I’ll never forget the drive up to Conway – or rather, the near-disaster that kicked off our family holiday. We’d piled into the car from Manchester with the kids buzzing like overexcited puppies, snacks flying everywhere, and me navigating via a phone that decided to lose signal just as we hit the A55. Cue a daft wrong turn onto some narrow coastal lane, heart in mouth as we edged past oncoming caravans. “Dad, are we lost forever?” my youngest piped up from the back. A quick U-turn and a sheepish laugh later, we were back on track, the sea sparkling on our right like it was waving us in.

Pulling up to our second-floor luxury duplex apartment, I felt that proper holiday buzz – you know, the one where everything just clicks into place? Overlooking the stunning Colwyn Bay and Rhos-on-Sea waterfront, it’s this welcoming spot, newly built and kitted out with a stylish mix of cutting-edge modern vibes and eclectic vintage art deco touches. We hauled our bags up the stairs (note to self: pack lighter next time), and stepping into the large open-plan living space on the second floor, it was love at first sight. Balcony views straight out to the waves, perfect for a cuppa at dawn or sundowners later. Walking distance to the beach and local shops – what’s not to adore for a lazy family escape?

First morning, we wandered down to Rhos-on-Sea promenade, toes in the sand, building wonky castles while the kids chased gulls. Nothing beats that simple joy – waves lapping, ice creams dripping faster than you can lick ’em. Lunch was fish and chips from a greasy spoon nearby, wrapped in paper and eaten on the beach with sand in our hair and grins on our faces. Afternoon? A gentle stroll along the prom, popping into the prom arcade for a few rounds of 2p machines. My other half nailed the claw grabber on her third go, winning a tacky keyring that’s now dangling from the car mirror like a trophy.

Back at the apartment, it was all about that cottage-life chaos we crave on breaks like this. Kids sprawled on the plush sofas watching cartoons, me attempting (and failing spectacularly) to whip up a picnic tea from the well-stocked local shops – think Welsh rarebit gone slightly wonky, but devoured anyway amid fits of giggles. Evenings on the balcony, watching the sun dip behind the headland, a glass of something chilled in hand, while the littluns nodded off mid-story. It’s these unhurried moments that make you reflect – amid the joyful mess of family life, how often do we hit pause? Here, with the sea breeze whispering through, it felt like the world slowed right down.

One highlight was a family bike hire from the beachfront – wobbly at first, but soon we were pedalling along the coastal path towards Little Orme, stopping for pebble hunts and rockpool dips. No grand plans, just pottering. A rainy patch mid-week? No bother – we hunkered down with board games and hot chocolate, the duplex’s cosy setup making it feel like our own seaside den. By week’s end, I was gutted to pack up, but already plotting a return. Conway’s North Wales coast has that magic for relaxed family vibes – simple pleasures, a bit of lovely chaos, and memories that stick. Proper tonic for the soul.