Escape to Amroth: Stunning Hollies Beach House w/Parking & EV Charger!
Escape to Amroth: Hollies Beach House - My Chaotic, Wonderful Welsh Getaway (and Why You Might Love It Too!)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the tea on my recent adventure to Hollies Beach House in Amroth, Wales. And let me tell you, it was… an experience. This isn't your polished, perfectly curated hotel review. This is raw, honest, and hopefully, hilarious. Because life, like the Welsh weather, is rarely predictable.
(SEO & Metadata Alert: Key phrases are sprinkled throughout! Escape to Amroth, Hollies Beach House, Amroth Beach, Wales, Wheelchair Accessible, EV Charger, Pet Friendly, Beachfront, Luxury Accommodation, Spa, Free Wi-Fi, Family Friendly, Accessible Accommodation)
First Impressions: The Beach, The House, and a Slightly Scaredy Cat
The website promised "stunning" and "luxurious" and, let's be honest, I was expecting some serious Insta-worthy vibes. And, well, it delivered. The house itself is gorgeous. Nestled right on Amroth Beach, you're practically tripping over pebbles to get to the sand. The views… chef's kiss. Seriously, the pool with a view? Glorious. I spent a good hour just gazing out at the waves, pretending I was a sophisticated sea captain (I am not).
(Accessibility) Now, I actually have a friend who uses a wheelchair, so I made a mental note of accessibility features. The website does a good job of highlighting them, but I'm happy to confirm: Wheelchair accessible is REAL! The access to the beach is surprisingly good, considering the terrain, and the house itself seemed to be thoughtfully designed. The elevator was a lifesaver for my luggage!
(Rambling Interlude: My Cat’s Opinion, or Lack Thereof)
Speaking of luggage, I briefly considered bringing my feline overlord, Mr. Fluffernutter (yes, I named him). But the "Pets allowed - unavailable" made that a hard no. And honestly, after the drive, I was relieved. Imagine trying to get a cat to appreciate the sauna or the pool with a view? Absolute chaos. He probably would have tried to eat a stray seagull and then throw up on the carpeting. A truly blessed escape.
Diving Deeper: Amenities, Amenities, Everywhere!
Okay, let's get down to brass tacks. The in-room amenities are impressive. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! (thank god, because I needed to Instagram the sunrise). Free bottled water (essential after the long drive). Air conditioning (crucial for a sleep-deprived tourist). Bathrobes, slippers, and a coffee/tea maker (for me, a must-have to get functioning). I particularly appreciated the blackout curtains – crucial for conquering jet lag.
(My Moment of Weakness: The Mini-Bar)
Now, the mini-bar… that's where things got a little dangerous. The chocolates were calling my name, the miniature bottles of something-or-other were also calling my name, and I almost single-handedly depleted their stock. Room service [24-hour]? Tempting. The wallet may have suffered.
(Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Culinary Journey with a Few Hiccups)
The restaurants are fantastic. A la carte in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant… you name it! I sampled the Western cuisine one night and it was divine. The Breakfast [buffet] was a feast, with options I didn't even know existed. The Asian breakfast looked tempting, but I was feeling traditionally British.
(The Hiccups)
Alright, admit I'm a worrier, so I was relieved at the Safe dining setup and Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, which was appreciated.
(The Perks: Relaxation and Rejuvenation)
Let's not forget the spa! Oh, the spa! I booked a massage – a deep tissue one after the arduous hiking. It was pure bliss. There's a sauna and steamroom, but be aware, they can be busy. I'm pretty sure I saw a queue forming for the foot bath, which probably means it's good. No body scrub or body wrap at this time
(The "Things To Do": What My Brain Did When I Wasn't Eating or Lounging)
Okay, so I didn't exactly make a dent in the Fitness center, but it is there. The beach is your playground, but be aware, some of the trails can be tough.
But let's be honest, with a pool with a view, a beach at your doorstep, and a bar that's practically beckoning, I mainly relaxed. The terrace was my personal sanctuary for morning coffees and evening chats.
(Cleanliness & Safety: Peace of Mind, Finally!)
I am a germaphobe at heart, so I was thrilled with the rigorous cleaning protocols. Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Rooms sanitized between stays… it felt like a fortress against the world. I even made use of the hand sanitizer stations. The physical distancing of at least 1 meter was a welcomed consideration.
(The Quirks and Imperfections: Where Reality Sets In)
Okay, so the coffee maker in my room shorted out on day two. Minor inconvenience, but it added a touch of authenticity. And the Internet access in the lobby was a bit patchy at times. But honestly? It didn't matter. I was there to escape, not to work.
And, on a more practical note: the EV charger! HUGE plus for the environmentally conscious me.
(For the Kids: Family Friendly to the Core)
The sheer volume of space means that this place is ideal if you have children. There were kids facilities, and I spotted children everywhere, playing happily, while my fellow vacationers were also content.
(The Verdict: Would I Go Back? Absolutely!)
Hollies Beach House is more than just a hotel; it's an experience. It’s a place where you can truly unwind, soak up the beauty of Wales, and maybe, just maybe, forget about the real world for a little while. The imperfections only add to its charm. It’s the kind of place you leave feeling refreshed, rejuvenated, and already plotting your return. And Mr. Fluffernutter, though he'd disagree, would probably enjoy it too.
Bangkok's Beyond Suite Hotel: Unbelievable Luxury Awaits!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because you're about to get a peek inside my brain… and my totally un-Pinterest-perfect trip to The Hollies in Amroth. This is NOT your sanitized travel blog post. This is real life, people. Prepare for the chaos.
The Hollies, Amroth: My Messy Itinerary (God help me)
Day 1: Arrival & Coastal Bliss (and a dose of "Oh, Crap, Did I Pack the Charger?")
- Morning (ish… let's be real, probably noon): Departure from… let's just say "wherever I was". The chaos begins before I've even left the driveway. Trying to shove way too much stuff into the car. I swear, I need a whole separate vehicle just for my "essential" beach reads. And the snacks. Oh, the snacks. Forgot my sunglasses, grumble, grumble. Realized halfway down that I might have left my phone charger at home. Panic sets in. Deep breaths. It's fine. Everything's fine. Probably…
- Afternoon: Arrived at The Hollies! Ooooh, the view! Seriously, the photos don't do it justice. The sea! The cliffs! The sheer, unadulterated breeze! (Almost blew my hat off.) Unpacked, and immediately tripped over the dog's lead, bless him. Finally made a cup of tea, the only thing that makes the chaos feel manageable. And… YES! The EV charger! Thank heavens. I always forget something.
- Late Afternoon/Early Evening: First stroll along the beach. Tried to look effortlessly cool while taking selfies… failed miserably. But hey, the sand is gorgeous. Spent a good ten minutes just staring at the waves. They're mesmerizing, you know? Then, the dog was absolutely OBSESSED with sniffing… everything. Everything! Found a quaint little pub called "The Smugglers" (how fitting!) for a spot of dinner. Fish and chips. The perfect welcome. The chips were soggy, but I was so busy watching the sun dip into the sea that I didn't even care. Bliss.
- Evening: Back at The Hollies, collapsed onto the sofa. Utterly exhausted but glowing from the ocean air. Watched some truly terrible TV. Fell asleep with a half-eaten biscuit on my chest. Classic.
Day 2: Adventures, Misadventures, and the Pursuit of the Perfect Scone
- Morning: Determined to be "productive" today. Planned a hike along the coastal path. This is where my meticulous planning (ahem) comes in.
- 8:00 AM: Wake up. Realized I'd slept through the alarm. Again.
- 8:30 AM: Coffee. Needed. Desperately.
- 9:00 AM: Actually attempted to get ready. Found that my hiking boots had mysteriously disappeared. Where did they go? Had to settle for my trainers.
- 9:30 AM: Finally, made it to the coastal path. The view! The wind! Felt alive for the first time. This is what I needed.
- 11:00 AM: Got sidetracked by a cute little cove and ended up building a pathetic sandcastle. The dog "helped," mainly by trying to eat the seaweed.
- Afternoon: Lunched at a cafe in Wiseman's Bridge. Sandwiches. Nothing fancy. But the view was exceptional. Soaked in the sun, and for a moment had no responsibilities or worries. Life is good.
- Late Afternoon: SCONES. My ultimate goal of this trip was to find the perfect scone. I searched, determined. They are the holy grail of the UK, in my mind.
- First stop: The cafe, the scones were good. Not great.
- Second stop: The shop that does cream teas. Better, but not quite right.
- Third stop: The tea room I had walked past with a sign, "homemade scones" I ordered one, took a big bite, and closed my eyes. It. was. perfect. Crispy outside, fluffy inside, served with clotted cream and jam. I may have cried a little. Pure, unadulterated joy.
- Evening: Back at The Hollies. Sat on the deck with a glass of wine, watching the sunset. Actually, that's not entirely true. Spent the evening swatting at a rogue mosquito that had managed to sneak inside. The battle of the mosquito became the highlight of my trip.
Day 3: Leaving (Sighs) and the Promise of a Return
- Morning: Ugh. Pack. The least favourite part of all holidays. Said goodbye to the view with a deep sigh. Promised myself I'd come back. Had a proper breakfast (a massive fry-up, because why not?)
- Afternoon: Driving home. Reflecting on the trip. Realized I never used the book I had brought. Oh well.
- Evening: Home. Laundry. Reality. But also, memories of the sea, the scones, and the wild, beautiful chaos of it all. And the aching desire to go back. Already planning my return.
Quirky Observations and Emotional Reactions:
- The seagulls in Amroth are the equivalent of sky pirates but with a lot less fashion sense.
- The sheer joy of being able to walk around in a pair of comfy jeans for 3 days straight.
- The absolute, unadulterated feeling of peace you get when you are near the ocean.
- I am pretty sure the dog loved the beach more than I did…it was a close call.
Imperfections:
- Didn't get around to the planned kayak trip. Blame the wind. And the lure of those scones.
- Didn't manage to take a decent picture of the sunset. Oh well, it's etched into my memory, which is arguably more important than a blurry photo.
Final Verdict:
The Hollies and Amroth: Utterly brilliant. Messy, imperfect, packed with laughter, and exactly what I needed. I'm going back. Soon. And this time, I will find a way to sneak in extra scones in my suitcase. See you on the beach, folks!
Escape to Paradise: Adults-Only Luxury at Blu Hotel Natura & Spa, Folgaria
Escape to Amroth: Stunning Hollies Beach House FAQ (Because Real Life Ain't Always Perfect!)
Okay, the *real* question: Is this place actually as good as it sounds in the description? (Because, let's be honest, holiday descriptions are often... optimistic.)
Alright, buckle up buttercup, because I'm about to get REAL. The photos? Yeah, they're pretty. But that sea breeze? The smell of salt and slightly-rotting seaweed (in a good way, I swear)? The way the light hits the water in the morning? Those are the things the pictures can't capture.
We went in early May, and honestly, it was magical. Picture this: waking up to the sound of waves, making coffee, and then carrying it onto the deck… and bam! Spectacular. And then there was the time my kid *(insert child's name here) * nearly lost his prized pirate sword to a rogue wave playing on the beach. We all had a minor heart attack! But overall, YES, it's pretty darned great. But also... see below...
Is the EV charger actually working? Because my car is my baby.
Look, the EV charger! This is a huge deal for me, because I absolutely NEED to charge my car. The website claimed it worked, and I'm here to tell you, it DOES. But… and there’s always a but, isn’t there? One morning, I was rushing to get to the beach and I forgot to unplug my car - and then I promptly tripped the fuse box. It took me a solid 20 minutes to find the switch (behind the fridge - go figure!). So, yes, it works. Just remember to be smarter than me! And maybe pack a torch.
Parking – is there *actually* space? Because trying to find parking at the beach is the ninth circle of hell.
YES! Thank God. Parking at the house is easy, a total lifesaver! (We drove a slightly-too-large SUV). Then there's the beach. There are spots on the beach itself (when the tide is out, of course – don’t be an idiot and leave your car on the sand at high tide), plus there are others nearby. But having that space right at your doorstep? Priceless. It's one less thing to stress about, and trust me, you'll need all the chill you can get when you're wrangling kids and beach gear.
What about the beach itself? Is it any good? (Because a rubbish beach totally undoes all the good work of the house!)
The beach? Oh, it's lovely! Amroth beach is awesome! It's a mix of sand and shingle, which means it's good for sandcastle building and stone-skimming. We spent HOURS there. Building sandcastles, collecting shells, and just generally being useless (in the best possible way). The water is cold, but refreshing (if you like that sort of thing; I'm more of a toes-in-the-sand kind of gal, myself). There's a pub right on the beach - which is basically a requirement for any decent beach holiday. (More on the pub in a bit because that's where the REAL magic happened…)
Is there a good pub nearby? Because, you know... research!
Oh, the pub! Yes! The Amroth Arms. Forget your fancy gastropubs or that, this is a proper, real pub. Picture this: Walking back from a long day at the beach, sand everywhere, sunburn creeping up your neck, and the need for a large, cold pint. The Amroth Arms is your salvation. The food’s decent, the atmosphere is exactly what you want: Friendly, relaxed, and filled with local chatter. I even made friends with a grumpy old dog who had a surprisingly deep philosophical outlook on life (probably thanks to the amount of fuss people made over him). We ended up eating there almost every night. And the view from the beer garden? Spectacular! I’m getting nostalgic again. I'm already planning the next trip.
What's the kitchen like? (Because I'm not going on holiday to exist solely on fish and chips.)
The kitchen is well-equipped. It's not some Michelin-star chef's dream, but it's got everything you need, as long as you remember to pack essentials: Sharp knives (because seriously, blunt knives are the bane of my existence), foil, and those little bits and pieces that are ALWAYS forgotten. We did cook a few meals in. And also, I was utterly hopeless at operating the oven at first, but eventually… I figured it out. The dishwasher is a lifesaver. Seriously. The view from the kitchen window is a bit distracting when you're trying to cook dinner. You’ll find yourself just staring at the sea, which is exactly what you SHOULD be doing, to be fair.
Is it kid-friendly? (Because a holiday with screaming kids is *not* a holiday.)
Yep, mostly. There are a few things to consider. The stairs are quite steep, so if you have a toddler who’s a bit of a daredevil, you'll need to be vigilant. Our biggest issue was making sure the kids didn't completely trash the place, which they inevitably (and successfully) tried to do. There's plenty of space for kids to run around, and the beach is a HUGE playground. The house has (it felt like) a million board games. But the best part? The sheer freedom of letting them run wild on the beach, knowing you could easily pop back to the house for snacks/toilet breaks/meltdowns. Just be aware of the potential hazards – rogue waves, pirate sword accidents. Otherwise, it’s great!
And the best thing to do on this holiday?
Right, the real answer. The absolute BEST thing? Waking up early and going for a walk on that beach. Just you, the dog (if you’ve got one), and the sound of the waves. The light is incredible. It's the stuff that makes you feel truly happy, even if you're also slightly sleep-deprived and covered in sand. One morning... wait for it... I found a perfect, PERFECT, sand dollar. I've still got it. Okay, now I'm getting all sentimental. But seriously, that peace and quiet? That's *magic*. Go, and experience for yourself.
