I’ll never forget the drive up to Llanfairfechan – we’d set off from Manchester full of beans, dreaming of crashing waves and fish and chips, only for the sat-nav to chuck us into a massive tailback just past Colwyn Bay. Turned out some cheeky donkey had wandered onto the road near Penmaenmawr, and there we were, stuck for half an hour, me drumming my fingers on the wheel while the kids in the back moaned about needing the loo. But honestly, as we finally crested that hill and spotted the sea twinkling ahead, all that faff melted away. The anticipation built – would the place live up to the pics? Spoiler: it smashed it.

Pulling up to this immaculately-presented, two-storey penthouse apartment right on the front, my jaw dropped. Smack in the seaside town of Llanfairfechan, it’s got these stunning sea views that hit you like a tonic. Spacious, beautifully furnished, perfect for our little family crew – it felt like stepping into someone’s posh dream pad. Up top, there’s a bedroom with an en-suite and this raised bath at window-level; I had a soak there later, bubbles up to my chin, gazing out at the Irish Sea like a proper lady of leisure. Downstairs, a double with cracking sea views (our pick, naturally), a twin for the kids, and a high-spec shower room. Panoramic vistas from bedrooms and beyond – pure bliss.

We’d booked it for the joy of doing bugger all, and boy, did we nail that. No grand plans, just lazy cottage days stretching out like the horizon. Mornings kicked off with brekkie on the balcony – toast slathered in marmalade, coffee steaming, watching fishing boats bob about. The garden area down below was our secret weapon: a tidy little patch with benches and flowerbeds bursting with colour, shielded from the promenade bustle. I’d flop into a chair with a dog-eared paperback – some fluffy crime novel I’d been saving – while the kids pottered about, building pebble castles or chasing seagulls. “Mum, look at that massive gull!” they’d yell, and I’d wave them off with a grin, nose back in my book.

Afternoons blurred into siestas. One day, I wandered the five-minute stroll to the beach, dipped my toes in the chilly waves, then retreated for a nap on the sofa, sea breeze fluttering the curtains. Hubby joined in, feet up, scrolling holiday snaps on his phone. We’d amble to the local café for cream teas – scones still warm, jam dripping – but mostly, it was about slowing right down. No clocks, no rush. Evenings? Cosy dinners in, gazing at the sunset painting the bay pink and orange from that double bedroom window. The kids conked out early in the twin, knackered from fresh air and zero screens.

Looking back, that gentle self-reflection hit me on the last morning, bath-time views one final time. Life’s a whirlwind back home – deadlines, school runs – but here, in this perfect seaside nook, I remembered how good it feels to just be. No achievements needed, just the simple joy of a book, a garden bench, and the sea’s endless whisper. We left recharged, promising to return for more of the same. If you’re after proper downtime, in Llandudno-area chill without the Llandudno crowds (it’s just a hop away but worlds calmer), this is your spot. Pure magic.