Review of Bodysgallen Hall & Spa

Bodysgallen Hall & Spa is located in the very north-east corner of Wales. Close to the village of Llanrhos, the hotel is just 3 kilometres from Llandudno. 

The Hall – which sits on the face of Mount Pydew - has a perfect view of Conwy Castle that sits on the other bank of the River Conwy – a tributary that leads out to the Menai Strait and ultimately, the Irish Sea. From the Tower Roof of the hotel, you can enjoy amazing vistas encompassing Conwy Valley, Llandudno corniche, with the Great and Little Orme on either side.

It’s a 5-hour drive to the hotel from central London – mainly on the M1, M6 and M56 … when it takes you on a picturesque journey along the north coast of Wales from Chester via Colwyn Bay. The hotel has its own electric vehicle charging points. If you want the train to take the strain, there are regular trains from central London to Llandudno via Crewe. It takes 4 hours. The airports in Manchester and Liverpool are a 90-minute drive to the hotel. Bodysgallen can accommodate those Guests who fly in by helicopter.

While it is very tempting to spend your visit in the hotel, both Conwy and Llandudno are very much worth visiting. Conwy offers the magnificent castle and the town boasts delicious fish & chips restaurants. Llandudno is the largest seaside resort in Wales and has been crowned “the Queen of the Welsh Resorts”. It is most famous for the South Parade which is dominated by rows of imposing Victorian buildings and the 19th century Llandudno Pier which stretches into the Irish Sea.

Penderyn (Pen – head, deryn – bird in the Welsh language) is the most renowned whisky distiller in Wales. It has a distillery in Llandudno which features a shop and tasting area. Penderyn offers tours of the distillery. It also sponsors the country’s first whisky festival which is set to be held in Llandudno.

Bodysgallen offers 15 rooms & suites in the main House and 16 in gorgeous cottages dotted around the Estate.

In the House, there are four Principal Suites – Mostyn, Vaughan, Conwy, and Lady Augusta. The rest are classed as Main House Bedrooms.

There are ten Hall Cottages – Dove, Byre, Pineapple, Gingerbread, Mill, Bailiffs, New Cottage, Park, Garden and Mulberry – which can accommodate 1 – 4 guests. Mulberry is one of the cutest retreats you will find at any hotel in the UK. Near the Spa are four Superior Cottages – The Dairy, Box Cottage, Bank Prospect and The Smithy. There are also two Studio Spa Cottages – Engine Room and Castle View. These are ideal for Guests who are enjoying a spa holiday at Bodysgallen or are looking for the ultimate North Wales escape. Some of these – Byre, Park, Bailiffs, Mill, Dairy, and New can be booked as self-catering cottages. Byre sleeps four Guests and allows well-behaved children and dogs … as does Park, Bailiffs, and Mill.

All rooms & suites offer: Nespresso coffee machines and tea-making facilities – with additional local biscuits, trouser press, fresh fruit on arrival, Penhaligon’s toiletries – Quercus (a joyful burst of citrus and basil, supported by jasmine, cardamom, lily and amber- warmed through with moss and patchouli), satellite televisions, complimentary fast Wi-Fi and most importantly, breathtaking views of the Estate, the magnificent gardens, Eryri (Snowdonia) and Conwy Castle.

Each bedroom is tastefully designed and is practical. They are not contemporary in design – more twee, traditional country house design with floral print, antique furniture, brass standing lamps, thick carpets, and low ceilings. You have to remember that you are in a historic house that has been so carefully restored and refurbished to give you that delightful feeling that YOU are the Lord or Lady of the Manor.

Well-behaved dogs and children are welcome at Bodysgallen.

For a short visit to Bodysgallen, you need not leave the Estate as there are 200 acres to explore. Most of it is woodland and meadow but around the hotel itself are some of most beautiful, well-tended and feature-filled gardens in Britain.

For the past three decades, the Gardens have been overseen by Robert Owen who is backed up by a Team of green-fingered deities – both professional and volunteers! Robert offers guided tours of the Gardens – well worth an afternoon, keen gardener or not. The Gardens date back to the mid-18th century although the famous Parterre may have been installed several decades before.

In 1766, new terrace walls and walks were created and in 1904, William Goldring – landscape architect – was employed to make the Gardens more elaborate. In the 1930s, iron gates were installed. Since the Historic Hotels era of the 1980s onwards and indeed since the National Trust were gifted the Estate in 2008, the Gardens and land surrounding the Hall have been meticulously tended.

The highlights of the Gardens:

• The Parterre – “a parterre is a formal garden laid out on a level area and made up of enclosed beds, separated by gravel. Parterres often include box hedging surrounding colourful flower beds.” You cannot miss this amazing piece of horticultural architecture.
• The Lily Pond – near the Mulberry Cottage – in full “bloom” is spectacular
• The Rose Garden – ravishing in Spring and Summer. Pop round to see the cuttings and Kitchen Garden. Most of the vegetables served at Bodysgallen are home grown.
• The Obelisk – built in 1992 – 93 from limestone and sandstone from the Estate. 19.5 metres high and visible from Llandudno and Conwy Castle.
• Gothic Folly – a tower and arch built of pink sandstone. The place to cool off on a hot day.

Bodysgallen boasts one of the finest hotel spas in Wales. It is a short walk from the hotel – hidden in plain view. The Spa buildings were erected in 1996 and are surrounded by old farm buildings, many that have been converted to cottages – which are available to guests.

The Spa itself offers a sizeable heated indoor swimming pool, sauna, spa bath, fully stocked gym, Club Room, relaxation area and six treatment rooms. The most highly trained aestheticians in North Wales use products from Aromatherapy Associates, Mii Nails, CACI and Environ to make a good day better.The pool is available for hotel Guests all day but there are daily times for children between 8 and 16 years old -10 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. Gymnasium and walking aside, Bodysgallen does not offer any other sporting distractions except croquet on the hotel lawn. The Spa offers a café with delicious sandwiches and drinks (including beer & wine). The Spa at Bodysgallen really is a delightful place to unwind, rest & relax and revive oneself after a day of sightseeing. There are plans afoot to extend the Spa.

Wales has around 600 castles and some of the finest sit in North Wales – including the mighty Harlech, Bangor, and especially – Castell Conwy - Conwy Castle.Bodysgallen and Conwy Castle are inextricably linked. The fortress was constructed by Edward 1st between 1283 and 1287 following his conquest of Wales.The ”old” Tower at Bodysgallen was built around the same time. It sits on the opposite bank of the River Conwy and its purpose was to warn the Castle if hostile forces were on their way to attack the fortified town. Conwy Castle is a must visit when staying at Bodysgallen – both walking around it and inside too.

The town is small but filled with excellent restaurants – especially those serving fish & chips! It’s a 5-minute drive from the Hall to the Castle. While in Llandudno, take in a tour of the Penderyn Whisky Distillery – and maybe purchase a bottle or two of Wales’s finest whisky home with you.  

Bodysgallen sits close to Eryri National Park - Snowdonia. At over 2000 square kilometres, Eryri offers something for everyone. Here you can explore, walk, zipline, cave, swim, kart, ride, fish, mountain bike, climb or take in its splendour. Portmeirion is a unique conurbation designed in an “Italian Baroque” style – and constructed between 1925 and 1975. It’s colourful and crazy! A must on any visit to mid or North Wales. Journey time by car – 75 minutes.

Yr Wyddfa (Mount Snowdon). The highest point in Wales at 1,085 metres above sea level. Yes, you can “climb” it – but there’s an easier way of reaching the summit! Take the 19th century rack railway. It climbs 7.6 kilometres from Llanberis to the summit station. Open from March to October. Car time – around an hour.

Pen y Gogarth (The Great Orme). Also owned by the National Trust. Just 10 minutes from the Hotel, it’s a 140-acre ecosystem filled with butterflies, birds, and plants. 

Treffynnon (Holywell). The Lourdes of Wales. The 15th century chapel where the “holy well” is located is worth a 40-minute car drive.

Welsh Highland Railway – a must for any rail enthusiast and an excellent way to enjoy the splendour of Eryri. The UK’s longest heritage railway runs for 25 miles between Caernarfon (another stunning castle) to Porthmadog. 45-minute drive from the hotel to Caernarfon.

There are a couple of great golf course near Bodysgallen – the North Wales Golf Club and Maesdu Golf Club. The views are simply marvellous!

The Hotel can arrange all trips – just ask at Reception. 

It is unclear how Bodysgallen got its name – but it may mean “house among thistles” or the home of Cadwallon – a 6th century King of Gwynedd.

Bodysgallen sits on the south bank of the River Conwy – opposite the castle. Over its entire history, there has been one Family attached to Bodysgallen – Mostyn (the Wynn family was also part of the estate’s story between the 15th and 18th centuries). From the 15th century’s Richard Mostyn to Sir Roger Mostyn in the 16th century to Edward Mostyn in 1885 and finally Gregory Mostyn – who was born in 1984. This Family has had two lines which both stemmed from Edwin of Tegeingl – an 11th century Welsh Lord - who founded one of the Fifteen Tribes of Wales. The National Trust was gifted the Estate of Bodysgallen in 2008 – while the property itself is still managed by Heritage Hotels.

The Tower dates back to the late 13th/ early14th century. It was built as a look out for Conwy Castle, it features five floors and is made of pink sandstone – the same as that of the Castle. It is clear from the interior of the hotel that since the early 17th century the main building has been enlarged substantially and indeed carefully & lovingly refurbished – in a period fashion. Guests can enjoy the public rooms and marvel at the workmanship.

Things to look out for:

• The Porch – dates back to 1620 but was added to between 1890 and 1915.
• The main Hall – again 1620s with superb oak panelling. Note the Wynn and Mostyn coats above the open fireplace
• The staircase – gets narrower as it rises up to the Tower Roof. What a view!
• Dining Room – 19th century and grand!
• Library – neo-classical in design. Comfortable and a wonderful retreat.
• Drawing Room – above the main Hall. A stunning room. Needs exploration. Sadly, no secret passageways behind the panelling! Vibrant colours … a design classic.
• Also note the fabulous period furniture – much has been restored. The paintings and artwork on the walls are striking.

The Dining Room at Bodysgallen is widely respected as one of the finest restaurants in Wales. Under the toque of Chef Abdalla El Shershaby, it is going from strength to strength.

Chef Abdalla has a fascinating story. Arriving in the United Kingdom from Egypt (a small town outside Cairo that also boasts Mo Salah as one its residents) around 15 years ago, he had “cooking is his blood” but needed a mentor to take it from heart to plate. In stepped the previous Head Chef at Bodysgallen – John Williams – and a culinary star was born.

The Dining Room was formerly a drawing room and is late 19th century in design. It’s grand in every way – size, stature and look. The bay windows – which look out over the magnificent gardens – feature stained glass coats of arms from the Mostyn and Wynn families. The Dining Room is where breakfast, lunch and dinner are served.

Breakfast is a choice between a continental and/or cooked meal. Served until 10 a.m., Guests can feast on croissants, cereal or a “full Welsh”. Luncheon – only served on a Sunday – is a traditional meal. Vegetarian and vegans meals are on offer. Afternoon Tea. Now this can be served either in the main Hall in front of the open fireplace or in a more intimate setting – the Library or Drawing Room perhaps. In Summer, it can even be served outside on the Terrace. The Bodysgallen Welsh Afternoon Tea features a selection of finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones with clotted cream and strawberry jam, cakes and pastries and a choice of freshly brewed teas. A flute of Champagne or prosecco is an added and welcome treat. The Tea is extremely filling – there is just so much to enjoy. It is served between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. Monday to Saturday. The Caerphilly cheese with red onion chutney sandwich is divine. The advice is to order early if you have Dinner plans … or you will simply pop! 

Dinner is the main culinary event at Bodysgallen and indeed this part of Wales. The menu is changed every three months and Chef Abdalla espouses a “Kitchen Garden to Plate” policy. All the ingredients to his dishes either come from his Garden or indeed within Wales (the exceptions are some cheese and alcohols). You would be hard-pressed to taste fresher ingredients in any hotel restaurant. Chef does not hide his ingredients under unnecessary sauces – putting them at the fore so you can taste how good they are. The ingredients do the talking! Quite impressive. The Dining Room offers fine dining Wednesday to Sunday. Monday and Tuesday is a less formal affair but still fabulous quality. Dinner is served between 6.30 p.m. – 8.30 p.m.  On fine dining evenings, there are 3 courses. For a starter, expect a crab or scallop dish. A main could feature rabbit, lamb, or a pea risotto. The terrific desserts are plentiful with the Bodysgallen Burnt Cream and rhubarb trio the current favourites. The Monday & Tuesday menu is less elaborate – just three starters, mains, and desserts but equally as delicious. There is a Sommelier on hand to help pair your meals with the pleasing wine list – which offers some rather great vintages.

The kitchen is very accommodating and will go off-menu if requested. The Dining Room Team is international, staff hail from Wales, of course, and further afield including England, India, Egypt, and Bulgaria. 

The service is extremely formal. Guests above the age of 6 are welcome in the Dining Room.

Before or after your evening meal, you can relax in the Bar which is stocked with anything & everything, including a great selection of Welsh whiskies – courtesy of the “local distiller” – Penderyn.

As with all National Trust properties - gardens and indeed the Heritage Hotels, sustainability is at the fore.

The National Trust - that looks after the grounds and Gardens - itself boasts: 

• We're planting and establishing 20 million trees by 2030
• By 2030 we'll be carbon net-zero across our own emissions and those created by our supply chain, our tenanted land and buildings, and investments
• By 2025 we'll have created and restored 25,000 hectares of new wildlife habitats
• We'll create green corridors for people and nature near towns and cities
• We’ve now reached our target to generate 50 per cent of our own energy from renewable sources, against a 2008 baseline. This follows an ambitious scheme set up in 2013 to grow our own energy supply and reduce our use of fossil fuels. From mountain hydros in the fast-flowing streams of the Lake District and Eryri (Snowdonia) to biomass boilers and heat pumps that help preserve rare objects, we've installed 138 renewable energy projects in nine years. In total, they generate 24 million kilowatt hours of energy each year — enough to power more than 8,400 homes. The second phase of the programme will further reduce fossil fuels at 100 of the highest emitting buildings we look after and is part of our efforts to reach net zero by 2030.
• We stopped using fertiliser, sprays and ivermectin in 2017. This has led to a continual improvement in biodiversity and soil health, which we measure by earthworm activity and dung beetle populations – all good indicators of soil health.
  
  In Bodysgallen Hall & Spa:
   
• The hotel welcomes volunteers in the beautiful and exclusive historic gardens to assist with the work of continued restoration and maintenance (some of which are designated Sites of Special Scientific Interest).
• The Kitchen Garden provides just so many of the fresh items on the menu. You can taste the freshness!
• The rest of the ingredients are from Wales (except some wines, spirits and cheese)
• The rooms all have reusable glass water bottles
• They also feature energy-saving lightbulbs
• The hotel offers recharging points for EVs
• The logs used in the open fireplaces are all from the Estate