From the posh lodges with scorching tubs, to the stylish spa, my Dylan Coastal Resort assessment offers you the lowdown on this stunning getaway in Wales.
This Dylan Coastal Resort assessment was written after my go to in April 2022.
I’ve simply returned from a beautiful break in Carmarthenshire in South West Wales. I’ll admit, it is a journey with a little bit of a backstory! Final yr my mum had deliberate slightly escape to Wales. It was to be her first vacation because the pandemic, and an opportunity to be reunited with one in every of her favorite nations on the earth. She’s an artist, and has at all times had a tender spot for the moody and atmospheric Welsh views.
Sadly, a sequence of medical issues meant that she was unable to journey. So, after I had the chance to go to Laugharne for a keep at Dylan Costal Resort, I couldn’t resist however invite her alongside. She was over the moon, as was I!
All packed up, we nattered all the best way from London to Wales, traversing the Severn Bridge and having fun with the views of lush fields and valleys as we headed in direction of Laugharne. We’d be spending 4 nights on the tremendous swanky Dylan Coastal Resort, which overlooks the historic city.
There’s a magic to this resort, and that comes from its location. Searching over the Taf Estuary means the view is continually altering. From skinny streams and sand banks snaking in direction of the coast, to wealthy blue waters filling the panorama, our eyes had been at all times glued to it!
Should you’ve simply began planning your journey, I’ve bought numerous useful info developing in my Dylan Coastal Resort assessment. From the placement and lodge interiors, to the amenities you’ll discover on web site, this information will provide help to put together. I’ve even listed just a few gadgets I needed I’d packed, so that you don’t make the identical errors as I did! As at all times, you probably have any questions, be at liberty to depart a remark on the finish and I’ll do my greatest to assist.
Dylan Costal Resort Assessment
What’s Dylan Coastal Resort?
This can be a high-end resort with greater than 60 luxurious lodges perched on the highest of the cliff overlooking the Taf Estuary. The lodges are designed for a snug, self-catering type of vacation, and plenty of have the additional luxurious of an out of doors scorching tub.
There are a selection of various sizes and styles of lodge to guide, together with the sensible stone-clad Dylan Lodges, coastal stylish Milk Wooden Lodges and The View, with its modern cathedral-like home windows.
The resort is famend for its spectacular spa, with infinity pool, hydrotherapy pool and fitness center, every with flooring to ceiling home windows framing the serene estuary view. Additionally on web site is a restaurant, serving high quality dishes all through the day.
The place is Dylan Coastal Resort?
This resort is situated within the small city of Laugharne in Carmarthenshire in South West Wales. It’s round a 20-minute drive from the county city of Carmarthen, the place you’ll discover supermarkets and excessive road outlets.
Head west from Laugharne and also you’ll attain Pembrokeshire, with standard cities akin to Tenby simply over 30-minutes by automobile. Should you’re travelling from London, you’ll be able to count on the drive to take simply over 4 hours.
Who’s Dylan Coastal Resort for?
I’d truthfully say a keep right here fits anybody of any age. We noticed an actual mixture of visitors throughout our break. There have been households with younger children, who had undoubtedly been interested in the limitless entry to the swimming pool. I noticed a gaggle celebrating a fiftieth birthday, with a number of lodges booked for everybody to affix within the festivities.
There have been additionally fairly just a few retired {couples} having fun with the peace and tranquility of the realm. There have been a number of multi-generational teams too.
Macca and I had been there with my mum, and we stored considering it was a really perfect place for households to get collectively. I additionally imagined it being an important possibility for a woman’s getaway or hen do. I usually guide spa breaks with my pals, so the considered accessing the spa on the resort in addition to the consolation of our personal lodge would go well with us completely!
Dylan Coastal Resort Map
I believed it is likely to be helpful to incorporate this map of the resort which I obtained simply earlier than, my journey. You possibly can see the format of the lodges – one thing I hadn’t seen anyplace on-line.
It’s price noting that there was loads of growth occurring within the space on the left hand aspect of the map, so I think about there can be a brand new map out there quickly together with these new lodges!
Milk Wooden Lodges at Dylan Coastal Resort – Assessment
We stayed in one of many three-bedroom Milk Wood Lodges (Milk Wooden 18), which had a scorching tub outdoors on the patio. The lodge was luxurious and cozy, with elegant and sensible design options. We had been all a bit overwhelmed once we first walked in! It simply felt so spacious, with its giant open plan kitchen, eating and lounge space.
Alongside the lengthy edge had been a number of home windows and doorways, all framing that lovely Taf Estuary view. I actually cherished the placement of our lodge because it didn’t overlook some other properties – one thing to concentrate on with among the lodges set additional again.
The bedrooms at Dylan Coastal Resort
This three-bedroom Milk Wooden Lodge had two double rooms at every finish of the constructing, in addition to a twin room set behind the double. We took the master suite, which had an en-suite toilet with a bathe, whereas my mum opted for the double room on the different finish of the lodge. There was additionally a most important toilet, which had a shower.
All of us stated how pretty it was to open the curtains to that view daily. It modified a lot relying on the tides and the climate – undoubtedly one of many particular issues about staying right here.
The bedrooms all had ample wardrobe and drawer area, making unpacking good and straightforward. They had been outfitted with all the pieces we would have liked too, together with hairdryers, coat hangers, towels, robes, mirrors and extra plug sockets (together with USB fittings) than I’ve seen in essentially the most trendy lodges! I actually appreciated the lighting choices in the master suite too, with most important lights, sidelights and even an ambient mild over the headboard of the mattress.
The bedrooms had flat-screen TVs too, so we may get pleasure from a lazy lie in watching our favorite exhibits!
The kitchen and lounge at Dylan Coastal Resort
As talked about, I adored the format of the open plan dwelling space in our lodge. It felt actually roomy, whereas additionally being neatly divided into three distinct areas. By the entrance door was a coat and shoe space, with a bench to take a seat on. There was a washer tucked away in a cabinet right here too.
The kitchen had a breakfast bar, fridge, freezer, dishwasher, hob, oven, microwave and sink. There was even a wine fridge! We thought it was very well kitted out for self-catered lodging, with all of the plates, glasses and pans you would want for large group meals.
There was even a starter pack of cleansing gadgets together with three dishwasher tablets, some large luggage and a small bottle of washing up liquid. It’s price noting that the hobs listed here are induction hobs, so aren’t appropriate for these with pacemakers.
Our lodge had a big eating desk seating six, in addition to an unlimited nook couch space and a big TV (with Netflix, iPlayer, Prime you’ll be able to log into with your individual account). It’s an area that’s very well designed. I feel we used each single space and merchandise of furnishings all through the week!
The Wi-Fi in our lodge was glorious all through our keep. I spent just a few mornings on my laptop computer, sending emails, updating weblog content material and streaming movies. It was at all times very fast to load – maybe sooner than at our residence in London!
The outside area at Dylan Coastal Resort
Our lodge had broad terrace space with an out of doors desk and chairs in addition to our luxurious scorching tub. It wasn’t that heat throughout our keep, so we didn’t sit outdoors to eat, however I can think about throughout peak summer time you’d preserve the doorways open and use this terrace rather a lot.
The new tub is at all times on and heated to a temperature of 38.5 levels. Those that are environmentally acutely aware may really feel slightly uncomfortable by this (as we did) however we did sit up for our each day soaks right here!
What amenities are there at Dylan Coastal Resort?
Dylan Coastal Resort has some nice amenities for visitors to make use of. There’s a tennis court docket (with tools out there from reception) in addition to a good-sized youngsters’s playground.
The perfect options are the spa and restaurant, that are each situated in Milk Wooden Home, the centrepiece of the resort. This contemporary constructing is situated on the lowest level of the resort, so that you’ll develop into fairly aquatinted with a steep hill in case you select to go to!
I ought to add that there’s a nice concierge service supplied to visitors. Simply name reception they usually can organise for the location’s golf buggy to gather you or drop you again to your lodge. This can be a nice possibility for households with children, or for anybody who struggles with mobility… or lazy individuals who don’t fancy dragging themselves up the hill!
Milk Wooden Spa at Dylan Coastal Resort
The resort’s spa opened in 2020, and is rumoured to have value nicely over £7 million. It actually does really feel world-class. It’s essentially the most unbelievable area, the place structure works in concord with the pure environment, so that you’re at all times dealing with that ever-changing estuary view.
The primary swimming pool zone is split-level, with an infinity pool alongside the lengthy stretch of glass framing the estuary. Set behind is an natural steam room, sauna in addition to cold and hot showers. Climb the steps and also you’ll attain the mezzanine leisure zone, with comfy beds, to once more laze round staring out at that view.
Head outdoors for a second and also you’ll step into the nice and cozy effervescent waters of the infinity hydrotherapy pool, the place you’ll be able to calm down on sunken loungers. It’s the sort of place I may spend hours having fun with the nice and cozy waters and vistas of the Welsh landscapes. Behind here’s a heat chamber with leisure beds and starlit ceiling.
In addition to these unbelievable amenities, there are remedy rooms and a small fitness center, that includes a number of state-of-the-art cardio and resistance machines, in addition to weights. I spent just a few mornings understanding right here. What a distinction to my industrial London fitness center view!
Milk Wooden Kitchen & Bar at Dylan Coastal Resort
Should you don’t fancy cooking on a regular basis, you’ll be happy to listen to there’s a bar and restaurant on web site. Costs are on the higher finish of the size, however the high quality is excessive. We dined right here on our second night and had a optimistic expertise.
The primary menu is diverse, with meat and fish dishes, steaks, a few vegetarian and vegan choices, in addition to pizzas cooked within the wood-fired pizza oven. There’s a youngsters’s menu with basic dishes on. There’s additionally a each day menu of specials, with a concentrate on recent fish and seafood.
I began with the oak smoked salmon, which got here with a tasty celeriac remoulade and bread. Macca loved a tasty mackerel dish for his starter, whereas my mum had ‘one of the best ham hock terrines’ she says she’s ever tasted. The entire starters had been glorious, well-presented and beneficiant too.
For our most important programs, Macca loved a rump of Welsh lamb, which was extraordinarily tasty, served with a fondant potato and carrot gel. I selected the ocean bass particular, which was tremendous recent and flavoursome. My mum ordered the particular of clam and crab linguine, which whereas giant was underwhelming and missing seasoning.
All in all, the restaurant expertise was pleasurable! There have been numerous different diners, service was pleasant and we cherished the comfort of eating on web site. We even made use of the concierge service to return again to our lodge.
Throughout our keep we obtained just a few presents for the restaurant by textual content message. In the future there was a deal of two steaks and a bottle of wine for £30. What nice worth!
I had hassle discovering an updated pattern menu for Milk Wooden Bar & Restaurant earlier than our journey, so right here’s what was out there once we visited.
Examine in and take a look at course of at Dylan Coastal Resort
Should you’re planning a keep, it’s price noting that test in is from 2pm and take a look at is by 10am. I actually appreciated the benefit of the test in and take a look at course of on the resort. It was completely contact-free… as so many issues are in our weird post-Covid world!
A couple of days earlier than our journey, I used to be despatched a code for our lodge’s key field. Simply after we’d settled in, we obtained a name from reception to test we had arrived okay.
Earlier than try I obtained a textual content with info on what to do earlier than leaving (cleansing, placing garbage out and so on). We merely needed to depart the keys on the desk, then ship a textual content to say we’d left the premises. I’ve stayed at related locations earlier than, and there have been usually queues of individuals ready to take a look at. This was undoubtedly a hassle-free expertise.
What to pack for a keep at Dylan Coastal Resort
Usually, the posh lodges are extremely nicely kitted out, so that you’ll solely must pack the meals and toiletries that you just’d tackle any self-catered vacation. Right here are some things I used to be both glad I packed or want I had thought to take with me.
Cooking oil, salt, pepper, condiments, butter, milk, tea luggage, espresso, washing up liquid, material, cling movie, washing tablets.
Should you’re staying for every week or extra, the fundamentals within the lodge may not final your entire journey. You may want extra bathroom roll, bin luggage, dishwasher tablets or toiletries to maintain you going. These are simple to select up regionally.
Should you’re planning to make use of the spa in addition to your non-public scorching tub, I’d advocate packing a number of gadgets of swimwear. I used to be comfortable to have two bikinis with me, so one set may dry whereas I used the opposite!
Locations to go to close to Dylan Coastal Resort
Laugharne
This small city is iconic within the literary world as Dylan Thomas the poet lived right here for a number of years. You possibly can go to the Dylan Thomas Boathouse and the Dylan Thomas Writing Shed to be taught extra about his life. These are only a quick stroll from the resort, in pretty places overlooking the water. There’s additionally a tearoom on the boathouse, which has develop into standard with these strolling the Wales Coast Path.
You’re assured to see Laugharne Castle throughout your keep, and there’s a beautiful path alongside the water proper by it. Should you’re focused on discovering out extra, you should purchase a ticket to go to the within.
The city itself has some primary facilities together with a beautiful café and deli (The Ferryman), just a few pubs and eating places, a comfort retailer and a fish and chip store.
Should you’re on the lookout for a route to soak up the panoramic vistas of the area, how concerning the Dylan Thomas Birthday Walk? This 2-mile stroll was created in honour of his ‘Poem in October’, wherein he recounts his love of the city on his thirtieth birthday. The route takes you up the hill from Laugharne Citadel and presents gorgeous views of the estuary, the boathouse, the Gower and past.
Tenby
Tenby is an iconic Welsh seaside city, full of vibrant homes, ice cream shops and cafes. It’s charming and characterful, and best in case you’re on the lookout for a day journey within the space. There are a number of sandy seashores with dramatic cliffs round, making it a well-liked place for households to go to. For an additional particular journey, you would catch the boat to Caldey Island close by.
We loved a calming amble round Tenby, purchasing for items within the unbiased shops, taking within the views over the cliffs, tucking right into a tasty gelato and even selecting up some recent seafood to take again to our lodge and cook dinner for dinner!
Saundersfoot
One of many seaside cities on the best way from Laugharne to Tenby, Saundersfoot additionally has that ‘holiday’ really feel. There are many a outlets and cafes alongside the principle road promoting treats. It doesn’t have the appeal or historical past of Tenby, however there’s a good sized seashore, and it’s a nice place to spend the afternoon.
We didn’t match it on this time, however I’d be eager to return to Saundersfoot for lunch at Coast. With tasting menus that shine a lightweight on the wonderful native produce, this restaurant has a wonderful popularity and is in a stunning spot overlooking the water.
A giant because of Dylan Coastal Resort for internet hosting me for this assessment. As at all times, all ideas and opinions are my very own. You possibly can try my different lodge evaluations right here.
