From his famous writing shed perched perilously over the shores of the Taf Estaury, the poet Dylan Thomas penned the famous play, Under Milk Wood and the local town of Laugharne is arguably the basis for his fictional, Llareggub, from which the play revolves. But from the glisteningly new Dylan Coastal Resort, this colourful cobbled Welsh delight, with its breathtaking estuary and quirky independents provides anything but bugger all.
Run by Luxury Lodges, this brand-new resort, which opened earlier this year, is now the perfect base from which to explore Dylan Thomas country. Whether inspired by the poet or not, you won’t fail to find inspiration in the landscape which is everchanging thanks to the epically beautiful tidal estuary; framed to perfection by the clever placement of the lodges and vast, glass fronted spa and restaurant building.
Catering for all ages and group sizes, the lodges here blend seamlessly with the natural environment from which they stand. Using stone and high-quality wood/resin cladding, the lodges have been designed with the landscape and views in mind. With most offering three bedrooms, two doubles and a twin, together with high-quality kitchen area and breakfast bar, lounge and dining seating and a vast raised deck area with outdoor dining and hot tub, you could happily spend your summer holidays here with extended family or a group of friends.
Within the town itself there are several opportunities for dining out, notably Dexter’s at Browns, which was a favourite watering hole of Dylan Thomas, who famously left the bar’s phone number as his own. There’s also Castle View Fish Bar serving up classic seaside fodder, The Fountain Inn boasting locally produced dishes and ales and plenty of places for tea and Welsh cakes.
Onsite, however, Milk Wood Kitchen and Bar provides the perfect opportunity for a meal out with more of those incredible views. The varied menu here offers everything from wood-fired pizzas and pasta to freshly caught seafood and traditional Welsh delights such as the local delicacy of cockles and laverbread and a very moreish Welsh cheeseboard which I can highly recommend.
During our visit, we were entertained by an enthusiastic quizzer, which was great fun, and a local singing sensation who wowed us all with her vocal range. Anyone who can swing effortlessly from Tina Turner to Bryan Adams in one seamless track change is worth paying attention to in my book. The Welsh certainly do know how to entertain, and the entire team of staff couldn’t do enough for us during our visit. Everyone we encountered was incredibly friendly and the whole atmosphere here is warm and welcoming.
Without a doubt, the main asset of the resort has to be Milk Wood Spa, which is a triumph. Designed around the magnificent, vaulted glass windows overlooking the estuary, the spa invites calm and relaxation, and is the perfect place to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the location. The open-air bubble beds, glass fronted sauna and steam rooms and 20 metre infinity pool all make the most of the views and are a real selling-point for this holiday destination. From here, you can also enjoy natural treatments by vegan-friendly brand Ishga and there is even a well-equipped gym for those that need more than just down time.
During the summer months, the resort bursts into life with daily activities appealing to all age groups such as fitness and wellbeing classes, art and poetry workshops and more. But if you’re looking to really get to know the local area, then in the words of Dylan you have to ‘begin at the beginning’ and head to where he was inspired to write his famous poetry. There are opportunities to look around his Boathouse and enjoy a refreshment in the onsite tearooms; and his writing shed is perched just below the resort within a few minutes' walk of Milk Wood House, staged as if Dylan himself had just locked up for lunch.
READ MORE: The 5 best walks in Bannau Brycheiniog - or the Brecon Beacons
From the western borders of the ancient Brecon Beacons to the golden sandy beaches along Carmarthen Bay, Carmarthenshire promises beauty and adventure to all who visit. This collection of luxury self-catering properties with hot tubs, world-class spa and dining facilities, and locations such a Tenby and Pembrokeshire on the doorstep, are the perfect base for discovering everything this beautiful part of the world has to offer.
Pay a visit
Stays at Dylan Coastal Resort start from £379. For more information or to book visit luxurylodges.com/dylan-coastal-resort/. Find out more about Dylan Thomas’ Boathouse at dylnathomasboathouse.com.
