Ynyshir Hall: Enjoy a luxury hotel break with your dog in beautiful countryside
Ynyshir Hall in Wales offers incredible walking and a Michelin star restaurant…
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By SARAH BACON
There really is no need to always head to an airport and board an aeroplane in order to find a hidden gem. Great Britain has some truly stunning countryside and it is also host to some of the best luxury hotels in the world.
There are plenty of options to investigate with only a car drive to endure and by the time you have travelled to an airport and checked in all of your baggage, you could in fact be at a wonderful destination.
Ynyshir Hall is located in Wales
This was certainly the case when I recently visited the exquisite Ynyshir Hall. It is located on the west coast of Wales and tucked away, just inland, in a secluded location. The hotel has won many awards and it has been cited as both the best place to stay and the best place to eat in Wales.
Ynyshir Hall is also a home-from-home for dog owners and welcomes canine companions with open arms. This is another advantage of taking a weekend break by car and, if you are a dog owner, you can bring your furry best friend along with you too.
Dogs are very welcome to stay at Ynyshir Hall and The Sloaney dog joined the trip
It can be difficult to find a luxurious destination that also accommodates animals. However, Ynyshir Hall is so dog friendly that it even has special ‘dog only’ suites and Theo, the owner’s giant Bernese mountain dog, greets you on arrival.
Incidentally, my journey to Ynyshir Hall included a drive through the Brecon Beacons and this alone was impressive. The remote location provides the perfect autumn escape as the leaves are changing colour to create a glowing landscape. That said, I can imagine the scenery is wonderful during all of the different seasons.
Ynyshir Hall is surrounded by stunning countryside
The hotel’s ‘Wall of Fame’ shows that this venue is not as much of a hidden secret as I initially thought. In fact, it is a well-known sanctuary in luxury circles and visited by high society who are seeking respite in the countryside.
One of the reasons that Ynyshir Hall has an acclaimed reputation is due to the fact that the restaurant holds a converted Michelin Star. That said, the glorious 14 acres of carefully planted gardens are also very distinctive and leave a lasting impression.
The restaurant has a Michelin star
Ynyshir means long island and the hall has been on this site for several centuries with the outbuildings dating back to the 12th century. To the rear of the property lies one of the RSPB’s finest bird reserves and this enhances the peacefulness and tranquility of Ynyshir Hall.
Needless to say, the whole area is a haven for walking enthusiasts with the nearby beaches and coastal trails providing the opportunity for guests to enjoy spectacular sea views. For the fitness fanatics, hill climbing is also right on your doorstep.
The suites are decorated beautifully
If you decide to spend a day out in the fresh air, exploring some of the local walking routes that access a vast area of countryside, you may consider a spa visit to be a nice reward at the end of your journey. So, if you wish to go a little further and experience total body relaxation, the hotel has a Holistic Wellness Centre where you can thoroughly unwind with bespoke massages and kinesiology.
It comes as little surprise that dining is a sumptuous experience given the property is credited with a Michelin star. The eight course tasting menu is paired with several different wines and some impressive vintages are available. You can also try an 11 course tasting meal and there is a shorter version comprising of five courses available exclusively for hotel guests.
The tasting menus are well worth exploring during your stay at Ynyshir Hall
Artistic cooking techniques are used to maximize the sensory experience, with taste and smell paramount. This is one of the best restaurants in the whole of Wales and the head chef, Gareth Ward, focuses on providing an innovative menu that makes the most of local produce. In fact, many of the fruit and vegetables used in the various dishes come from the garden.
Meanwhile Welsh lamb and Welsh Wagyu beef are also among the regional highlights; the latter was exceptional. Most of the intense flavours simply burst in your mouth and the delicacies that are served during each course are all very carefully complimented with wine. I can thoroughly recommend guests enjoy this truly gastronomic experience and Ynyshir Hall is right to be proud of the quality of food that is served.
Ynyshir Hall provides the perfect place for an escape to the countryside
Whether you are looking for a relaxing weekend away in peaceful surroundings or an energetic few days tackling challenging walks over magnificent rolling hills, Ynyshir Hall is definitely worth a visit any time of year, especially with man’s best friend for company.
Watch our visit to Ynyshir Hall on Sloaney TV…
