1. St David%u2019s Hotel & Spa - Cardiff
Urban chic combines with superslickservice at this exciting contemporary building on the newly developed waterfront of Cardiff Bay. The most striking feature of the landmark property is a magnificent, seven-storey atrium over the lobby, while the biggest Sybaritic draw is the extensive spa with its ozone swimming pool and hydrotherapy corridor. Other facilities include the critically acclaimed Tides Grill restaurant, which serves particularly good seafood. The 132 bedrooms all have private balconies with floor-to ceiling French windows offering terrific views over the coast. The hotel was established by Rocco Forte and sold to the Principal Hotel group in March last year
St David's Hotel & Spa, Havannah Street, Cardiff (02920 454 045; www.thestdavidshotel.com). Doubles start at £120, room only
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2. Neuadd Lwyd - Isle of Anglesey
It took Susannah and Peter Woods more than three painstaking years to refurbish this greystone Victorian rectory, before finally opening it as a small country house hotel in 2005. Just across the Menai Strait, it sits in pasture land adjacent to a church dating to the 6th century. This is a great place for relaxing, taking in sweeping views, and visiting rocky beaches and secluded coves. But the real joy here is the restaurant’s modern Welsh cuisine, such as roast venison with celeriac remoulade and Caws-y-Graiggoat’s cheese shavings. The four bright, spacious bedrooms have original fireplaces and are kitted out with soft wool blankets, roll-top baths and antiques
Neuadd Lwyd, Penmynydd, Llanfairpwllgwyngyll, Ynys Mon (01248 715 005; www.neuaddlwyd.co.uk). Doubles start at £140, including breakfast
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3. Hurst House on the Marsh - Laugharne
Set in brooding marshland beyond the village where Dylan Thomas wrote Under Milk Wood, this handsome boutique hotel has reopened after a £5m refit. From wild wallpaper to sleek leather sofas, the decor is the last word in hip luxury. The 16th-century former dairy farm now houses 18 suites with Wi-Fi and Bang & Olufsen media kits, spread between the mainhouse and newly converted outhouses. Facilities include a fine-dining restaurant, and a spa and cinema are being completed. The property is part owned by the actor Neil Morrissey and is sister hotel to the Hurst Housemembers’ club in Covent Garden
Hurst House on the Marsh, East Marsh, Laugharne, Carmarthenshire (01994427 417; www.hurst-house.co.uk). Double rooms start at £235, including breakfast
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4. Osborne House - Llandudno
For a total antidote to neutral, beige shades, clean lines and other aspects of contemporary style, head to this townhouse on the promenade of one of Wales’s most appealing coastal towns. In 2004, Osborne House was extensively refurbished and today it offers the modern accoutrements of plasma TV and more, along with a riot of opulent Victorian style furnishings. There are just six bedrooms, all with canopied beds and great swathes of curtains, while bathrooms have claw-foot baths and plenty of marble. The brasserie-style Café and Grill provides a wide choice of all-day dining – evening meals are a romantic treat with candle light reflected in gilt-edged mirrors and twinkling chandeliers
Osborne House, Promenade,17 North Parade, Llandudno,Conwy (01492 860 330;www.osbornehouse.co.uk). Doubles start at £145, including breakfast
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5. Llety Bodfor - Aberdyfi
This elegant seaside townhouse has bags of home comforts as well as chic appeal. Co-owner Ann Hughes is an interior designer who has created a relaxing look with subtle colour-combinations and retro elements such as funky leather sofas and roll-top baths. Picture windows in the eight bedrooms provide wonderful views across Cardigan Bay. A separate self-catering apartment is also available. Lavish breakfasts are served at a communal table and include local specialities such as laverbread. There is no restaurant, but that’s hardly a problem, with several good options nearby
Llety Bodfor, Bodfor Terrace, Aberdyfi, Gwynedd (01654 767 475;www.lletybodfor.co.uk). Doubles start at £115, including breakfast
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1 March 2008, Chosen by Harriet O'Brien
