Portmeirion

15-17 March 2020

In March 2020 we were supposed to go to Fuerteventura for a week to relax after a really stressful time.  But the universe had different plans.  We arrived at the airport to find our flight and holiday had been cancelled by Jet2.   Spain had gone into lockdown.

We needed a break, and so when I got home I booked a holiday in Wales, leaving that day.  This included the two days in Portmeirion.  As it was really last minute we got a really good deal.

Portmeirion is one of the most surreal places I have visited. An Italian village on the Welsh coast. The setting makes use of the hills, coast and woodlands to great effect.

We had not realised when we visited previously that many of the buildings also doubled up as visitor accommodation. 

We stayed in a room/suite. It was the first floor of the building on the right.   There was a lounge with chaise longe, and a kitchenette in a cupboard, bedroom and bathroom that was bigger than some hotel rooms I’ve stayed in.  The room was on the front overlooking the estuary.

There were two distinct Portmerrions.  The day version with a lot of people around and busy shops and cafes.

And the much quieter night version with only residents around, and dramatic lighting, and the only place open was the restaurant and bar at the hotel.  

The location itself is special. Sitting on the banks of a wide estuary. 

We were also able to wander around the estuary, and view the beach which featured in the Prisoner.

There were also some great woods to explore.

The hotel felt like something out of the 1920s. It felt as though an Agatha Christie story was set there.

restaurant on site which was special.  It was mentioned in the Michelin Guide, and the head chef has competed in the Great British Menu. The food was stunning, and good value for the quality

Being a UK holiday, the last day the weather was true to form.