I visited hidden resort in UK seaside town and had the most relaxing 48 hours of my life

Daily Mirror

6 days ago

There's no option but to totally relax and unwind at this very special location
How often in life do you really feel totally relaxed, your mind at peace and body at rest, with nothing pulling you back into everyday life?
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The answer is probably not very often, so what I'm about to share with you might help. I came across a very special place recently and, after an all-too-brief first visit, I returned a year later with the family for 48 hours switched off from the world, with no interruptions (other than the odd spa treatment).
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The Dylan Coastal Resort is a secluded hamlet of lodges nestled into the hillside in the well-known Welsh seaside town of Laugharne, just above Dylan Thomas' famous boathouse and looking out over the Taf estuary with Gower peninsula and Worm's Head on the horizon.
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That view is a living piece of artwork that changes hourly, from sunrise to sunset, from blazing sunshine to stormy skies, from high tide to low. This mesmerising panoramic view is the first thing that greets you when you arrive at this hidden gem, tucked away at the end of a small lane.
Instantly, the location and its soundtrack of birdsong takes stress levels down and the luxury lodges welcome you with contemporary and spacious interiors and outdoor areas that include a terrace and hot tub — all with that enchanting view as a close neighbour.
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Then there's Milk Wood House, where the spa facilities are waiting to transport you to cloud nine or higher. The facilities within this building are reason enough to stay, whether it's the gym with arguably the most stunning view in Wales or the spa area where you're provided with a dressing gown, towel and slippers, making it easy to dip into one of the pools and then unwind at one of the seating areas relaxing in your dressing gown.
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The infinity pool is housed within an impressive double-height space, with a massive wall of glass windows on one side perfectly showcasing the breathtaking view. Warm enough for leisurely swimming and cool enough for more vigorous lengths, the pool was constantly inviting.
Adjacent to the pool is a substantial sauna and a separate herbal steam room both featuring a glass wall so your connection with the stunning view remains uninterrupted. There's even a tepidarium, featuring heated 'beds' made out of concrete and topped with metallic mosaic tiles — something I had never encountered before and am now very much a fan of.
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However, my favourite spot at Milk Wood House was perhaps the infinity hydrotherapy pool. It's situated outdoors but tucked under the first floor, offering the combined advantage of fresh estuary breezes and birdsong but with protection from any Welsh rain that might disrupt your relaxation.
This pool is warmer than its larger counterpart and it was instantly wonderful to feel immersed in the heat on an underwater sloping 'bed' made out of metal pipes (it sounds uncomfortable but actually provided an angle to lay back and see the view as we floated in the hot water). On a timer the pool erupted into bubbles as the metal pipes turned the still water into a giant hot tub. I came back to visit time and time again.
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A trip up to the cosy mezzanine seating area offers some tranquillity away from others and I admit I 'lost' a few hours drifting off into dream land on the mezzanine level.
I just had to book a pamper treatment. I indulged in a facial as this poor, weather-beaten, city-polluted face hadn't seen much love recently but Lily, the wonderful therapist, was there to put that right.
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The room was as relaxing as I had hoped for: wonderfully scented, atmospheric with dim lights and soft, relaxing music that was on the verge of sending me to sleep. The resort has also extended the treatments on offer, dedicating a whole lodge near Milk Wood House to popular offerings such as manicures and pedicures as well as holistic treatments.
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Of course, the site has a location that can easily tempt you to use it as a base and leave it to explore the glorious surrounding landscape and access to local areas around Laugharne, from stunning beaches to visit such as the famous seven-mile Pendine Sands, but we were here to spend 48 hours at the resort and totally unwind.
The resort is unusual in that it offers a number of ways to engage with the facilities and the very welcoming staff. If you're local you can become a member to use the facilities, or anyone can enjoy a meal in the restaurant. Residents of the resort who have hired a lodge for a week, fortnight or weekend can use the facilities for free although any treatments are extra.
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But there is also the opportunity to buy one of your own lodges to use exclusively for yourself, family and friends or to also rent out as an income generator to holiday-makers when it is not in use. Personally I think it's a fantastic idea as you get a holiday home that doesn't take housing stock away from the local community, plus the benefit of having use of the resort's facilities.
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The lodges are well equipped - better than my home - with a hot tub, alfresco dining and sofas on the terrace with an estuary view. Beats the view out of my window of the neighbour's pants on the washing line!
Milk Wood House has a bar and restaurant offering a delicious menu from breakfast through to evening meal, including a children's option, but the luxury kitchen also had all we needed to create our own feast, including a coffee machine, and there were televisions in all bedrooms and large screen in the lounge.
How much it costs to buy or stay at Dylan Coastal Resort
There's a choice of lodges too, starting from £345,000 for The Sonnet residence up to The Solace at £650,000. But if buying is not an option, staying might well be, with weekends, especially out of season, especially popular with families and groups of friends in a three-bed lodge sharing the cost. For exact prices and available dates to stay or for more information about buying a lodge call reception of Milk Wood House on 01994 427332.