NEARLYWED NEWS

The Good Hotel Guide has revealed its 2022 guide offering inspiration for couples looking for a minimoon destination. Each year, 10 César awards are presented to a selection of the hotels that have demonstrated consistent excellence in their field.

The Bell at Skenfrith in Monmouthshire was awarded Welsh Inn of the Year. Restored after the River Monnow burst its banks, the former 17th-century coaching inn is located just 20 minutes from Abergavenny and has 11 elegant rooms, glorious riverside walks, a great culinary reputation, and a pooch parlour with baths, showers and towels for muddy dogs.

To find out more, visit www.thebellatskenfrith.co.uk

ECO-FRIENDLY VENUE

Pembrokeshire-based wedding venue, Plas Pantyderi Manor has installed sustainable composite decking from Composite Prime. Inherited by three sisters whose family have lived at the Boncath-based property for three generations, the Grade II listed Georgian mansion is set in acres of beautiful grounds and offers a party-palatial venue for weddings and self-catering group holidays.

One of the sisters, Anna Raymond, tells us: “We chose to work with Composite Prime as its range of environmentally friendly products are second to none, and the finish of the product is superior to any other composite decking brand. We were able to provide and fit a product at Plas Pantyderi Manor that would last an incredibly long time and offer an attractive addition to our exterior. We are a luxury venue, and so aesthetics were key for us; composite looks sleeker and more upscale than timber, delivering that ‘wow’ moment that will ensure guests keep returning. In the age of Instagram and social media, the appearance of our venue is of utmost importance to us and creating an outdoor space where visitors can take pictures to remember their time with us is key.”

Head over to www.pantyderi.com for more information.

NEWS Nearlywed

All the latest from around South Wales

MUM’S THE WORD

Bodelwyddan Castle Hotel has created a Mamamoon to give hard-working mums a break after the stress of wedding planning. The Wind-Down Packages have been announced in response to over a third of mothers-of-the-bride/groom reporting that they need a relaxing holiday after the wedding, and 50 per cent said that they found the experience extremely stressful.

The Mamamoon break includes spa access, gin and wine tasting, complimentary breakfast and dinner, as well as stress-busting activities such as yoga and archery.

Terry Stirling, the general manager at Bodelwyddan Castle Hotel, said: “It’s been so tough to see how many times couples have had their big day postponed over the past 18 months, but suffice to say it’s not been easy for mothers-of-thebride/groom too. That’s why we wanted to recognise their heroic efforts – being a shoulder to cry on when dates are rearranged, organising table plans with military precision and being the voice of wisdom in the wedding dress shop. It’s certainly not an easy job! That’s why we’ve launched the world’s first Mamamoons – a chance for mothers to put their feet up after the wedding and be waited on hand and foot – they deserve it!”

Check out www.warnerleisurehotels.co.uk for more information.

SENTIMENTAL GIFTS

To end the 2021 wedding season on a high, The Royal Mint will be gifting 100 lucky couples a silver sixpence and one winner a gold sixpence worth £475.

Those who have had their 2020 weddings cancelled or postponed by the pandemic will be able to enter the competition. The silver sixpence is traditionally gifted to a bride to wish her prosperity in marriage. This comes as researchers discovered that 38 per cent of Brits are unable to finish the rhyme – Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue and a silver sixpence in her shoe.

Entrants must fill out a short form on how their wedding was affected by the Coronavirus pandemic and explain why they’d love to win the coin.

For more information and to enter the competition, visit www.royalmint.com

REST AND RELAXATION

The Wave Garden Spa in the Snowdonia mountains has launched a range of water-based spa treatments.

The Heart of the Ocean option has a different marine-style ritual for each skin type. The signature facial begins with a Discovery of the Sea Welcome Massage and is followed by a facial cleanse and exfoliation.

The Marine Wellbeing Massage is inspired by the power and flow of the sea, it incorporates Shiatsu techniques and Swedish massage rhythms, combined with ocean-reflecting movements. Begin the journey with a full-body massage followed by energising pressures on the face to help both the body and mind float away into relaxation.

Visitors will also have access to the spa, where they can enjoy the indoor and outdoor hydrotherapy pools, steam room and salt sauna.

Visit www.wavegardenspa.com for more information. AWARD-WINNING

The Porth Tocyn Hotel in Abersoch has won Family-Friendly Hotel of the Year at The Good Hotel Guide’s César Awards (www.goodhotelguide.com).

Owned by the Fletcher-Brewer family for three generations, the hotel has the perfect recipe for a happy holiday for guests of all ages: the seaside within walking distance, an inviting outdoor heated swimming pool, a games room with table tennis, a cosy snug with entertainment, high tea for tots, an adapted dinner menu for older children, and baby listening devices.

For more information, visit www.porthtocynhotel.co.uk

JUST ONE SLICE

The Naked Vegan in Cardiff has won Best Vegan Wedding Cake Company at the Global Vegan Awards.

Sarah Powney, the owner, tells us more: “This year has been a whirlwind with everything that has been happening in the country, so to win Vegan Bakery of the Year was fantastic and then to be nominated and win Best Vegan Wedding Cake Company is the icing on the cake! I would like to thank all our fabulous, enthusiastic, and dedicated staff, as without their passion and support, we wouldn’t have achieved this honour. I would also like to thank all our customers, vegan and non-vegan, who have supported us through all these uncertain times and for nominating us for the award.”

To find out more, visit www.thenakedvegan.co.uk