When it comes to writing reviews of hotels and restaurants every now and again you get a chance to stay somewhere which is actually blissful. Fairyhill is that place. Luxury and comfort in the most beautiful area of Wales. Top quality food and friendly hosts add to the calmest, most idyllic stay I’ve had in a hotel. It certainly deserves every one of its AA 5 stars and its Rarebits Hotel of distinction award.

They call it a restaurant with rooms because that’s what Fairyhill is. There are just 8 bedrooms so every guest feels pampered, cared for and yet you are still left to yourself most of the time. The owners are present and friendly, finding something to chat about with each guest yet they don’t bother you but just enhance your time there. I can’t remember feeling that relaxed over the past year.

The finishing touches in each room with products such as a Bose sound system, the amazing Awel Mor toiletries in the bathroom and the welcome bowl of fruit are superb. Added to the view out of the room onto the grounds it’s just perfect. We were surprised when we popped down for dinner and returned to a freshened up room with newly replenished tea and coffees and cups as well as the cushions removed from the bed to make our climb onto the super comfy mattress that little bit easier. Our curtains had been drawn for us and it had the result of making me instantly sleepy. Bliss.

The Food & Drink:

This was the highlight of our stay, which it should be I think wherever you go. The afternoon was so hot and cloud free that we sat outside enjoying our childless day with a mojito in the garden before exploring the grounds and in particular the walled garden which reminded me of the secret garden book. The mojito was full of fresh mint and ah so good I could have drunk several more but I stopped at the one.

Dinner:

Before we were seated in the restaurant we sat in the bar for a relaxing drink and some canapés which were enticing and definitely left us looking forward to our main meal. The restaurant was bustling and it was great to see it full on a Tuesday evening. I think this tells you a little about the quality of the food there. Lots of guests appeared to be repeat customers and chatted happily with the friendly hosts and staff. Whilst we made our decisions from the menu we were given some bread to nibble on which was warm, fresh and tasty. In fact I’d have happily taken the bread as my main!

Enjoying the bar and some canapés:

Starters:

Confit Chicken & Caper Presse, banana, crispy bacon, salted Valencia almonds with HP Sauce. I was incredibly impressed by my starter. A dish that you wouldn’t imagine wouldn’t work but oh it really did. I was left satisfied yet still wanting more. If I visit again and this is a menu option I would choose it again in a heartbeat. Andrew had the Crispy Pork Brawn Fritters, another excellent dish which I of course had to sample ( for review purposes.. ha ) and although not something I would typically choose they were delicious.

Mains:

I chose Ribeye of Gower Beef, confit tomatoes, chips and Béarnaise sauce. Not very foodie I hear you say..I do like to experiment with the dishes I try but a decent steak and chips is something any restaurant of a high quality should be able to perfect. Fairyhill have definitely perfected this dish, the beef is tender and packed full of flavour, the chips have a crispy exterior with a fluffy middle – just as they should be. The Bearnaise sauce enhances the flavour of the dish without overpowering. Andrew had the fillet of Gower Beef which looked fantastic and it was devoured pretty quickly so I didn’t really get a look in! He gave it a big thumbs up. I should highlight the excellent, generous portions. Too often at great restaurants the servings can leave you a little hungry but they have got it just right here. We were sated, not stuffed.

Dessert:

Dark Chocolate Pave & Salted Caramel Sauce served with Praline Ice Cream. I asked for a change in ice cream as the original menu option was for coffee which I don’t like and they were more than happy to make the changes for me. Oh this dessert was delectable, I really didn’t have any room for it but I couldn’t bare to leave a morsel as it was that good – Andrew was happy to help with this problem. We make ice cream ourselves as a family business so I have really high standards when it comes to ice cream and I am pleased to say those standards were met.

Breakfast:

Breakfast in hotels are frequently a disappointment for me. It always looks tempting but often is a little stale or just not that exciting. The breakfast here is a delight. I started with porridge, followed by Welsh Pikelets with berries. Andrew had a cooked breakfast, cereal and yoghurts. Drinks on offer including a variety of teas, coffees and Frobisher juices.

Service:

The staff are adept at both making you feel at home yet they don’t fuss. I felt as at home in their lounge doing a little work as I would sat at home. I should point out that my lounge is covered in toys and sippy cups. The lounge at Fairyhill is full of fabulous furniture and light pouring in from the huge windows overlooking the grounds. From checking in to checking out you are made to feel like a valued guest. Sometimes I feel a little out of place at 5 star hotels, overwhelmed by the splendour but not here, it manages to be luxurious not stuffy. I cannot wait to return.

This review is part of my Wonders Of Wales series. You can find more posts from this series here.

* Our stay and dinner were complimentary for the purpose of a review. All views as always are my own.