With summer right around the corner, many of us are no doubt dreaming of spending lazy days on sandy beaches and taking a dip in turquoise waters. You may think this is the kind of bliss only a far-flung tropical destination can offer, but if you live in Wales you won't have to travel too far to get your fix. It's no secret that the Welsh coast is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the UK - if not the world.
It's no surprise, then, that the hospitality industry has capitalised on all the gifts Wales' seaside locations have to offer. And, it seems, that some of them have done this exceptionally well. Two hotels in Wales have been named among The Times' 25 best hotels by the sea in the UK, one in Saundersfoot, Pembrokeshire and the other on the Llyn Peninsula, Gwynedd.
St Brides Spa Hotel, Pembrokeshire
Coming in 13th place, this marine spa hotel located on a clifftop has gorgeous views over Saundersfoot Harbour, and is close to its its Blue Flag beach, village restaurants and shops. The spa specialises in recovery treatments, with an outdoor heated infinity-edge hydrotherapy pool and treatments that use marine-sourced products to make use of the "natural healing properties of the ocean". Saundersfoot's location on the Pembrokeshire Coast Path means that you can work up a sweat on a hike before indulging in the hotel's spa facilities.
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The hotel has 34 unique bedrooms, most of which have a balcony and sea view and boast the creations of local artists, such as handmade furniture, woven bed throws and artwork. If you fancy more of a home away from home experience, St Brides also has six two-bedroom serviced apartments, as well as self-catering apartments in the village a short walk away from the hotel. The dining areas at the hotel promise to serve up "the finest Pembrokeshire produce", including locally sourced seafood. You can find more details on the hotel's website.
Llyn Peninsula Escape, Gwynedd
Listed at number 25 is this "rustic-chic eco retreat" has three cottages for two guests on the Llyn Peninsula, located at top left corner of the Welsh coast. Surrounded by the sparkling clear waters of the Irish Sea on one side and Cardigan Bay on the other, if you tend to select your holiday destinations for their quiet beaches, luxury and intriguing places to visit, then this area of Wales is a perfect choice. There are remains of Iron Age forts and islands to discover, sweeping stretches of sandy shores, and plenty of coastal villages and historic sites to visit.
The Times notes that Llyn Peninsula Escape is a stone's throw away from Trefor's shingle beach and has "cwtchy" interiors, fitted with cosy furnishings. Though this is a self-catering destination, Bert’s Kitchen Garden café lies in the vicinity - great for any guests who want a break from cooking. Two people can stay the night at a cottage from £160. You can find more details here. To get more stories like this sent straight to your inbox every single day, click here.
