To remove creative blockages, you need three things: time, space, and inspiration.
At the Dylan Coastal Resort in Carmarthen, Wales, you’ll find all three.
This is a collection of luxury cottages where it’s easy to forget about work, your everyday life, and even the presence of other guests.
Whether you’re cosied up under a super-soft blanket in the living room, sipping champagne in your own hot tub, or unwinding with a massage at the Milk Wood Spa, other holidaymakers feel miles away.
That’s helped in large part by the lodges’ location up high above the Taf Estuary, where you feel far removed from the nearby town (despite it actually being within easy reach by car or stroll, in case you want a trip to the pub), and its stunning views of wild nature.
It’s easy to feel inspired here, not least because the luxurious nature of each of the lodges forms a writer’s (or painter’s, or designer’s, or for whatever type of creative person you might be) retreat far plusher and more relaxing than most you’ll find.
As you stretch out in crisp white sheets and the day stretches out ahead of you, you can take in gorgeous views through your window and feel the kind of calm you can only get in a place like this.
But for inspiration to really strike, you will – as much as you might not want to – need to venture out of your cabin.
You won’t have to go too far, mind you. Walk the winding path down the cliffside and you’ll find the Dylan Thomas Boathouse and Cafe.
For those not in the know, Dylan Thomas was a Welsh poet and writer who died tragically young, at the age of 39. You might know his most famous work, Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night.
He came to Laugharne in Carmarthen when he was 19, and fell in love with the location, setting up shop in the writing shed that sat above the Taf Estuary.
You can peek inside that writing shed, with paper and pen, a mug, and even Dylan Thomas’s old jacket, still in place. Any writers will happily gaze through the window for hours, soaking up the energy – and taking solace in the knowledge that clearly, a bit of clutter is conducive to the creative process.
Stop in at the Boathouse to learn all about Dylan Thomas, then head to the cafe for a cup of tea and some bara brith. All great artists need some nourishment in the form of tasty fruit loaf.
Speaking of food, when you return to your lodge, make sure to book in for dinner at the Milk Wood restaurant, where you can enjoy a delicious pizza, a gin cocktail, and desserts.
If you can, book in on an evening with live entertainment – the singer we saw on Thursday night during our stay was fantastic.
If you fancy trekking out from the resort again (and we won’t judge if you decide not to), there’s more inspiration to be found.
Walk down to the water and breathe in the fresh air when you’ve got a spot of writer’s block – it has a magic power to clear that right up.
Then, take a stroll through the grass and on to a path (usually home to lots of friendly dogs and their walkers) to take in Laugharne Castle.
Set yourself up on a bench and read a book – or just watch the world go by, soaking in the wide open expanse of lush greenery. You’ll be feeling restored and ready in no time.
If you prefer more activities in your break, worry not, there are plenty to choose from in Carmarthenshire.
Rent a bike for glorious rides in the Welsh countryside, or strap on your walking boats for a good old fashioned nature walk.
Children and grownups will enjoy The British Bird Of Prey Centre, or you can head to the Camarthenshire Museum to immerse yourself in the area.
Got a car? Venture further out to beautiful destinations near(ish) by, like the Llyn Brianne Dam and Reservoir.
At the end of each day, you can return back to your lodge, soak in the hot tub, and feel renewed.
How to book a stay at the Dylan Coastal Resort and how to get there – what you need to know
Driving to Dylan Coastal Resort is your easiest option, but if you don’t have a car, don’t panic.
We took the train from London to Carmarthen (with one change) and the staff at the resort were kind enough to pick us up in the car from there.
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