I’ll never forget the drive over to Anglesey – we’d packed the car to the gills with snacks, wellies, and enough board games to survive a siege, only for the satnav to chuck us into a sudden detour down a narrow lane that had us white-knuckling it past oncoming tractors. Typical us, isn’t it? Me and Sarah, always turning a simple journey into a minor adventure. But as we crossed the bridge from the mainland, hearts lifting with that first glimpse of the island’s rugged coast, all was forgiven. The anticipation built as we wound our way to Brynsiencyn – proper excited, like kids on Christmas Eve.

Pulling up, we were gobsmacked. It’s this gorgeous holiday apartment taking up the whole first floor of what used to be the old Mermaid Inn, right by the historic ferry spot to Caernarfon. Won a Bronze BISHTA award in 2019 for its cracking hot tub in a holiday setting, apparently – and you could see why straight away. Spacious inside, with everything you need for a cosy getaway, and that massive roof terrace? Absolute dream for unwinding. First impressions? Spot on. We dumped the bags, cracked open a couple of cold ones, and just soaked it in, the Menai Strait twinkling below.

Our few days there were pure relaxed bliss, the sort of family couple break where you forget the world’s rush. Mornings kicked off with lazy brekkies on the terrace – bacon butties and strong tea, watching seals bob about in the water. We’d amble down to the pebbly beach at Tal y Foel, just a short stroll away, skimming stones and paddling in the shallows. One afternoon, Sarah dared me to dip in the hot tub fully clothed after I’d splashed her – cue chaos, laughter echoing off the walls as we dried off giggling like idiots. Cottage life, eh? Simple pleasures like that make it all.

We pottered over to nearby Newborough Forest for a gentle walk among the pines, the kids – sorry, our imaginary little ones in tow via daydreams – would’ve loved building dens there. Picnics by the dunes, spotting wild ponies, and that fresh sea air that clears the cobwebs. Evenings were for firing up the barbie on the terrace, grilling local sausages from the Brynsiencyn farm shop (their bacon is legendary), with a bottle of plonk and stars popping out overhead. No grand plans, just us, the waves lapping, and the odd sheep bleating in the distance.

Looking back, it was one of those trips that nudged me into gentle self-reflection. Life’s so frantic back home – work emails at midnight, school runs on repeat. Here, time slowed right down. We chatted properly, held hands without glancing at phones, rediscovered that easy rhythm we’d lost. A bit of chaos from the drive-in mix-up only made it funnier, more real. If you’re after a chilled-out Anglesey escape with space to breathe, stunning views, and hot tub heaven, this spot’s a gem. We’re already plotting a return – maybe without the satnav sabotage next time.