I’ll never forget the drive up to Deganwy last month – me behind the wheel, sat-nav chirping away, thinking we’d breeze in for a proper lazy getaway. But no, halfway through the twisty lanes near Conway, I took a wrong turn and ended up in a narrow spot with hedges brushing the wing mirrors. Classic me, always overconfident with directions. We laughed it off, doubled back, and soon enough, the sea views opened up, that calm North Wales breeze whispering promises of doing absolutely nothing.

Pulling up, I was buzzing with that arrival anticipation – you know, the bit where you imagine sinking into a chair with a cuppa, no agenda. First impressions? Spot on. It’s a welcoming first-floor apartment with a handy lift, right in the heart of Deganwy, this coastal gem with its breezy charm and views that switch you straight to holiday mode. Perfect for us two, a comfy base to flop without straying far from North Wales’ best bits. Inside, the open-plan living space is all light and airy, spacious yet cosy – the sort of place that makes you exhale and think, “Yeah, this’ll do nicely.” The kitchen’s sorted with all the essentials too; I rustled up bacon butties one morning without breaking a sweat.

But honestly, the joy was in doing bugger all. We’d wake late, pad around in slippers, and claim the garden as our kingdom. It’s a peaceful little spot, overlooking the estuary, with that fresh sea air carrying faint cries of gulls. I’d settle into a lounger with a dog-eared paperback – some trashy thriller I’d been saving – while she sketched or flicked through a magazine. No rush, no plans beyond maybe a gentle stroll along the promenade to the beach, just five minutes away, toes in the sand, watching dog-walkers and the odd kite surfer. Back for lunch – cheese on toast, naturally – then more reading, perhaps a nap if the sun hit right.

One afternoon, I caught myself staring out at the calm waters, book forgotten on my lap, and had a proper moment of self-reflection. Life back home’s all hustle – deadlines, emails, the works. Here? Time stretched out like toffee. I realised I’d been wound tighter than a grandfather clock, and this place was the perfect unwind button. We did venture out once, to the little marina nearby for fish and chips wrapped in paper, eaten on a bench with the breeze ruffling everything. But mostly, it was lazy cottage days: brewing tea strong as we like it, playing cards till dusk, listening to the waves hush the world.

By the end of the week, I felt rebooted – lighter, somehow. If you’re after slowing right down in a cracking spot like Deganwy, with Conway’s castle peeking in the distance but never demanding a visit, this is it. Pure bliss in doing sweet nothing.