I’ll never forget the drive over to Anglesey that Friday afternoon – sat-nav insisting we take the scenic route via the Britannia Bridge, only for us to hit a cheeky traffic jam just shy of Llanfair­pwllgwyngyll. Typical me, I’d packed too many snacks and ended up spilling crisps all over the passenger footwell while swearing at the dashboard. By the time we rolled up, we were knackered but buzzing with that holiday anticipation, you know? The sort where you imagine cracking open a cold one and just... forgetting the world.

Pulling into the off-road parking at this first-floor apartment in Marian-glas, near Benllech, my heart did a little flip. It’s one of those welcoming spots tucked into the island’s stunning scenery – modern and bright, with a lift that whisked us up effortlessly (thank goodness, after lugging cases). Stepping inside, we were hit with great first impressions: a spacious open-plan living area that felt like a hug. The kitchen was kitted out for lazy brekkies, the dining table begged for card games, and the sitting area opened straight onto a balcony with views that made you go, “Blimey.” Three comfy bedrooms – two kings with en-suites and a twin sharing the bathroom – meant everyone had their space. And that EV charger? Spot on for our electric motor.

But honestly, the joy of the whole trip was doing sod all. After that faffed journey, we were all about slowing right down. Mornings started late, faffing about in the kitchen over bacon butties and endless cups of tea, peering out at the surrounding greenery. The balcony became our throne – I’d plonk myself there with a book (trying to finish that Robert Harris I’d lugged along for months), while the others sprawled on loungers, watching clouds drift over the fields towards Benllech Bay. No packed itineraries, no rushing to tick off sights. Just the hum of bees and the odd seagull squawk.

Afternoons blurred into garden lounging – well, the shared outdoor bit felt like our private paradise, with space to stretch out on blankets and nap. I’d flick through a magazine, half-reading, half-dozing, feeling that rare luxury of time stretching out. One day, we wandered the five minutes to Benllech beach, but only for a paddle and ice creams from the van – paddling in that bracing Irish Sea, laughing as waves snuck up our shorts. Back at the flat, it was cheese boards and board games till the sun dipped low, painting the horizon pink. No big hikes, no pubs till closing – just pure, unhurried bliss.

Looking back, it was a gentle nudge to myself: I’m always chasing the next thing, aren’t I? Work emails creeping in, to-do lists breeding like rabbits. But here, in this cosy Anglesey retreat, doing very little felt like the point. We left feeling recharged, not knackered – proof that sometimes, the best holiday is the one where you barely leave the balcony. If you’re after a slice of North Wales slowdown, this is your spot.