In the 5th century, a beautiful woman fell in love with a local man called Maelon Dafodrill. Sadly, her father had already arranged her hand in marriage to someone else.
The woman was so sad she couldn’t marry the one she loved that she prayed to God for help, begging him to meet the hopes and dreams of all true lovers. He fulfilled her wish and in return, the woman devoted herself to God for the rest of her life.
This woman was Saint Dwynwen. She founded a convent on Llanddwyn, off the coast of Anglesey in Wales, where a well named after her is now a place of pilgrimage – as well as the remains of her church.
Now, every year on the 25th of January, lovers exchange cards, gifts and declarations of affection to celebrate St Dwynwen’s Day, or ‘Dydd Santes Dwynwen’ in Welsh.
Our heavenly hotels fulfil Saint Dwynwen’s wishes – offering sanctuaries which answer the callings, hopes and dreams of true lovers. Exchange a warm ‘dwi’n dy garu di’ (Welsh for’ I love you’) in these astonishingly romantic stays.
Twr Y Felin Hotel: St. David’s
Nudging the glorious Pembrokeshire coastal path, Twr Y Felin Hotel blends original features (such as a windmill tower) with spectacular 360-degree views. It’s also the first contemporary art hotel in Wales, delivering a luxurious romantic experience for couples – think rose-petal-strewn bedsheets, Welsh handmade truffles, complementary love spoons and a bottle of prosecco on arrival. They say food is the language of love, so lap it up at the hotel’s two-Rosette Restaurant Blas, which offers a six-course tasting menu for St Dwynwen’s Day.
Penrhiw Priory: St. David’s
You’ll only have eyes for each other at Penrhiw Priory – although the scenery might well steal the show. Walk hand-in-hand, strolling by woodlands, rivers and meadows, or simply savour the moment in the hotel’s acres of private gardens. Breakfast lovers are in for a treat – choose from fresh fruit, croissants, and the full cooked breakfast accompanied by the Welsh seaweed delicacy, laverbread. Indulge and enjoy.
Roch Castle: Haverfordwest
Roch Castle radiates drama. Lovers can experience life in a real castle when they check in here, swaddled in luxury and mystery. Cosy up together within one of six ensuite bedrooms inside the protective 12th-century walls, draped in complementary bathrobes and slippers, with a plethora of modern comforts. With Blue Flag beaches on your doorstep and nearly 200 miles of National Park coastal path to explore, it’s the dreamiest destination to connect with your other half.
Fairyhill: Gower, Swansea
Set with 24 acres of stunning Gower garden – all verdant lawns, tranquil lakes and magical woodland – the characterful Fairyhill sets to work on your soul the moment you arrive. First-class service, award-winning food and plush interiors create an intimately romantic atmosphere for St Dwynwen’s Day, so it’s small wonder couples also make the 18th-century house all their own for wedding ceremonies.
St Brides Spa Hotel: Pembrokeshire
We love a historic hotel designed around the view. St Brides Spa Hotel literally perches on a cliff top, overlooking the lapping shores of Carmarthen Bay. The heart-stopping views stop you in your tracks from every room – especially from the sumptuous marine spa, with its dream-like infinity pool. Spend a quality St Dwynwen’s Day relaxing in the rock sauna, steam room, salt-infusion mean, ice fountain and treatment rooms, before tucking into the gorgeous Welsh menu.
