 WALES
"Links in the sky" near
Cardiff
 Where to stay
The Wales Tourist Board is an efficient organization
which provides in brochures or on websites a lot of precise information concerning the
full range of accommodations in the country from B&B to Five Star hotels and the
famous Welsh Rarebit. It's a guarantee because it only lists accommodation that has been
fully inspected and graded for quality on an annual basis. In fact there is a political
willing of the country to promote golf and tourism in Wales which is largely undiscovered
compared to Scotland and Ireland. And golf resorts are rising in different Welsh places.
The Vale
Hotel, Golf and Country Club is located
in the outskirts of Cardiff. It is a world-class four star
luxury retreat, set in a quiet rural surroundings: room windows
open on balconies overlooking the farmlands in the valley
of Glamorgan where the golf course surrounds a little tree-lined
stream and sheep pasture on the hills. The De Vere-associated
hotel and leisure complex stands in grounds which once where
part of the estate of 17th century Hensol Castle. It is a
rural hideaway of 450 acres at a mile away from unseen and
unheard M4 going in 20 minutes to the Cardiff international
airport.
The hotel offers 143 bedroom (including 11 suites) larger
the average hotel accommodation with the latest state-of-the-art
facilities. Many of them have balconies beyond the rolling
countryside. It is also Wales' largest health Spa with 19
treatment rooms, individual therapies, etc… The hotel
caters also for the requirements of companies for corporate
golf days, business seminars, conferences, events… Other
activities include clay pigeon shooting, 4x4 off road driving,
quad biking, archery and coarse fishing. Visitors can also
take advantage of the well-equipped health and racquets club
with three courts, gymnasium, fitness studio…
The complex is also used by the Wales rugby and football teams
as their headquarters and indoor facilities have been built
and dedicated to their training.
Dining at "Lakes"
the hotel restaurant, one can enjoy the panoramic views across
the golf course and taste menu with a strong Welsh flavour:
Cardigan Bay crabs, smoked Welsh venison, rack of Welsh lamb,
Brecon venison escalopes, Welsh black beef grills.
Eating out
Nearby Swansea, Fairyhill
is one of those Welsh hotel de charme where visitors can find superb food and wine in a
very local environment. The restaurant has been awarded AA rosettes for many consecutive
years and its wine cellar has also been awarded AA. Try the Gower cauliflowers with cheese
sauce, nuts and seeds or the terrine of confit chicken with apricots and pistachio nuts as
starters followed by the chump of Welsh lamb, mash and tomato sauce or the backed fillet
of cod, soft herb crust or the Welsh venison with mushroom casserole. There are some
vineyards in Wales but not yet on the AA wine list of the Year of Fairyhill!
Pim's n°1
is a drink which has been very popular a few decades ago and
is still in Wales. Fortunately! Very good for the 19th hole!
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Vale Hotel facade
and back view
to the nature
Elegant diner at "Lakes"
Welsh game is renowned
Fairyhill
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