I went to a secluded attraction in Wales and it was the most relaxing 48 hours of my life (Image: Jo Ridout)
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?
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.
The Dylan Coastal Resort is a fairly new and secluded hamlet of lodges nestled into the hillside in the famous 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 — a living piece of artwork that changes hourly, whether it’s sunrise or sunset, blazing sunshine or stormy skies, high tide or low tide.
One of the lodges you can rent or even buy at Dylan Coastal Resort (Image: Alex Ridout)
The 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 (where a path wanders away towards the famous Welsh poet’s former home).
Open-plan kitchen lounge diner inside the lodge (Image: Alex Ridout, Media Wales)
Instantly the location, soundtracked by birdsong, takes stress levels down a notch and the luxury lodges welcome you with contemporary and spacious interiors and outdoor areas that include a terrace with a hot tub and places for eating and relaxing, all with the enchanting view as a neighbour.
In my view, what sets this lodge complex apart from so many others is Milk Wood House, where the spa facilities are waiting to take you to cloud nine — or even 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.
Initially, I was slightly apprehensive about strolling around the spa area in my swimming costume on the first day, but you’re provided with a dressing gown, towel and slippers either from your luxury lodge or reception, making it easy to dip into one of the pools and then unwind at one of the seating areas relaxing in your dressing gown.
Every lodge has a hot tub on their private terrace (Image: Alex Ridout, Media Wales)
The infinity pool is housed within an impressive double-height space, with a massive wall of multiple 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 as you unwind.
Gym with amazing view out of the window (Image: Jo Ridout, Media Wales)
There’s even a tepidarium, something I had never encountered before and am now very much a fan of. It was made up of four heated ‘beds’ made out of concrete and topped with metallic mosaic tiles with a glass wall looking out over the view.
Ensuite principal bedroom plus two more double bedrooms and a family bathroom (Image: Alex Ridout, Media Wales)
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, along with protection from any 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. There was a surprise structure hiding under the water, a sloping ‘bed’ made out of metal pipes. It sounds uncomfortable but actually it 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.
Every hour the incredible view changes at this landmark location (Image: Alex Ridout, Media Wales)
I have an issue with my shoulder and arm and found the hot temperature and the buoyancy of the water very beneficial indeed, and with the immense view of the estuary as the view to accompany this space I came back to visit time and time again.
A cold water shower and wash facilities by the poolside can quickly rejuvenate you, while a trip up to the cosy mezzanine seating area offers some tranquillity away from others. I have to admit I ‘lost’ a few hours drifting off into dream land on the mezzanine level.
Comfy sofas at the Dylan Coastal Resort, where there’s a wide choice of places to relax (Image: Jo Ridout)
Extra temptation is on offer as you can 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.
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.
The wonderful infinity swimming pool (Image: Jo Ridout, WalesOnline)
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 I was here to spend 48 hours at the resort and totally unwind.
The concrete and tile ‘hot beds’ in the tepidarium (Image: Jo Ridout, Media Wales)
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.
Milk Wood House, the spa building where you can find total relaxation (Image: Jo Ridout, Media Wales)
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.
The hydro pool (Image: Jo Ridout, Media Wales)
The lodges are well equipped 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!
Lily, a spa therapist at Dylan Coastal Resort (Image: Alex Ridout, Media Wales)
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, which was much appreciated as we got over-excited watching the rollercoaster ride that was the 4-3 defeat of Wales versus Belgium – luckily the lodges are detached so no-one heard us shouting at the TV screen.
The well-equipped kitchen inside a lodge at Dylan Coastal Resort (Image: Alex Ridout, Media Wales)
The steam room at Dylan Coastal Resort (Image: Jo Ridout, Media Wales)
How much it costs to stay or buy at Dylan Coastal Resort
There’s a choice of lodges, 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.