Owners of land, intriguing buildings and historic properties have used their imagination, and in most cases a chunk of renovation budget, to create some astounding places to get away from it all over the years.
The variety of unique places to stay in Wales can sometimes seem bewildering, with so many fabulous properties to call home for a weekend or longer.
Maybe the Covid pandemic and continually fluid travel restrictions that have ensued have encouraged more people to discover more of the beautiful and varied options for a holiday in the UK, and many are looking for something a bit more unique and fabulous than a standard experience.
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From traditional, cute, cottages to wooden structures hanging in trees, and converted planes, trains and buses - if you can imagine it, someone has probably created it.
You might think that Wales' largest island, with a population of just 69,961 according to 2018 data from the Office of National Statistics, would be as sparse on unusual holiday properties to hire as it is on people, but you'd be wrong.
The Isle of Anglesey, Ynys Mon in Welsh, has a range of special spots to stay, from glamorous waterside hotels to luxury glamping. Cross one of the bridges to the island and you are instantly stepping into another world and an ambience that is magical and experiences that connect to the island just waiting to happen.
Website, Visit Anglesey, sums it up well, stating that the island is 'a place that appeals to all the senses – a place to see, hear, taste, smell and feel. It is a place to get away from it all. But most of all, Anglesey is a place to get out and do!'.
The peaceful island offers miles of beaches, waterways and walking and cycle routes to conquer around the unspoilt coastline, and breathtaking, undulating landscape, discovering places to eat, shops and a unique history and culture along the way.
Much of the coastline is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) that can tempt you to explore the quiet coves and relax on the sweeping shores that are in abundance here.
Website, The Beach Guide, highly rates many of the island's seaside spots, naming Benllech, Llanddwyn and Lligwy as their top three.
One beach that stands out from its neighbours is Porth Wen, a small bay off the beaten track and with steep access.
But if you do risk it, the bay has a maze of rockpools and a natural rock arch to find, as well as a manmade structure here - the ruins of an old brickworks that hugs the shore.
In 1986, the site was designated as a scheduled monument by Cadw, classified as a post-medieval industrial brickworks. Though derelict for almost a hundred years, much of the site remains standing, although in a dangerous state in some areas.
The landscape of the island is also dotted with the remains of another industrial era of the island's past, a patchwork of windmills, some in ruins and some renovated into spectacular homes.
There was an upsurge in windmill construction on the Welsh island during the 1740s, in some part due to the winds known to regularly sweep across the region.
There are so many unique places to stay on the Isle of Anglesey and all can give you access to one of Wales' most stunning and secluded spots.
Isla Windmill
It seems appropriate with Anglesey's historic link to windmills to stay in one while you holiday on the island, and Isla is a little stunner.
High on a hill overlooking the coast, Isla Windmill shines like a beacon of promise for up to four travellers in search of rest, and that includes sea views and a garden hot tub.
Rescued from a future of dereliction, the inside of this charming and historic flour mill is a mixture of art deco and 1970s influences to create contemporary living spaces with a retro twist.
The windmill can sleep up to four guests and one well behaved dog is allowed too.
You'll be greeted by a hamper of local Welsh produce plus a spiral staircase that takes you to the top of the tower to enjoy top of the island panoramic views across Beaumaris on the coast and the Menai Strait towards Snowdonia; you might never want to come down.
Find out more about the windmill here.
White Beach Cove
In one of the island's wildest corners on the remote north coast, this gorgeous traditional Welsh cottage is the perfect base to be embedded into the surrounding landscape and wildlife.
A nature lover's paradise, at White Beach Cove you're likely to see more birds than people.
Sink into the hot tub with views of Snowdonia's peaks on the horizon, while the waves crashing at the nearby cove of White Beach provide the perfect soundtrack to holiday memories.
Once the social hub for workers making their way to and from the local quarry, White Beach Cove has companionship and cheer absorbed into its Welsh stone walls and invites you to join the memories.
The classic coastal cottage oozes history and special times, with the 200-year-old cast iron range oven and fireplace taking centre stage as a cosy hub to gather round for the up to five guests this pretty property welcomes, while they gorge on the yummy luxury hamper that greets them on their arrival.
Find out more about the cottage here.
Saffron Tower
This used to be a 12th century folly but now Saffron Tower is a unique, private fairytale tower escape that includes its own beautiful walled garden.
As well as the garden to offer you the most stunning surroundings to relax in, the tower can also offer a luxury spa-like experience, rotating from the indoor heated pool, to sauna to alfresco hot tub overlooking the sea.
If you're feeling a bit more energetic the property has a gym with running machine, bike, weights and yoga mats, or there's always the wilds of Anglesey to explore and conquer on the other side of the walled garden.
Small in its stature but vast in charisma, Saffron Tower was once a resting stop for monks visiting the nearby sixth century Penmon Priory.
But now, the kitchen balcony is maybe the best elevated spot for resting, for brunch or evening drinks, and to have your Rapunzel moment, looking out over your fancy topiary kingdom below and out to sea over the south and east coasts of the island.
The tower can offer you a comfortable and luxurious retreat, surrounded by elegantly pretty and traditional interior design for up to two guests.
Find out more about the tower here.
Beachcombers
For all beach lovers looking for a spot on the seashore, this cottage can call a tranquil beach its garden.
The two-bed hideaway started out life as a beach bathing hut for the occupants of the local Carreglwyd Estate over 100 years ago.
Perched on the edge of the shore of the spectacular and relatively undiscovered sandy Borthwen Beach, with the coastal path on the doorstep, Beachcombers is the perfect place to relax and explore the extended, magnificent coastline.
Imagine breakfast on the deck with the sea as your companion, before a five second stroll to the beach.
Or watch the sunset over the water with local wildlife residents and waves as your soundtrack based in nature.
And who wouldn't want to seal a spot while doing the washing up inside this suitably seaside-inspired property or stargaze around a fire pit with friends and family, all on your doorstep.
The cottage can sleep up to six people, and a dog, and if the weather turns colder, the log burner is the most welcome of indoor features.
Find out more about the beach house here.
Island Hide
A shepherd's hut has become an increasingly popular destination property for people wanting a unique holiday, but not all huts can boast the facilities and experience on offer at Island Hide.
Inside the hut itself it is beautiful, a visual treat of exposed wood, tactile natural materials and soft nature-based colours.
The heritage sage green is a most peaceful of tones to instantly create a relaxing ambience and visually links to the glorious nature that surrounds the site, which is next to the RSPB Cors Ddyga Wetlands Reserve.
Located in the heart of the countryside towards the south of the island, the hut is a central base to explore the island's rural landscape. And the coastline is a short drive or longer stroll away, and a Snowdonia day trip to the mainland is easily done.
Back at the hut, there's some wonderful extras to enjoy, such as a kitchen hut complete with a breakfast bar that has windows that frame the most stunning of panoramic views, and a cute veranda to enjoy the meal you have created.
Sleeping two people, with one dog allowed too, the hut offers the most romantic of escapes to the country, with a hot tub to enjoy with a glass of bubbly with your special companion.
Find out more about the shepherd's hut here.
Rural Treehouse
Not all treehouses are created equally, and this is a wooden wonderland in the leaves that ensures luxury as well as a unique location.
In the depths of north west Anglesey, close to the rugged coastline and the island's coastal path, this little nest in the trees is your hideaway surrounded by a wild and wonderful rural landscape, teeming with birds and wildlife.
Being an elevated home for your holiday means sweeping views from the little wraparound balcony and the ground floor veranda.
There are many features to help you immerse yourself within the glorious setting including glass doors in the lounge that open to let the view and rural breezes in.
There are large windows at every curve of this unusual structure but arguably the most intriguing feature is the central glass internal window column that allows the tree at the centre of the house, making a constant and welcome appearance.
Just two people can hideaway in the trees for the most romantic of breaks. Find out more about the treehouse here.
Craig Hyfryd
Anglesey isn't just about romantic getaways for couples in glorious seclusion or staying at a remote spot for the family to go wild in the countryside or on the coastline.
The island can cater for larger groups within a more bustling area too, if that is what you are looking for.
This gorgeous Grade II listed Georgian townhouse in Beaumaris is well located for the shops, eateries and majestic castle that the historic town offers, but you are not missing out on spectacular views.
The house has a sunny, secluded terrace right above the sea that means sociable dinner parties by the water with your friends and family can be in the daily holiday plans.
But if the weather turns, there's plenty of space to cook, eat and lounge inside this renovated house that offers comfort and luxury in the heart of this popular town.
From the terrace and many of the rooms, the sweeping view across the Menai Striat to the snow-capped Carneddau mountain range into Snowdonia is mesmerising.
This sociable house can accommodate a group of up to 12 across six bedrooms and has all that you could need for a wonderful stay, from its luxurious interiors to its stunning location at the junction of town, coast, countryside and mountains.
Find out more about Craig Hyfryd here.
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