Listed barn-turned Powys holiday cottage among Wales' best
A self-catering, eco holiday cottage, Drovers Retreat at Dolau, a 19th century Grade II listed building based in a secluded spot in the heart of Mid Wales countryside, has won the Country Holiday Cottage of the Year in Wales Award.
The cottage, near Llandrindod Wells, was once a stone barn before it was carefully converted to a cottage for up to four guests in 2017 and collected the accolade in the Travel & Hospitality Awards, which recognise organisations that have gone above and beyond in providing exceptional experiences to their customers.
A Green Tourism Silver Award winner, the cottage is situated on a local wildlife site with its own water supply and an electric vehicle charger. An adjoining games barn has a snooker table, table football and darts, while the cottage has board games and books.
Guests are able to enjoy woodland as well as self-guided walks in unspoilt countryside as well as stargaze in a dark sky at night.
Bob Kennard, Drovers Retreat co-owner with his wife, Carolyn, spoke about the unique appeal of Mid Wales for tourists and the environment in which the retreat is located.
He said: 'Rural Mid Wales has a lot to offer tourists, especially as a great place to unwind and enjoy peace and nature, as well as history, landscapes and picturesque towns and villages. Yet it is relatively undiscovered.
'Perhaps this award will help to shine a light on the beauties and treasures of this wonderful area.'
For the award itself, panel of experts evaluated submission materials, reviewed customer feedback and compared the facilities of each participant before the award winners were chosen.
A spokesperson for the awards added: 'Our esteemed winners are those who have showcased their exceptional qualities, outstanding services and facilities, and unparalleled commitment to customer satisfaction across numerous categories.
'We were astounded by the exceptional quality of entries this year and trust that this guide will serve as a valuable resource for discerning travellers as they plan their next luxurious getaway.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mail
31 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
Travel expert issues warning over simple passport mistakes that will stop you from flying
Holidaymakers jetting off this summer should be aware of some simple issues with their passports that could prevent them from flying. When going on a trip, tourists often have to juggle many different things including travel insurance, transfers and their luggage. But one important factor to consider is your passport – and issues with it could cause problems when arriving at your destination or returning to the UK. Chris Harrington, managing director at transfer company Hoppa, shared his advice for those going away this summer. The travel expert emphasised the importance of making sure your passport isn't too damaged. He explained: 'If your passport is damaged to the extent that it impacts its ability to function or verify who you are, this can lead to it being declared invalid.' Chris advises checking the condition of your passport after booking a trip to avoid problems. He added: 'Once you have booked your holiday, ensure your passport is in good condition and it doesn't have any water damage, tears, rips, stains or any pages are missing. One important factor to consider is your passport and problems with it that could cause problems when arriving at your destination or returning to the UK 'In most cases, minor wear and tear is acceptable, but for anything more severe, you will need to apply for a new passport.' Though life can become busy, it is important to ensure documents such as passports are up to date – including reflecting any changes to personal information – in order to ensure they are still accurate and valid. Chris said: 'Your passport needs to have all of your correct details on. Including name and date of birth, which means if this isn't the case, it could be invalid. 'When making your travel booking, it's important that the details you enter reflect those that are on your passport. 'For example, if you get married and you make the booking with your new surname, the passport needs to also have the same details. 'If you need to apply for a new passport due to getting married, this can be done before or after the ceremony.' Another point to look out for is the expiry date on your passport. Even if it hasn't expired, it's important to note that some countries require the passport to be valid for three months from the departure date. Chris explained: 'One of the common mistakes people make is not being aware of when a passport has expired. 'When you are going abroad, you need to make sure that your passport was issued within the last 10 years of the date you enter the country. 'It's important to remember that this is counted from the date of issue and not the expiry date. 'Alongside the 10-year rule, Brits travelling to the EU and Schengen countries also need to be aware that their passport needs to be valid for at least three months beyond their departure date. 'It's also worth noting that for some destinations, there needs to be 6 months remaining on the passport, so it's important to check the regulations for the country you're travelling to.'
Daily Mail
31 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
Why I ditched the US in my fifties and moved to this colourful European city
An American expat has shared why she decided to swap one of the most diverse and prosperous states in the US for a city in Europe at the age of 52. In 2023, Cheryl Orlov sold or gave away most of her possessions, including her home and vehicles, packed eight suitcases and made the 'life-changing' decision to move to another part of the world. Having spent more than over 32 years running a furniture store in the South Bay region of California, Orlov admitted she lived a 'comfortable' life surrounded by loved ones, but felt an insatiable 'pull' toward travel. But despite visiting over 40 countries across all seven continents over the years, there were a a number of destinations that hadn't yet reached the business owner's radar - such as Albania. Following a relationship break-up in March 2022, she decided to take the opportunity to start afresh and move to Albania's capital, Tirana. Writing for International Living in March, Orlov explained she first discovered the country whilst reading articles and watching videos about far-flung destinations. She began researching the holiday hotspot, and was left impressed by its slower-paced lifestyle, its diverse, natural beauty and the unmatched hospitality of its local people. In September 2022, Orlov organised a scouting trip to Albania, where she was left awestruck by breathtaking views of the country's 'rugged' landscape and 'sparkling' shores. She added: 'It reminded me of the California I had always wished to see before rapid development took over. I saw a different quality of life.' Drawn to its delicious cuisines, warm hospitality and proximity to other European destinations on her bucket list, Orlov decided to make Albania her new home the following year. Since moving to Tirana, the seasoned solo traveller now enjoys a 'vibrant' social life, opts to 'walk everywhere' instead of driving, and pays significantly less for rent in comparison to California. She said: 'I rent a two-bedroom apartment in Tirana for €500 per month - a price unthinkable in Los Angeles. The affordability extends to every aspect of life: groceries, dining out, and even healthcare.' By regularly attending meet-ups with local community-minded groups, Orlov has managed to create a tight network of friends, which include fellow expats and native Albanians. Away from the bustle of the city, she often spends her time touring agrotourism farms and wineries in the countryside, where she indulges in fresh cheese and seasonal wine. On weekends, she noted the simplicity of being able to take a quick flight to nearby hotspots, such as Greece, North Macedonia and Italy. Orlov also stressed she feels 'incredibly' safe in Albania, more so than she 'ever did back home.' Since moving to Tirana, the seasoned solo traveller now enjoys a 'vibrant' social life, opts to 'walk everywhere' instead of driving, and pays significantly less for rent (Pictured: Air Albania (Arena Kombetare) in Capital of Tiran) She added: 'There is a strong sense of security. People look out for one another. I can walk through the city by day or night without worry. That kind of peace of mind is something I never realised I was missing until I found it.' For Orlov, relocating alone to the other side of the planet has not only enriched her life culturally, but it's given her the opportunity to 'create the life she's always imagined.' She urged those considering a similar move to plan a scouting trip before packing up their belongings. Orlov added: 'Albania isn't for everyone, and it's important to explore different areas in person. I thought I wanted to live by the sea until I visited Tirana. Then I knew I had found my home.'
Reuters
3 hours ago
- Reuters
Southwest Airlines misses Q2 profit estimates as US travel demand wavers
July 23 (Reuters) - Southwest Airlines (LUV.N), opens new tab posted second-quarter profits that missed Wall Street estimates on Wednesday, hurt by weak travel demand in the domestic market. Lingering uncertainty about the broader economy and rising living costs in the aftermath of President Donald Trump's trade war have taken a toll on carriers that primarily service the U.S. domestic market and price-sensitive customers. To stimulate demand, they have been leaning on fare discounts. Southwest's shares were down 2% after the bell. The company said it expects $600 million-$800 million in earnings before interest and taxes this year, less than half its previous forecast of $1.7 billion. Still, Southwest said domestic leisure travel demand has stabilized and is showing signs of improvement. Southwest said its unit revenue, or revenue generated from each seat, in the current quarter is expected to be in the range of down 2% to up 2% from a year ago. In April, several major U.S. carriers scrapped their financial forecasts, citing uncertainty linked to President Donald Trump's broad tariff measures and government spending cuts, which pressured consumers to scale back travel plans. Since then, airline executives and analysts have signaled that demand trends and the broader travel environment are showing signs of steadiness. Even so, the domestic market remains under pressure, with cost-conscious travelers remaining cautious as household budgets tighten. Summer, typically the peak money-making season for airlines, is falling short this year as sluggish demand for standard economy seats forces carriers to cut fares, undermining their pricing power. Delta Air Lines (DAL.N), opens new tab and United Airlines (UAL.O), opens new tab have seen strong revenue gains from premium cabins, buoyed by affluent travelers willing to pay for upgrades. By contrast, low-fare carriers such as Southwest are under pressure to maintain profitability as price-sensitive travelers remain cautious with discretionary spending. Southwest reported an adjusted profit per share of 43 cents, compared with analysts' average expectations of 51 cents, according to data compiled by LSEG. It reported operating revenue of $7.24 billion in the quarter through June, compared with $7.35 billion a year earlier.
