Buzz Magazine Dec/Jan 2013/14 | Page 58

travel WAYFARING WALES If you’re looking for somewhere to escape the winter madness then look no further, as Vaiva Seskeviciute checks out Wales’ best winter retreats. main pic: LES HAINES The festive season is a meant to be a time for relaxation and peaceful family get-togethers, however hosting Christmas dinner, cooking a perfect turkey and making sure that every single guest is having fun sometimes becomes very stressful. If 2013 has been hard enough and even the thought of cooking, cleaning and entertaining everyone puts you down, a Christmas getaway might be an option. Maybe it is time to be pampered yourself? With a variety of offers and packages a Christmas break does not need to hit your bank account. Especially if you choose a close, but remarkable destination – Wales. As the year 2014 marks the centenary of renowned Welsh poet Dylan Thomas’ birth, we are also drawing attention to his homeland. Extraordinary nature, magical surroundings and luxurious Welsh hotels will please the pickiest ones and leave no one disappointed. The beauty of West Wales inspired Dylan Thomas years ago. Maybe it will inspire you too? Browns Hotel, Laugharne With a castle sitting nearby ready for exploration and a sandy beach just a short walk from The Corran Resort & Spa, the resort is a perfect destination for both history and nature lovers. The resort is based in the town of Laugharne, the home town to Mr. Thomas, which will see the Laugharne Weekend festival in spring 2014. The festival will celebrate the centenary of Thomas’ birth with poetry, comedy and music. The Corran Resort & Spa is a perfect call for those who love poetry and history but need some relaxation at the same time. The hotel offers harmonious getaways, luxurious meals and various spa therapies. It provides a taste of lavishness, hidden in the Carmarthenshire countryside. Where better to enjoy a Christmas dinner than in the original 16th century building with an open fireplace and medieval surroundings? Proud of having one of the greatest literary addresses, Browns Hotel is the watering hole most closely associated with Mr Thomas. Built in 1752 as Laugharne’s genteel upper town evolved, Browns combines an antique spirit with luxurious accommodation facilities. The historic bar