Luxury lodges to cosy cottages... perfect places for a girlie break
Fancy a trip away with the girls? There are loads of places in Wales that are ideal for a getaway...
It’s been a good month for the contemporary Welsh language music scene.
Earlier this month Welsh Language Music Day proved that the Land Of Song is in rude health with a day of events, gigs and online activities, while last weekend Y Selar Awards were once again staged.
Recently split north Wales band Y Bandana were the main winners during a huge night for the Welsh Music industry at Gwobrau’r Selar in Aberystwyth Student Union.
The four-piece from Caernarfon, who split in October, walked away with four awards on the night – Best LP, Best Artwork, Best Song and Best Band.
The group have been one of the most prominent, and popular, Welsh acts of the past decade and have won the Gwobrau’r Selar Best Band category three times in the past in 2010, 2011 and 2012.
The members have all been working on side projects recently, and finally announced they would split with a sell-out last concert in Caernarfon in October.
Y Bandana’s last gig was shortlisted in the Best Live Event category, but that award went to the National Eisteddfod’s fringe music festival, Maes B, who also won the award for Best Promoters.
Gwynedd-based singer Yws Gwynedd also had a good night as he picked up the Best Music Video award for his single, Sgrin, and also the title for the Best Solo Artist for the third year running.
It was also a memorable night for Pwllheli-based youngsters Ffracas as they won the Best Breakthrough Act and also the Best Single or EP for their debut record, Niwl.
In the remaining categories, Osian Williams of Candelas, Cowbois Rhos Botwnnog and Siddi won the award for the Best Instrumentalist, and Radio Cymru’s Lisa Gwilym took the Best Music Presenter award.
1. Edwardian home, Mumbles
A beautiful house with roaring fires in the winter and right by the beach for summer visits.
The sands of Langland and Rotherslade are close by and the village of Mumbles, with its shops, restaurants and bars, is a short walk away.
It comfortably sleeps 11 adults and costs £260 a night. Website: airbnb.co.uk
2. Berlin House, Tenby
A spacious apartment in centre of Tenby which has bars and restaurants on the doorstep.
It has three bedrooms, three bathrooms, a well-equipped kitchen and even has a private enclosed roof terrace overlooking the town walls.
The sitting room has a Smart TV, music system (iPod friendly) and plenty of comfortable seating. There is a fireplace with an electric fire.
It sleeps eight and costs on average £133 a night. Website: ownersdirect.co.uk
3. The Corran Resort and Spa, Laugharne
The complex centres around a historic farmhouse on coastal fields just Godremamog Mill, Capel Iwan to the south of Laugharne.
It has a popular restaurant, unique rooms and the spa has a swimming pool, jacuzzi, steam room and several treatment rooms, a gym and a new relaxation room. Website: thecorran.com
4. Bluestone, Pembrokeshire
A luxury holiday resort with a spa and 500 acres of rambling woodland for an off-grid holiday. Website: bluestonewales.com
5. The Wilds, Crickhowell
Set within 60 acres of private farmland, The Wilds is a luxury self-catering barn conversion within the beautiful Brecon Beacons National Park. It also has a pizza oven and hot tub.
It sleeps four. Website: uniquehomestays.com
6. Cappele Cottage, Betws-y-Coed
Once you pull yourself away from the views, you’ll step into this lovingly restored cottage which is deeply relaxing and filled with vintage finds and contemporary local crafts.
The living room has a log burning stove and French windows looking out across the valley and the view is probably best enjoyed with a drink in hand from the well-positioned chaise longue. The cottage is complete with a TV, DVD player and Wi-Fi as well as a collection of holiday reads and traditional games. It sleeps four. Website: sugarandloaf.com
7. Cartrefle, Ceredigion
Close to the beach and 50 yards from The Ship Inn pub.
It has seven bedrooms and can comfortably seat 12 for a big communal dinner with a fantastic view of the beach. After dinner, enjoy the vinyl collection in front of the log burner or just relax in the window seats enjoying the view.
It sleeps up to 16 people. Website: airbnb.co.uk
8. Red Kite Barn, near Builth Wells
This remote contemporary converted barn is surrounded by green rolling hills and 80 acres of private countryside.
The open-plan living area upstairs has panoramic windows giving extensive views of the valley.
It has three unique bedrooms with beds rescued from the Savoy hotel.
The owners say the space can be whatever you like, a romantic space with the log fire glowing, a sociable space with the lights bright to match the mood or a cinema room.
It sleeps six people. A three-night break starts from £785. Website: sheepskinlife.com
9. Godremamog Mill, Capel Iwan
The mill nestles in peaceful seclusion in a remote west Wales valley surrounded by woodland on the Pembrokeshire/Carmarthenshire border. A mountain stream runs within feet of its mighty stone walls.
It sleeps up to 16 people but has four self-contained, self-catering apartments each sleeping four. Website: valleyholidays.co.uk Perfect for a big gatheri has a swimming pool, a and plenty of living spa
It accommodates 1 £2,070 for three nights. Website: bestofwales.c
11. Maison Galles, C
This four-bedroom tow nished to a high st stripped wooden floor a Victorian staircase antique beds.
The owners offer i dining for special oc your own chef, waite waiters, crisp linen an menu options.
It sleeps 10 and costs Website: airbnb.co.uk
12. Eirianfa, Ruthin
The holiday escape is s private acres. It has a with a floating jetty for the stunning views.
It sleeps four. Website: uniquehomes
13. Llanerch Vineya Vale of Glamorgan
A glass of wine or two never goes amiss, and ally stay at this vineyard wine tasting and coo then relax in the restau tique rooms. Website: llanerch-vine
14. Celtic Manor, Ne
A five-star destination acres of beautiful Wels with loads of facilities.
It has restaurants, a