Coastal calm and castle views

I pulled up at The Quay Hotel and Spa just as the sun began its descent. The light glistened on the water as the tide gradually rolled out across the estuary, while sailboats swayed gently in Deganwy Marina. Beyond the water, the towers of Conwy Castle stood tall against the mountainous backdrop. Before I'd even set foot inside, the hotel had already revealed its finest feature: the view. Join me, County Wedding Magazines' deputy managing editor, Kelly Andrews, as I explore the four-star Quay Hotel and Spa in Conwy, on Wales' north coast, and its surrounding area. Could this be the dream UK honeymoon hotspot for you?

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION
My love affair with the view continued as I arrived in my Executive Room to discover a sliding glass door spanning the majority of one wall, framing the scene like a mural. It led out to my very own balcony, which I struggled to keep away from throughout my stay. With two armchairs both on the balcony, and inside the room facing the panorama, the hotel is clearly well aware of its most well-loved feature and knows how to celebrate it. An upgrade to an estuary view is, in my opinion, not only recommended, but essential! The décor brings the best of the outdoors in with the undulating mountain landscape providing the inspiration for a feature wall, and local artwork adorning another. Enrobed in a calming palette of blue hues, my room enveloped me in a welcome sense of relaxation.

LOCAL FARE 
Dinner is served at The Ebb & Flow Restaurant. Also designed to embrace the surroundings with coastal-inspired highlights, it sets the scene for fine dining without feeling overly formal. The best of warm Welsh hospitality was on display, with Antonio and Terrie making us feel like part of the family. All this before we even get to the food!

Wherever I go, I love nothing more than choosing dishes featuring seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. So, I was delighted to be spoiled for choice with the menu here. The team are understandably proud of their chef, who goes to great lengths to source only the freshest and finest local fare for his dishes. I didn't hesitate in ordering a main course (prif brydau) from the specials menu: pan roast sea bream with an Orme lobster risotto – the Great Orme, a mere 15 minutes away in Llandudno. Full of flavour, the dish felt rich, luxurious and oh-so fresh. It was a real treat with the suggested wine pairing of Pulpo Albarino Pagos Del Rey.

If you prefer something lighter from time to time though, The Cove Bar offers fresh options from starter to dessert. During the summer you even have the opportunity to dine al fresco on the terrace alongside the banks of the Conwy Estuary. The perfect romantic evening to end a long day of exploration.

NEAR...
Whether you're heading to North Wales for a relaxing honeymoon or an adventurous one, The Quay Hotel and Spa is the perfect location for both. Indeed, by looking out of the window, a lot of it is laid out before you! Immerse yourself in local history with a day out at Conwy Castle, a mere stone's throw away. Alternatively, you can do as I did and head just a little further out to the iconic Caernarfon Castle, recognised as one of the Middle Ages' greatest buildings and famed for the investiture of the Prince of Wales (now King Charles III) in 1969.

For a day out by the seaside, Llandudno is only 15 minutes away by car and a visit to the Great Orme while you're there is a must. Keen walkers can hike its 207-metre summit with one of the most popular and direct paths originating in Happy Valley. If this doesn't sound like your thing, this doesn't mean you have to miss out on the stunning panoramic views of Snowdonia, Anglesey and the Irish Sea, as there are plenty of other options. The Great Orme Tramway or cable cars are in operation during the summer, and out of season, you can simply wind your way up Marine Drive by car. With plenty more unmissable local attractions on the doorstep including Mount Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa), Portmeirion and Bodnant Gardens, the hotel truly does offer you a gateway to the best of North Wales.

...AND SPA
Following a day spent exploring the local area (and being battered by the Welsh weather), I decided to visit the Hotel's recently refurbished spa. My journey of relaxation started by unwinding in the wellness thermal area, allowing the warmth of the Himalayan salt-infused air to gather me into its cosy hug. The foot baths weren't something I'd seen in a spa before, so I headed there next. The warm water gently soothed my tired explorer's feet before I immersed myself in the infrared sauna where radiant heat penetrated deeply into my aching muscles.

A dip in the hydrotherapy pool and a couple of lengths later and it was time for a facial. To relaunch the Spa at the Quay, the hotel has partnered with Oskia, whose bio-nutritional formulas are manufactured at their lab and factory in the rolling hills of Wales. Another way in which the hotel proudly showcases the best of its homeland. After a consultation with my skincare therapist, my facial was personalised according to my skin's needs and I left with a spring in my step. I sat down to a bite to eat in the spa, but not before I'd had time to soak in my treatment with a refreshing portion of sorbet in the relaxation room.

FINAL THOUGHTS
Blessed with a top-notch spa, memorable fine dining and close proximity to the highlights of North Wales, The Quay Hotel and Spa offers honeymooners a stylish escape with castle views and coastal tranquillity. As I left the hotel and Deganwy Marina behind, I knew that view would continue to live rent-free in my mind for a long time to come.

FIND OUT MORE
The Quay Hotel and Spa, Deganwy Quay, Deganwy, Conwy, LL31 9DJ
01492 564 100 | reservations@quayhotel.co.uk | quayhotel.co.uk