Assessment: Trefeddian Lodge, Aberdovey, Wales, UK

Set towards the backdrop of the rugged Cambrian Mountains and dealing with the shimmering Cardigan Bay, the 4-star Trefeddian Lodge in Aberdovey (Aberdyfi in Welsh) is an unbiased lodge that has been run by the identical household for over 100 years. It affords the right retreat for anybody in search of consolation and tranquillity amidst the scenic fantastic thing about Wales‘ west coast.

The welcome

We arrived on the Trefeddian Lodge after a scenic drive by way of the Welsh countryside and parked up within the property’s automobile park. From there, it was only a brief amble to reception, following a captivating walkway lined with vibrant blue and pink hydrangeas. We have been warmly welcomed at reception, requested if we wish a newspaper delivered to our room within the morning, and suggested us on the place to search out our room, and the place we may acquire towels to be used on the lodge’s pool.

The room

We stayed in room 217, a spacious household room bathed in tender, pure mild, that was completely suited to our wants. An opulent king-size mattress took centre stage within the room while a few cosy armchairs, upholstered in a deep teal blue, beckoned us to twist up with an excellent e-book or to easily unwind. A snug couch and accompanying espresso desk ensures ample seating for the entire household.

The décor was conventional however elegant, giving off a homely vibe, with impartial tones. Wanting again, you’ll discover there’s additionally a big wardrobe to accommodate visitors’ belongings, in addition to a dressing desk / desk space.

Behind the partition, and near the doorway to the room, are twin beds. This can be a very sensible and well-thought out configuration, that means that Mum and Dad can nonetheless keep up and have some separate ‘me time’, as soon as the youngsters are safely tucked up in mattress.

The room additionally has its personal balcony, providing views of the lodge grounds and the beautiful shoreline past.

The lavatory

The en suite lavatory options separate areas for the WC, basin, bathtub, and bathe, while the heated towel rail ensured that our towels have been at all times heat and fluffy.

Complimentary toiletries from the English Fantastic Fragrances Sea Spray assortment have been supplied, together with bathe gel, shampoo, cleaning soap and physique lotion, together with a conceit package and bathe caps.

The amenities

There isn’t a must e-book a time for supper. You may have a drink on the bar or in one of many lounges earlier than consuming, or head straight for the lodge’s elegant eating room any time between 6.50pm and eight.45pm and there might be a desk already ready for you.

We have been served a five-course dinner, with just a few choices to select from for every course. Pictured under are the vegetable spring roll with candy chilli sauce, the baked tranche of haddock fillet persillade on spiced large cous cous, and the trio of chocolate and pecan slice with a praline ice cream.

Past the eating expertise, the lodge has many different glorious amenities. Maybe most notable of all is the indoor heated swimming pool, nearly lengthy sufficient for a exercise however maybe extra suited to a leisurely swim. There’s additionally a whirlpool with seating for 4.

Close by there’s a well-equipped video games room, that includes desk tennis, pool, and there are board video games for households to take pleasure in, in addition to a playroom for actually little ones.

There’s additionally a placing inexperienced on the lodge and Aberdovey Golf Membership – a hyperlinks golf course with difficult, undulating greens and fairways – inside strolling distance.

The situation

The Trefeddian Lodge is perched on a hill throughout the Snowdonia Nationwide Park, only a brief stroll from Aberdovey’s sandy seaside, which stretches for miles. It’s a super setting for a morning jog or a soothing sundown stroll. The city of Aberdovey – the place the River Dovey meets Cardigan Bay – is sort of charming, with quaint retailers, cafés and a picturesque harbour. Little ones will take pleasure in crabbing from the jetty, constructing sandcastles and paddling. Beneath the jetty is a Time and Tide Bell which rings because the tide is available in. This commemorates the legend of Cantre’r Gwaelod, a submerged kingdom beneath the bay which is topic to a well-liked Welsh people track, telling of a ringing beneath the water.

Tywyn (residence to the Tywyn Railway which has been working since 1865), the busy market city of Machynlleth and Dolgoch Falls are inside 10 miles, with Aberystywth and Dolgellau each a bit of additional afield. Maps can be found on the lodge with walks, drives and days out in and across the space.

Different good touches

A number of considerate touches had been applied so visitors may take pleasure in their keep on the Trefeddian Lodge. Our room was well-stocked with complimentary tea, espresso and biscuits, making it simple to take pleasure in a brew with out having to go away our room, whereas within the communal areas there was a chess set, in addition to a jigsaw puzzle that was already in progress, providing visitors a pleasing approach to move the time. The outside placing inexperienced was one other inviting draw.

Different further companies, resembling the choice to have a packed lunch ready for the following day, have been additionally considerate. And, for us, the truth that the lodge could be very canine pleasant was an enormous bonus too.

The fee

Charges sometimes begin from round £500 for a two evening keep for 2 individuals, together with dinner, mattress and breakfast. Every so often, the lodge additionally runs affords, resembling a just lately marketed Autumn particular ranging from £690 for a 5-night break legitimate on stays between twenty ninth September and third November, so it’s value being on their mailing listing. A 5% low cost can also be provided to all staying visitors who e-book for the following yr.

The most effective bit

The most effective a part of staying on the Trefeddian Lodge was undoubtedly the view. Whether or not sitting within the lounge with a cup of espresso or having fun with a meal within the restaurant, the vistas of the seaside, rolling hills and infinite sky have been at all times there. We have been lucky sufficient to have the ability to take pleasure in a drink on the terrace earlier than dinner simply because the solar was setting, and this was fairly magical.

The ultimate verdict

We loved our keep at theTrefeddian Lodge – it was very stress-free and served as a super base for us since we have been attending an occasion in Aberdovey. Whereas the lodge’s timeless attraction appears to significantly resonate with older visitors, a lot of whom go to yr after yr, there are many amenities to attraction to households additionally. Regardless of the age of your social gathering, you’ll be assured a peaceable retreat for touring the Welsh coast and countryside must you select to discover.

Dislcosure: Our keep was sponsored by the Trefaddian Lodge.

Paul Johnson

Paul Johnson is Editor of A Luxurious Journey Weblog and has labored within the journey trade for greater than 30 years. He’s Winner of the Improvements in Journey ‘Greatest Journey Influencer’ Award from WIRED journal. Along with different awards, the weblog has additionally been voted “one of many world’s finest journey blogs” and “finest for luxurious” by The Telegraph.