Ynyshir Hall

Once owned by Queen Victoria, Ynyshir Hall is a luxurious and incredibly peaceful Welsh retreat. Surrounded by mountains on the Dovey Estuary in 14 acres of beautiful gardens, it's just a short and pleasant ramble from the Georgian whitewashed hotel to the RSPB Ynys-hir Nature Reserve so the sound of birdsong is likely to help soothe any frazzled spirits. Getting back to nature through the unhurried pace of life here is made easier by the tranquil design melding traditional and contemporary styles, and the small scale of the hotel with just nine elegant bedrooms all named and styled after an artist. There's also some artwork closer to home but equally breathtaking; Rob Reen's vibrant paintings of the stunning landscape adorn the walls. Plans are afoot as we go to print to extend the dining room. Head chef Shane Hughes makes excellent use of some great Welsh produce including fresh fish and seafood landed at Aberystwyth and Borth, plus Welsh mountain lamb, and herbs, vegetables and soft fruits from the hotel's walled kitchen garden. The daily-changing menu of creative, refined dishes might kick off with a prettily presented cod and scallop dish, served with a lightly curried potato, onion cream and shallot crisp, followed by roasted loin of venison with foie gras and dark chocolate cromesquis, celeriac fondant, broccoli and juniper jus. Finish with a light and delicate vanilla soufflé with passionfruit sauce. You could always throw caution to the wind and go for the ten-course tasting menu.