If you’re a lover of a good UK staycation, you have come to the right place. Enter the Oxwich Bay Hotel Secret Garden…
Magical by name and by nature, the Secret Garden will transport you far away from home, even though it’s located in little old Wales!
A family-managed establishment since 1959, the hotel prides itself on the little things that will make your time there that bit more special.
Set in some of the UK’s most outstanding nature, let me show you around Oxwich Bay Hotel‘s very own hidden glamping site. It’s time for some good ol’ R&R!
Faraway Lucy was welcomed as a guest of Visit Swansea Bay; however, as always, all opinions are my own.
Where is Oxwich Bay Hotel located?
Well, I suppose the name of the hotel kind of gives it away, eh? Located on the south of the Gower Peninsula, Oxwich Bay is a golden sandy beach that backs onto sand dunes.
Much-loved by tourists and locals alike, it boasts plenty of sand, sea and space for everyone, even on the hottest summer day.
The beach is particularly popular with paddlers and bathers. And you’ll find many high-speed boats, jet skis and windsurfers whizzing about the waters too!
The hotel stands on the busier, Western end of the beach.
If it’s peace and quiet you are looking for, visit the Oxwich Bay Hotel Secret Garden in the off-season, or try Nicholaston Burrows, the eastern end of the beach, for relative isolation.
About a forty-minute walk from the hotel, it makes for a lovely walk and a great way to work up an appetite.
What is the Oxwich Bay Hotel Secret Garden?
The Owxich Bay Hotel Secret Garden is a contemporary little glamping site located just a stone’s throw from the hotel itself.
Housed inside a hedged garden, you will discover six individual double rooms, each with its own private entrance and patio area.
The Secret Garden is best described as quiet, cosy accommodation that is big on charm and comfort.
Prices start at £99 a night for bed and breakfast so it doesn’t break the bank either.
However, if you don’t think staying in a pod sounds very up your street, you may be drawn more towards some of their other accommodation options.
From hotel and cottage rooms to static homes, there are plenty of accommodation choices to pick from.
But in case you can be persuaded, here are 7 reasons why you need to stay in the Oxwich Bay Hotel Secret Garden!
7 Reasons Why You Need to Stay in the Oxwich Bay Hotel Secret Garden
1. The pods boast beautiful interior decor
If interior decor is your thing, there is no doubt that you will love the Oxwich Bay Hotel Secret Garden.
Boasting a minimalist colour scheme of grey and teal, these pods prove that you don’t need to go the extra mile to look good. Simplicity is key, folks!
However, what these pods do best is that they marry tasteful decor with cosiness and home comforts.
From the thick and comfy pillows to a mattress you can just melt into, Oxwich Bay Hotel have certainly prioritised a good night’s sleep.
Believe me, a night in the Secret Garden will leave you feeling totally refreshed and rejuvenated.
2. You are right on the beach
A great base for local walks, one of the best things about the Oxwich Bay Hotel Secret Garden is that it is just a stone’s throw from the beach.
No, I’m not kidding! It’s literally a few yards from these glorious golden sands.
Whether you’re a fan of lounging on the beach or surfing the waves, there’s plenty to do nearby that doesn’t involve jumping in a car.
Boat trips, golf and pony trekking are all also available locally.
3. Get close to nature without all the fuss of camping
Put your hands up if camping isn’t your cup of tea!
Okay, I may not be joining you on this one. I love a bit of camping me. But don’t worry, I totally see where you’re coming from.
The bugs, the damp, the cold nights, the HOT oh-my-god-I-cannot-breathe mornings…
Not exactly most people’s idea of a holiday, is it?
Instead, glamping strikes the perfect balance between camping and staying in a luxury hotel. And the Oxwich Bay Hotel Secret Garden certainly errs on the side of luxury.
Flat-screen TV? Check! Tea and coffee-making facilities? Check! Central heating and hot running water? Check AND check!
4. The restaurant at Oxwich Bay Hotel is second-to-none
Described by my boyfriend, Chris, as “one of the top five meals I have ever had” (and I’d have to agree!), Oxwich Bay Hotel’s restaurant certainly didn’t disappoint.
Their award-winning restaurant provides a unique and memorable experience for residents and non-residents alike.
Stuffing ourselves silly with a delicious range of food from pork belly black pudding to Welsh rump of lamb, it’s safe to say our tastebuds were pretty happy.
5. The pods are super romantic and secluded
Hedges and walkways separate the rooms within the Secret Garden, making the pods feel ever so secluded and private.
Each pod is set in its own little private patio area so that even though you are physically close to other pods, you feel fully immersed in nature. This makes for the most romantic stay.
When the sun’s out (it’s Wales, don’t expect too much!), you can enjoy a few drinks on your private patio.
Sounds like a near-perfect evening to me!
6. The local area is nothing short of beautiful
From Rhossili Bay to Three Cliffs Bay, the Gower Peninsula is definitely not short of gorgeous scenery.
The Oxwich Bay Hotel Secret Garden acts as the perfect base from which to explore the glory of the Gower! Believe me, it’s practically impossible not to fall head over heels for this lovely little pocket of Wales.
7. You can stay there all-year-round
Unlike some glamping options, such as tipis and bell tents, you can stay in the Oxwich Bay Hotel Secret Garden all year round.
Boasting central heating and hot running water, there is no reason why you couldn’t stay here even in arctic temperatures!
In fact, I think the pods would make for an even better stay during the winter months.
Cosying up under the covers in the Secret Garden with a cheesy Christmas film on sounds like a little slice of heaven.
So have you been persuaded to stay in the Oxwich Bay Hotel Secret Garden? If you’re not already persuaded to stay here by these photos, I’m not sure what else I can do!
I can wholeheartedly recommend a stay in the Secret Garden if you are in the market for a cosy staycation filled with good food, fresh air and home comforts.
