I finally made it to Porthcawl after what felt like the world's slowest drive down from Cardiff. I'd set off full of beans, playlist blaring, only to hit a proper tailback just past Bridgend – some cheeky diversion that had me crawling along like a snail on tranquilisers. Half an hour late, and my sat-nav was having a right old tantrum, but as I crested the hill into Rest Bay, the sea sparkling under that classic Welsh sun, all was forgiven. I was buzzing with that arrival anticipation, you know? Wondering if the place would live up to the pics.

Pulling up to this luxurious second-floor apartment in the award-winning ‘Links’ development, my first impressions were spot on – sleek, modern vibes with floor-to-ceiling windows framing the dunes and that endless ocean view. Perfect for a solo jaunt like mine, or couples and small families who fancy a bit of outdoorsy action without the hassle. But honestly? I wasn't here to conquer the world. Nah, this trip was all about doing sod all, and it delivered in spades.

First morning, I cracked open the balcony doors, brewed a massive cuppa, and just... sat. The garden area below was a lush little haven – imagine soft grass, those wild dune flowers nodding in the breeze, and not a soul in sight. I plonked myself in one of the loungers with a dog-eared paperback I'd been meaning to read for months. No agenda, no alarms. The waves crashing faintly in the distance were my soundtrack, and every so often, I'd spot a surfer out on Rest Bay, looking like ants from up high. Tempting, but nah – too much effort. Instead, I let the hours slip the day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day 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