Cheshire resident Liz Taylor, the high-end event planner and hospitality consultant, travels the best venues in the world in her role as CEO of the Manchester-based Taylor Lynn Corporation but a place much closer to home has just won her heart
Abersoch has been the holiday spot of choice for Cheshire’s discerning audience for many years. And it’s not hard to see why. It is perfectly positioned on the southeast corner of the Llŷn Peninsula, with sandy beaches reaching across Cardigan Bay. The village itself has an abundance of great shops, delis, stylish restaurants and café-bars, and it has that gentle buzz of a place that’s busy but laid-back.
There are not many situations that stop me in my tracks but walking out onto the deck of the luxury seafront lodge at The Warren and taking in the view across the bay for the first time, was captivating. My first reaction? It looks and feels like South Beach, Miami: the same crisp white sands, azure skies, crystal-clear waters and a warm coastal breeze blowing in. Taking in a deep breath of that fresh ocean air, you can’t help but relax. It felt a million miles away from the bustle of Manchester City Centre, even though we’d only driven for just over two and a half hours.
Enjoying a career in luxury event management means I have had the opportunity to stay in some truly extraordinary locations: Riad72 in Marrakech, The Oberoi in India, Nobu Ryokan in California, San Clemente Palace in Venice, The Lone Star in Barbados, to name a few. What they all have in common is attention to detail. That’s something the team behind The Warren has all sewn up.
I’m known for being a stickler for detail, so it’s not easy to impress me in this respect. This retreat on my doorstep gives the same precision and consistency as those luxury hotels with the bonus that it is an owners-only development, meaning it can be yours exclusively, so you always know who you’ll be sharing your leisure time with. A huge incentive for anyone who truly enjoys their privacy on holiday.
My lodge was part of the new Headland View development, which offers another level of luxury. Admittedly, I was trialling the accommodation on this stay rather than it being my own. However, the thought of having a beachside retreat to escape to with my family is hugely appealing. There is even the option to operate a business from here, with a fully equipped shared workspace. Many owners do it, taking advantage of long, balmy summers and the area’s unique microclimate. Something to consider.
Headland View consists of four bespoke, super-luxe three- and four-bedroom lodges, which stand on the headland. The views across the Llŷn Peninsula are a real selling point. Individually styled they come fully furnished and offer open-plan lounge, dining, and kitchen areas. There are some added wow elements too, such as the outdoor kitchens, showers and beautifully manicured grounds. Our lodge was impeccable and well thought out. But it is the large decks I find most appealing. Al fresco space to dine, entertain, or just enjoy the views.
I came with a friend who is a spa break devotee, and she was more than happy to sample the Spa at The Warren. She came out with glowing skin and even more glowing reviews. The staff were friendly and knowledgeable, there was a good range of Elemis treatments to choose from and Neom spa rituals.
For kids of all ages there is plenty on offer, including children's spa days, climbing walls, swimming pools, a skate park, craft rooms, gaming zones and much more. Not forgetting the beach and ocean just metres away.
At The Warren, you can take your pick of water sports. There’s plenty for adrenaline junkies and a boat launch too. If you have your own boat, it’s the perfect place to make a base.
We dined in the Sandbar restaurant. Gin-cured salmon and line-caught cod for me. Delightful. My friend devoured oysters followed by the five artisan Welsh cheeses. A table overlooking the sea was a bonus. The food is gourmet standard and there’s a bar menu as well if you’re in the mood for something more casual. You can even have it delivered to your lodge.
A short break that made a long impression. The Warren offers luxury and privacy, but it’s the location sets this retreat apart. The views, the beach, the atmosphere... A destination vacation just two hours from home. I’ll be back.
haulfrynholidays.co.uk
tlc-ltd.co.uk
