A Cosy Escape at Bodysgallen Hall & Spa, Wales

Location

With over 200 acres made up of gorgeous meadows, forest, tranquil parkland and even lakes, 17th century stately house, Bodysgallen Hall sits secluded on Pydew Mountain, only a stone’s throw from the lively Victorian seaside town and promenade of Llandudno and historic Conwy town (where you’ll find medieval Conwy Castle – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – and a cute marina and quay with a yachting centre which is only a five minute walk to the beach). For adventure-seeking couples, the peaks of Snowdonia National Park – only a 45 minute drive away – promise thrilling hikes and more breathtaking vistas. Getting there is easy: after leaving the A55 expressway at junction 19, the hotel is two miles off the A470  towards Llandudno and Llandudno Junction train station is a five minute drive away by taxi if travelling by rail.

First Impressions

You can tell the National Trust spends a fortune keeping and maintaining the hotels and it’s Elizabethan gardens – everything is as immaculate as it is spectacular. For Bodysgallen Hall is the kind of pile where from the moment you arrive, a winding drive, green countryside and the dark brown silhouette of the mansion’s Tudor Gothic grandeur beckon you to unwind and imagine yourselves part of the manor born set. There’s no agenda here, time is easily lost track of and everything you do is for your own pleasure.

At the heart of it lies the 350-year-old Grade I-listed manor: a pink stone-washed building that rises up and which has been painstakingly restored to its original glory including a 13th century watch tower built as a defence for Conwy Castle – and which greets you almost theatrically. Step inside the heavy wooden entrance door with its huge brass handle and you’ll see a Hall which feels dramatic yet homely while staying true to it’s 17th century roots with antique carpets, oak wall panelling and a roaring centrepiece open log fire surrounded by chunky sofas, ornate artworks gracing the walls and mullioned windows. Much of the charm comes from a surplus of nooks and crannies to squish into with coffees (or crisp glasses of Champagne) and papers.

The main bar area is characterful (you’d be forgiven for thinking you’d entered a period drama TV set); creaking original oak floors are furnished with an abundance of quirky period antique consoles, tables and chairs of which you’re able to sit upon (in many National Trust properties, you’ll find this strictly isn’t the case). Also unlike a normal National Trust property visit, here, you won’t find off limit sections roped-off either; guests are able to look at the hotel’s delicate antiques and ornaments up close. It’s all part of the incredible  experience.

Gardens

For honeymooners or brides and grooms in need of some R&R, the manicured gardens filled with sweet-scented herbs, mulberry trees, bee hives and a rockery with a water cascade and lily ponds are the real deal when seeking an antidote from busy lives that involve juggling work and wedding planning.

Taking selfies on the patio of outside the hotel’s east wing (check) with the black mountains as your backdrop is an irresistible treat. But then so is wandering and getting lost in the marvellous ancient tree and native shrub woodland that cocoons the estate. If on a familymoon, Kids will love soaking in the surroundings on nature trails and adding in a fair bit of friendly tree-hugging on hikes or cycles around the forest.

Suite Dreams

All the 31 dreamy rooms and suites (located in the main house and with 16 romantic and secluded cottages offering extra privacy – some which are self-catering – spread around the grounds) are awash with countrified style and that’s exactly why you’ll come here. Having opened as a hotel in the early 1980s the bedrooms feature warm, bright living areas adorned with charming vintage furniture and lighting, and plump sofas and armchairs with flat screen TVs and DVD players providing modern touches. Best of all, rooms are all brilliantly sound-proofed with the addition of heavy, blackout floral curtains (which match the valances on beds) and wooden shutters, so you won’t hear another soul the entire time – important for those post-wedding and reception recovery sleeps.

Other ravishing honeymoon suites such as those under the The Principal Suite range come with canopied four-poster queen and king beds, separate sitting rooms and equally divine views over the hills. Gorgeous and spacious bathrooms come complete with fresh robes, large bathtubs and luxurious toiletries from Floris. You’ll wake up with coffee freshly delivered to your room and open up the curtains to breathe in those revitalizing and awesome views over the parkland.

Eat

The sofas next to the roaring fire in the Drawing Room are a wonderful place to sneak in pre-dinner cocktails, enjoy bite sized apetite-whetting canapés and late liqueurs before heading into the main Dining Room with its ornate windows overlooking those manicured lawns. Welsh gastronomy is taken seriously here with plenty of fresh and locally sourced options and where menus are seasonal ingredient centric to ensure the best kind of fine dining. It’s all very grown up and dinner is a dress up occassion with people chatting in hushed whispers with the sound of tinkling crystal punctuating conversations.

After an amuse bouche and some warm sourdough bread rolls, starters of local white Crab with wild garlic mayonnaise feel thoroughly modern. You can go the whole hog with mains of rabbit served with bacon and herb gnocchi or try the local duck – both are  certifiable winners. Fresh fish brought in daily Is often the order of the day and the local Wild Sea Bass served with barbecued aubergine is sublime. The Conwy Lamb rump is cooked delicately, slowly and thoughtfully to lock in its flavour. And if you’ve room to spare, you should most definitely end the meal with the passionfruit meringue. The wine list is long and varied: we loved the Chateau LaClaverie 2014 Bordeaux (you’ll likely be asking for a spare corkscrew so you can enjoy another bottle back in your room). And back in the suite, and feeling fully satisfied, you’re welcome to polish of the night with more of that wine or another dip into the mini bar.

When the weather plays ball, the terrace is the perfect spot for breakfast, otherwise, it’s served in the restaurant or in bedrooms. Pastries are served straight from the oven to tables and are pillowy, buttery and completely moreish. Because we’ve an early start, we demolish steaming coffees and enjoy bacon crisped to perfection in a full cooked Welsh option which comes so beautifully presented we devour everything in minutes.

Spa

Even with other guests around,  the pool area in the hotel’s spa remains a peaceful retreat for quiet  laps and naps on comfortable loungers. Unlike many oversubscribed country spas, you don’t have to do any elbowing to get yourself a space in any of them. There’s also a gym, steam room, sauna and hydrotherapy hot tub. Book in for the 5D Gommage Facial from Paris helps increase facial circulation and generates new collagen while diminishing puffiness and is carried out by excellent and knowledgeable therapists.

Getting Married 

Bodysgallen Hall makes for a dream Big Day venue with the historic Upper Wynne Room licensed for civil ceremonies and which can accommodate upto 50 guests and Wedding luncheons and dinners in the Main Dining Room or the more intimate setting of the South Dining Room. A marquee can be hired at an additional cost for up to 200 guests and the entire hotel can be booked on an exclusive use basis too. The in house dedicated wedding planning service can help arrange everything from transport and accommodation to cakes, flowers and even harpists.

What You’ll Love

– Nature holds the biggest sway as you make your journey down the enchanting tree-lined drive – keep your eyes peeled for roaming deer and other local wildlife who frequently make guest appearances.

-You can partake in a variety of activities on the estate including games of croquet, garden tours and visits to nearby Pendryn Whisky Distillery.

-Bringing along your four-legged friend? The hotel welcomes dogs in cottages with dog beds, water bowls and organic treats supplied and some cottages offering private enclosed gardens too.

How To Book

Bodysgallen Hall, The Royal Welsh Way, Bodysgallen Ln, Llandudno LL30 1RS. Nightly rates at Bodysgallen Hall start from £169 on a B&B basis based on double occupancy. Visit  www.bodysgallen.com and call 01492 584466or email info@bodysgallen.com