St Brides Spa Hotel Shortlist*

‘After lunch overlooking the beach, we were smitten.’ Laid-back, minimalist and very cool, Andrew and Lindsey Evans’s chic clifftop hotel has ‘great views’ of Carmarthen Bay and the wide, sandy shore. There is plenty to see inside, too: the hotel’s dedicated gallery of contemporary Welsh art invites a wander. Light, breezy bedrooms (Good, Better, Best) have ‘a real nautical feel’; most have sea views, a balcony. Food is served all day in the Gallery bar, or alfresco on a large decked terrace (‘it has the wow factor’). In the evening, book a table for an ‘excellent’ dinner in the Cliff restaurant. Still hungering for choice? Sister eateries, the Beachside Barbecue and the Marina, are down by the harbour. The Pembrokeshire Coastal Path is on the doorstep, but for those who prefer to stay in and be lazy, the newly refurbished spa, with its infinity pool taking in the coastal panorama, is an attraction. Lounge, bar, restaurant, Gallery dining area; terraces. Meeting/function rooms. Lift. Free Wi-Fi, in-room TV (Sky). Background music. Civil wedding licence. Art gallery. Spa (steam room, salt room, rock sauna, ice fountain, marine infinity hydro pool with sea views). Parking. Children (special menu) and dogs (some ground-floor apartments; beds, bowls supplied) welcomed. 3 mins’ walk into village. 34 bedrooms (1 suitable for disabled), plus six 2-bedroom apartments in grounds (pets allowed in some); village apartments. Per room B&B £130–£310; apartments from £260. Dinner £35.