A MAGICAL RETREAT

LLANGOED HALL,WALES

A MAGICAL RETREAT

A blend of Renaissance splendour and contemporary élan, this palatial marvel caters to the beau monde from around the globe.

LOCATION

Ever wanted to live like royalty? Nestled in the stunning Wyve Valley amidst seventeen acres of Garden and parkland in the heart of Wales, formally known as Llangoed Castle, this beautiful retreat offers the splendour of a traditional Country House design and the luxury of a world class hotel. From my arrival in the sweeping driveway, until the Jacobean Manor house I was swept into another world.

ROOMS & SUITES

The hotel offers 29 rooms and suites which are appointed with classical elegance, to provide exceptional comfort. Each room has been thoughtfully designed and has its own character to provide guests with a calm, intimate retreat right in the centre of one of the world’s most exciting Valley’s. Fine fabrics, textures and colours, gorgeously designed furniture, linen and fragrances replete the ultimate lifestyle experience. In the tranquil surroundings of my four poster bedroom, a rich colour palette contrasted with the cool creams of the living area and lighting was subdued, giving my rooms a warm, seductive and relaxing atmosphere at night. My bathroom was spacious with a cast iron bath, luxurious toiletries and fluffy towels. The best part is that there is no Tea/Coffee making facility in the room, but one can call for it as and when one wants and hey presto, it comes on a tray in perfect style with house made cookies. And yes one can also benefit from free wireless connection throughout the hotel, but in a place like this who wants to be connected with the outside world... Not me!!!

WELSH DELIGHTS

A sweeping marble staircase took me graciously towards the various eating options of the Hotel. For breakfast my favourite venue was the ‘The Dining Room’ with a garden view. The buffet ran the gamut from Prosciutto di Parma, Ham and tomato omelettes to the best Bircher muesli this side of the Matterhorn. This also couldn’t have been a more peaceful retreat than for an evening drink or champagne whose inviting garden provided me with a sort of tranquillity within the heart of the city, yet away from its hustle and bustle. ‘The Whistler Restaurant’ taking its name from the original collection of Whistler drawings is renowned for its unique cuisine that is both authentic and innovative. As for me I gorged on the ‘Radnorshire Lamb’ and ‘Foie gras’, which was decadent to the core. The food is a perfect alliance between a cuisine that is light and traditional, or inventive and refined. And if you are looking for a celebration or a larger event of some sort, then the ‘Orangery room’ it is!

STAFF AND SERVICE

The Hotel offers a uniquely British kind of luxury hotel service. Aware that guests at the world’s grand hotels not only expect exquisite and impeccable service, Llangoed Hall has created an exceptional cultural identity. I felt like a ‘queen’ as I experienced such luxurious hospitality, Friendliness, discretion and attention to detail.

FAST FACTS

Is: 21st Century luxury with a uniquely Country house flair.

Best Way to Reach: By air 63 miles from Cardiff Airport and just less than two hours from Bristol International Airport; Heli-pad on site. By Rail it is three from Cardiff Central to Builth road station, 12 miles from Builth Road station and 24 miles from Abergavenny station.

Where: Llangoed Hall, Llyswen, Brecon, Powys, LD3 0YP, Wales, U.K.

Tel: + 44 (0) 1874 754525

Email: info@llangoedhall.co.uk

Website: www.llangoedhall.co.uk

Price: Minimum £150/ INR 12,000 (Double Room) to maximum £500 /INR 40,000 (Master suite) per night with Breakfast.

USP Facility: An exceptional venue for one’s wedding, and on offer is also civil partnership ceremonies. The experienced and friendly staff also helps co-ordinate your plans, recommend excellent suppliers and assists with all sorts of queries.

Must know: Make your stay even more exhilarating with a classic car from the Van Essen fleet, including Asian Martins, Ferraris, Range Rovers and Bentleys…

Did you know? According to the late Sir Clough William Ellis, the celebrated Welsh Architect, there appears to have been a house on this site since 560 AD. It is said that the first Welsh Parliament was held here.

RUPALI DEAN

Published in Food & Wine Magazine