique suites if you want something extra-special. The original windmill tower boasts spectacular 360-degree views of the peninsula from its very own observatory.
The Blas restaurant offers a menu influenced by the season and locality. Cornel Bar is a pre-dinner art lover’s snug offering seasonal drinks and cocktails, while Oriel Lounge is a dedicated gallery space with a relaxed ambience.
■ twryfelinhotel.com
11. The Grove, Narberth
This stunning hotel in Narberth is surrounded by picturesque scenery and views of the Preseli Hills. The Rebecca Suite comes with a plush velvet headboard and an impressive super king-size bed.
Inside, you’ll find timeless decor and the venue was named Welsh
Hotel of the Year in 2015. The Grove is also a popular place for foodies, who come to feast on the famous tasting menus. Douglas Balish is the executive head chef at the Grove of Narberth, overseeing and cooking for the Fernery, their fine-dining restaurant.
You can expect the best of
Pembrokeshire produce along with fresh vegetables and herbs grown in the Grove’s very own kitchen gardens
■ thegrove-narberth.co.uk
12. The Cliff Hotel & Spa, Cardigan
Located on the coast of Cardigan Bay overlooking Poppit Sands and Cardigan Island, this is the perfect destination to explore Wales’ beautiful Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire coast.
The hotel underwent refurbishment at the beginning of this year which saw the hotel expand by adding a new bar and lounge.
There are currently 76 bedrooms, with plans to expand again in the near future, so watch this space! Make sure to also check out the unique underground spa area that has a variety of treatments and packages available.
The Island Breeze package includes two hours’ use of the spa facilities, a two-course light lunch, a complimentary robe and towel and three treatments that include a body scrub, facial and massage.
■ www.cliffhotel.com
13. Heron’s Lake Retreat
Who wouldn’t want to wake up to gorgeous lake views and the sounds of nature?
Heron’s Lake retreat is located in the beautiful Welsh countryside close to the quaint village of Caerwys. These stylish lodges boast individual charm and luxurious hot tubs – perfect for relaxing and exploring.
Attractions abound, from glorious walks in the nearby Clwydian mountains to eateries, golf, sailing, riding and fishing.
Prices vary depending on the time of year you book, and how far in advance you book.
■ www.heronslakeretreat.com
14. Llys Meddyg
Housed in a stone-built Georgian townhouse, this polished restaurant with rooms is three miles from the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park and four miles from Castell Henllys, an Iron Age hill fort.
The eight chic and individually decorated rooms all include en-suite bathrooms with designer toiletries, and have flat-screen TVS with DVD players, free Wi-fi, and tea and coffee making facilities.
If luxury to you means fine dining, this is the right place. Menus using locally sourced ingredients are served in a rustic-chic restaurant. There’s also a cellar bar, as well as a garden.
■ www.llysmeddyg.com
15. The Vale Resort
The superb Vale Resort is set in the middle of a 650-acre slice of the Vale of Glamorgan countryside. The hotel is surrounded by two golf courses and has the most fabulous spa facilities. It’s a perfect place for an indulgent weekend and for brisk walks in the Vale of Glamorgan.
Their spa facilities are worth a visit alone. As well as 19 treatment rooms, the Vale Spa contains three relaxation zones – the chill zone (full of leather sofas and glossy magazines), the float zone (think water-beds and gently trickling water features) and the slumber zone (complete with shimmering lanterns and sumptuous quilts). You’ll also find a pool, hot tub, saunas and steam rooms at one of the best spa resorts in Wales.
If you want to wake up in a little slice of luxury, their Junior Suites include little touches of luxury including a bottle of wine, a box of chocolates, a robe and slippers.
■ www.valeresort.com
16. The Manor Town House
This award-winning and four-star guest house offers luxurious hotel style accommodation with spectacular sea views.
With the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park and the Preselli Hills on the doorstep, it is a great place to start your exploration of Wales or just to look out of the window at the natural beauty outside.
■ manortownhouse.com
17. Gwalia Farm’s cabin
The cabin sits on the banks of a small lake. Sit out on the decking with a cool beverage from the powerless fridge and watch the wildlife pass you by. Take a trip in the canoe and paddle around the island or even stop off for a picnic.
Rest in your own, private woodfired hot tub at the edge of the lake, then dip in the cool waters if you’re feeling hardy.
The cabin has a wood-burning stove and a plentiful supply of firewood to keep you warm and toasty on cooler evenings.
The well-equipped kitchen is sited under the long overhanging roof so you can have the delight of outdoor cooking in the fresh air knowing you’ll always be dry.
■ gwaliafarm.co.uk/glamping-cabinon-the-lake
18. Ynyshir Restaurant and Rooms
This one is not technically a hotel anymore – they dropped the “hall” part of their name to focus on food. It’s now a restaurant with rooms but the rooms, including the deluxe garden room, are stunning if you get a chance to stay. It’s a lovely place to wake up to glorious, countryside views.
You can stay the night, but you’ll have to eat at the restaurant too. But that’s hardly a chore – it’s one of Wales’ best. Make sure you are ravenous when you dine as the tasting menu is roughly 30 courses in length and four hours in duration.
It’s a truly memorable dining experience and is highly critically acclaimed.
It’s priced at £300 per person and advance booking is a must.
■ ynyshir.co.uk
19. St Brides Spa Hotel, Saundersfoot
If you love an infinity pool with sea views, then what are you waiting for? At the swanky St Brides Spa Hotel, you’ll find a full thermal suite with salt infusion room, sensation shower, aroma steam room, herbal rock sauna, ice fountain and marine hydro pool.
As for the rooms, there are 34 of them which are individually styled, and most have a sea view and balcony. The pricey rooms have delightful bathrooms with big tubs you can have a long bubble bath in.
■ www.stbridesspahotel.com
20. Roch Castle
Sitting high above the landscape offering panoramic views over St Brides Bay and the Preseli Hills, all six luxury bedrooms have views of the coast or countryside.
All rooms are furnished to the highest standard and fully equipped with aromatherapy toiletries, towels and bathrobes, slippers, Sky TV, ipod dock and tea and coffee facilities.
■ rochcastle.com
21. The Quay Hotel & Spa, Deganwy
At first glance, you could be forgiven for thinking this is a lake house in The Hamptons.
But behind the wooden facade, the building is a hotel with awe-inspiring views of the Conwy Estuary.
There’s a spa so you can enjoy an indulgent break, and the restaurant, which also looks out onto dramatic scenery, even offers private dining.
It’s the perfect place to wake up to beautiful views in Wales.
■ quayhotel.co.uk