Google Search this site

Last Update: 2 June, 2008 9:38 AM

24 June 2009
TAKING A BREAK - FAIRYHILL LIVES UP TO ITS' MAGICAL NAME

Wales News
Author: www.coupleswithoutkids.co.uk

THE NAME Fairyhill conjures up a magical destination, an escape from reality. This is exactly what it is, a luxurious retreat on the stunning Gower Peninsula. Located in Reynoldston, just outside of Swansea, and minutes from a coastline which is designated an area of 'outstanding natural beauty'.

For the last 16 years this five-star, two-AA Rosette 'Restaurant with Rooms' has been winning award after award. Recently named Restaurant of the Year for Wales by the Good Food Guide 2009 and from the moment you pull in to its leafy haven you can see why. Set in 24 acres of parkland you can’t fail to be impressed. With wooded glades, a glistening lake, sculptures and paths through to hidden sanctuaries, you could spend a pleasant couple of hours wandering the grounds before lunch or dinner.

We were shown to our room which has all the modern essentials that you could ask for. Plasma TVs with DVD players, BOSE systems with iPod dock, l'Occitane toiletries in the bathroom. Plus, a very rare luxury these days, a turn-down service twice per day. The rooms are gorgeous, lovingly decorated and oozing class. Rooms seven and eight are the most modern with fabulous wall coverings and contemporary furniture.

If you feel the need to relax even further (that would be horizontal) a treatment room is available for massages, facials and reflexology. There's also 'The Space' a brilliant conversion into a modern day 'big kids' playroom. With a Plasma TV on the wall, a Wii and DVD's in case of bad weather. There's also a PC and if you have your own laptop, complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the hotel. The Space is also used for the legendary Fairyhill wine tasting evenings, a chance to improve on your knowledge with the help of Andrew and Paul and their Wine team. It is also available for corporate functions; I defy any business customers not to be impressed!

The restaurant has gained many awards in its illustrious career and proudly owns two AAFairyhill Restaurant Rosettes. It is open for lunch and dinner and you can be sure that as many of the ingredients as possible are locally sourced and as the menu states, within a ten mile radius.

Take a pre-lunch drink with canapés in the decadent bar or outside on the glorious terrace. You can be tempted by a menu that includes; line-caught sea bass with asparagus or pork with black pudding mash and spicy apple sauce.

Our mains were delicious, the fish being moist and cooked beautifully, whilst my pork had a wonderful texture that spoke volumes about the supplier. A light delicate taste with the most wonderful accompanying crackling. Our desserts were a very moist Date and Armagnac tart with crème fraiche and a strong local Welsh Cheddar with chutneys and crackers. We shared them both and it made a wonderful end to a delightful lunch.

The dinner menu has such treats as poached Fairyhill duck egg, toasted brioche, spinach and hollandaise. For mains try steamed local lobster, chilli and herb butter with homemade pasta. Desserts are worth the wait, with a Banana crème brulee and shortbread biscuit. With an award winning wine list what more could you ask for?

A visit to Fairyhill is a must for couples who are seeking that bit extra in their weekends away. It has everything you could ask for under one roof, unashamed luxury without the pretensions that other establishments seem to suffer from. This is Fairyhill's charm, a fabulous retreat that you would feel comfortable returning to time and time again.

Courtesy of www.coupleswithoutkids.co.uk

[Return]	[Print]